Control wireless communications with Airplane mode on Windows 11

The Airplane mode feature on Windows 11 gives you a way to disable one or all wireless devices — Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Global Positioning System (GPS), Near Field Communication (NFC), and cellular — quickly with one button when required, such as when you are boarding a plane or in a place that limits the use of wireless signals.

In addition, you can also use Airplane mode to conserve battery since while the feature is enabled, the device won’t be using power to transmit data.

Whatever the situation might be, Windows 11 offers at least five ways to enable or disable Airplane mode using the keyboard’s dedicated function key, Quick Settings, Settings app, Lock screen, and Command Prompt.

In this Windows 11 guide, we will walk you through the steps to control the Airplane feature on a laptop or desktop.

How to enable Airplane mode on Windows 11

Windows 11 supports multiple ways to turn on Airplane mode on your device, including using a dedicated function key, Quick Settings flyout, networking settings, through the Lock screen, and with commands.

Function key method

Laptops usually include a dedicated physical key to enable or disable Airplane mode. If this is the case, press the Function key + Airplane keyboard shortcut (or dedicated key) to turn on the feature.

Quick Settings method

To configure Airplane mode using Quick Settings, use these steps:

1. Click the network and volume button in the system tray.

   Quick tip: You can also open Quick Settings with the Windows key + A keyboard shortcut.

2. Click the Airplane mode button to enable the feature.

   

   Source: Windows Central
   Quick tip: If the option isn’t available, click the Edit (pen) button, and add the button to the list.

Settings method

To enable Airplane mode from the networking settings page, use these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on Network & internet.
3. Turn on the Airplane mode toggle switch to enable the feature.

   

   Source: Windows Central

4. (Optional) Turn on the Airplane mode toggle switch to enable the feature.
5. Click the Airplane mode page from the right side.
6. Turn on the Wi-Fi or Bluetooth toggle switch to enable Airplane mode for the features individually.

   

   Source: Windows Central

Command line method

Windows 11 doesn’t include a tool to change the state of the Airplane mode, but you can use a command to modify the Registry to enable the feature.

Warning: This is a friendly reminder that editing the Registry is risky, and it can cause irreversible damage to your installation if you don’t do it correctly. Before proceeding, it’s recommended to create a temporary full backup of your PC.

To enable Airplane mode with commands, use these steps:

1. Open Start.
2. Search for Command Prompt, right-click the top result, and select the Run as administrator option.
3. Type the following command to enable Airplane mode and press Enter:

   reg add HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\RadioManagement\SystemRadioState /ve /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /f

   

   Source: Windows Central

4. Restart your computer.

Lock screen method

To turn on Airplane mode from the Lock screen, use these steps:

1. Start the device.
2. Stay in the Lock screen sign-in page.
3. Click the network icon in the bottom-right corner of the Lock screen.
4. Turn on the Airplane mode toggle switch.

   

   Source: Windows Central

Once you complete these steps, Airplane mode will enable on Windows 11, disabling all wireless communications.

How to disable Airplane mode on Windows 11

It’s also possible to disable all the wireless communications on your computer using the same methods.

Function key method

Use the Function key + Airplane keyboard shortcut or the dedicated key to turn off the feature.

Quick Settings method

To configure Airplane mode using Quick Settings, use these steps:

1. Click the airplane and volume button in the system tray.
2. Click the Airplane mode button to disable the feature.

   

   Source: Windows Central

Settings method

To disable Airplane mode from the Network & internet page, use these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on Network & internet.
3. Turn off the Airplane mode toggle switch to enable the feature.

   

   Source: Windows Central

4. (Optional) Turn off the Airplane mode toggle switch to disable the feature.
5. Click the Airplane mode page from the right side.
6. Turn off the Wi-Fi or Bluetooth toggle switch to disable Airplane mode for the features individually.

   

   Source: Windows Central

Lock screen method

To turn off Airplane mode from the Lock screen, use these steps:

1. Start the device.
2. Stay in the Lock screen sign-in page.
3. Click the airplane icon in the bottom-right corner of the Lock screen.
4. Turn off the Airplane mode toggle switch.

   

   Source: Windows Central

Command line method

To enable Airplane mode with commands, use these steps:

1. Open Start.
2. Search for Command Prompt, right-click the top result, and select the Run as administrator option.
3. Type the following command to disable Airplane mode on Windows 11 and press Enter:

   reg add HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\RadioManagement\SystemRadioState /ve /t REG_DWORD /d 0 /f

   

   Source: Windows Central

4. Restart your computer.

After you complete these steps, the wireless adapters will connect to the network and start transmitting data.

More Windows resources

For more helpful articles, coverage, and answers to common questions about Windows 10 and Windows 11, visit the following resources: