Applies to these editions of Windows 7

Home Premium

Professional

Ultimate

Enterprise

Create a network bridge

A network bridge is software or hardware that connects two or more networks so that they can communicate. You can create only one network bridge on a computer, but one bridge can handle any number of network connections.

  1. Open Network Connections by clicking the Start button Picture of the Start button, and then clicking Control Panel. In the search box, type adapter, and then, under Network and Sharing Center, click View network connections.

  2. Hold down the Ctrl key and select each network connection that you want to add to the bridge.

  3. Right-click one of the selected network connections, and then click Bridge Connections. Administrator permission required If you're prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.

Warning

Warning

  • You shouldn't create a bridge between an Internet connection and a network connection because it creates an unprotected link between your network and the Internet, which makes your network accessible to anyone on the Internet.