How to Use Airplane Mode in Windows 11?

Airplane mode is popular on mobile devices as you will be instructed to disable all wireless network connections when traveling in airplanes. You may also need to use this feature when working in certain places like in aircraft testing field. However, most users do not know that Windows laptops also come with the airplane mode feature that works similar to mobiles. In this article, let us explore how to use airplane mode in Windows 11 laptops.

What is Airplane Mode?

Airplane mode is a built-in Windows feature that allows you to disable all wireless connections on your device. The connections include Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Cellular, Telephony, GPS and any other wireless devices. During flights, it helps to disable radio frequency signal from devices that could potentially interfere with airplane’s signals.

In addition to usage in flights, there are two more reasons you should enable airplane mode in Windows 11 laptops.

• To save battery life when the power is running out.
• Avoid distractions from all push notifications by disabling the internet.

Using Airplane Mode in Windows 11

There are few ways to enable or disable airplane mode in Windows 11 laptops.

1. Enable Airplane Mode from Quick Settings

Unlike Windows 10, Windows 11 has a grouped icons in taskbar system’s tray from where you can toggle airplane mode.

• Simply click on the Wi-Fi/Speaker/Battery group icons and you will see the Quick Settings menu opens. This was earlier called Action Center in Windows 10 and now Quick Settings menu.

• Click on the “Airplane mode” button and you will see the airplane icon in the system tray instead of Wi-Fi icon. Also, the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth will be disabled instantly.

• For disabling airplane mode, click the airplane icon on taskbar system tray and then click “Airplane mode” button.

Sometimes you may only want to disable Wi-Fi to work without internet distractions but still want to use Bluetooth. In this case, simply click on the Bluetooth icon in Quick Access setting after enabling airplane mode. Similarly, you can enable Wi-Fi or both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth when airplane mode is enabled. Windows will remember your selections and will use the same settings when you enable airplane mode next time onwards.

Note: You can also open the Quick Settings menu using “Windows + A” shortcut keys. This was the old keyboard shortcut for opening Action Center in Windows 10 which still works in Windows 11.

2. Use Settings App to Enable Airplane Mode

This method works like above method, but you can see the options in Settings app instead of taskbar. The advantage with this method comes when you have lot of wireless devices connected to your laptop like mouse and keyboard. To avoid those devices also disconnected when you enable airplane mode, you can enable them in the Settings app.

• Right-click on the Wi-Fi icon in taskbar system tray and select “Network and Internet settings” option. Alternatively, press “Windows + I” keys to open Settings app and navigate to “Network & internet” section.

• Scroll down on the right side and turn on “Airplane mode” button. You will see the wireless connection is disabled instantly.

• If you want to choose what devices to disable, click on the “Airplane mode” option. On the next page, you will see the list of devices like Wi-Fi and Bluetooth under “Wireless devices” heading. You should find your wireless mouse, keyboard and headphone are listed here. Turn the items on or off as per your need and Windows will remember your choice whenever you enable airplane mode.

Not Seeing Airplane Mode Icon in Taskbar

Airplane mode is only applicable when your computer is connected to a wireless network. So, you will not see airplane mode option in the action center when using a desktop connected to Ethernet cable. In this case, you will also not find airplane mode option in Windows Settings app.