How to enable or disable Airplane mode on Windows 10

On Windows 10, you can manage Airplane mode in multiple ways, and in this guide, I'll outline the steps to complete this configuration. Airplane mode is a feature that allows you to quickly disable wireless devices (such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Near Field Communication (NFC), Global Positioning System (GPS), and cellular) with a single option. Usually, this feature comes in handy when you aboard a plane, or you're at a location that prohibits the use of radio signals.

The feature can also help save battery life since the wireless devices won't have to use additional power to scan, connect, and transmit signals to nearby networks or cellular towers.

Regardless of whether you are in a place that doesn't allow wireless signals or want to save batter, Windows 10 includes several ways to enable or disable Airplane mode using a dedicated key on the keyboard, options available on the desktop, Settings app, Lock screen, or even using Command Prompt.

In this how-to guide, I will walk you through the steps to manage Airplane mode on a laptop.

How to enable Airplane mode on Windows 10

On Windows 10, you can enable airplane mode in at least six ways, including Action Center, network flyout, Settings app, Lock screen, and Command Prompt.

Function key

Some portable computers include a dedicated hardware key to turn Airplane mode on or off. If so, press the "Function key + Airplane key" to turn on the feature.

Action Center side panel

To enable Airplane mode through Action Center on Windows 10, use these steps:

1. Click the Action Center button.

• Quick note: The Action Center button is located on the bottom-right side of the screen. Alternatively, you can use the "Windows key + A" keyboard shortcut.

1. Click the Expand option (if applicable).
2. Click the Airplane mode button to turn on the feature.

Network side panel

To turn on the feature from the network side pane on Windows 10, use these steps:

1. Click the Network button in the notification area.
2. Click the Airplane mode button to turn it on.

Settings app

To disable wireless communications through the Settings app, use these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on Network & Internet.
3. Click on Airplane mode.
4. Turn on the Airplane mode toggle switch.

5. (Optional) Under the "Wireless devices" section, you can enable devices like Wi-Fi and Bluetooth separately.

Lock screen

To disable Wi-Fi, cellular, and Bluetooth connections from the Lock screen, use these steps:

1. Start the computer.
2. Click the network icon in the bottom-right corner of the Lock screen.
3. Turn on the Airplane mode toggle switch.

Command Prompt

Although there is no command-line tool to manage the Airplane mode states, you can still use Command Prompt to enable the feature by using a command to modify the Registry.

Warning: This is a friendly reminder that editing the Registry is risky and can cause irreversible damage to your installation if you don't do it correctly. It's recommended to make a full backup of your PC before proceeding.

To enable Airplane mode with Command Prompt, 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

4. Restart the computer.

Once you proceed with one of the methods outlined above, the Airplane mode feature will be enabled on Windows 10, turning off all wireless communications.

How to disable Airplane mode on Windows 10

You can turn off Airplane mode to enable all the wireless communications using the approach to turn on the feature.

Function key

If your device has a dedicated key, press the "Function key + Airplane key" to turn off the feature.

Action Center

To disable Airplane mode on Windows 10, use these steps:

1. Click the Action Center button.
2. Click the Expand option (if applicable).
3. Click the Airplane mode button to turn off the feature.

Network side panel

To enable all wireless communications, use these steps:

1. Click the Network button (with the airplane icon) in the notification area.
2. Click the Airplane mode button turn it off.

Settings app

To disable Airplane mode to connect to the internet and use Bluetooth devices, follow these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on Network & Internet.
3. Click on Airplane mode.
4. Turn off the Airplane mode toggle switch.

Lock screen

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

1. Start the device.
2. Do not sign in.
3. Click the network icon in the bottom-right corner of the Lock screen.
4. Turn off the Airplane mode toggle switch.

Command Prompt

To re-enable Wi-Fi, cellular, and Bluetooth through Command Prompt, 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 and press Enter: reg add HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\RadioManagement\SystemRadioState /ve /t REG_DWORD /d 0 /f

4. Restart the computer.

After you complete the steps, Airplane mode will be disabled, and all wireless devices will be enabled again on Windows 10.

How to fix Airplane mode problems on Windows 10

Although Airplane mode usually works as expected, you may sometimes encounter problems. For example, you may be unable to turn it on or off, or the feature may appear grayed out.

If you cannot get the feature to work, try these troubleshooting steps:

• Restart the computer and try to enable and disable the feature as outlined in the above steps.
• Shut down the device, unplug the peripherals and power cord, and wait for a minute. Then reconnect the power, start the device, and try enabling or disabling the feature. If Airplane mode works again, then continue reconnecting the remaining peripherals.
• If the Airplane mode option is grayed out, use the Command Prompt instructions outlined above to enable or disable the feature.
• Alternatively, you can also try resetting the network settings or updating the network adapter driver to get Airplane mode working again.

More resources

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

• Windows 11 on Windows Central — All you need to know
• Windows 10 on Windows Central — All you need to know