In Windows XP you can open the properties of a network connection with 2 clicks. In Windows Vista it takes 5 clicks to open the properties of a network connection.

I’m going to show you how to create a few types of shortcuts that’ll make opening the properties and managing a network connection much easier and faster. This can make alternating network properties of a connection from work and home much less painful, although [1] setting up two sets of IP settings on one network connection wouldn’t hurt either.

Simple Network Connection Shortcut

This section shows you how to create a simple shortcut to a network connection’s properties. You can place the shortcut on your desktop or quick launch toolbar and when you open it the network connections properties opens up.

1. Open the Network and Sharing Center by clicking the network icon next to the clock one time and then click Network and Sharing Center in the pop up window.
2. Click Manage Network Connections on the left side of the Network and Sharing Center window.

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3. Right-click the network connection you want to create a shortcut for and then select Create shortcut.
4. Windows Vista will give an error saying it can’t create a shortcut there but it asks if you want to create a shortcut on the desktop instead. Click Yes.

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5. A shortcut to the network connection is now on your desktop. If you open it the properties for that network connection will open.

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Advanced Network Connection Shortcut

If you need more control of a network connection this section shows you how to add a shortcut to a network connection in the start menu that can be managed, disabled, enabled, or repaired by simply right-clicking it.

1. Open the Network and Sharing Center by clicking the network icon next to the clock one time and then click Network and Sharing Center in the pop up window.
2. Click Manage Network Connections on the left side of the Network and Sharing Center window.

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3. Drag the network connection and drop it on the Start orb.

The network connection is now at the top left of the Start menu. You can go to the network connection’s properties by simply clicking it or you can enable, disable, bridge, or diagnose the connection by right-clicking it.