How to connect computer to wireless network

You can connect your PC or laptop to the internet through a Wi-Fi connection if you have a wireless router connected to broadband internet and an operating system that fully supports wireless networking, such as Windows 8, 10 or 11.

If your wireless router was professionally installed by an internet service provider, chances are it's already been set up with an SSID and password encryption. In such a case, you can most likely skip straight to the final step. If you're installing it yourself, you can proceed with the guide as normal. Here's what to do:

1. Power up the wireless router and use an ethernet cable to connect to one of the network ports on your internet service provider's modem.
2. Open the network setup wizard in Windows. (Your router's manufacturer may have their own software or web client to assist the setup process. Consult your owner's manual for more details.) Depending on the version of your OS, this process varies:

• In Windows 7 or Windows 8.1, select Start, start typing Network and Sharing Center, and then choose it in the list.
• In Windows 10, select Start, then select Settings/Network & Internet/Status/Network and Sharing Center.
• In Windows 11, select Start, type Control Panel, then select Control Panel/Network and Internet/ Network and Sharing Center.

Once the wizard is accessed:

1. Select: Set up a new connection or network/Set up a network/Next.
2. Enter your username and password when prompted. Many routers use the term admin as a default for both. Again, check your router's manual if you don't know the default username and password.
3. Pick a name, also called an SSID, for your network, once you access your router's configuration page. Try to think of an original name that will distinguish your Wi-Fi from your neighbor's Wi-Fi.
4. Choose the type of security you want. WPA2 and WPA3 are more secure than WEP, but not all devices support WPA3. Create a unique password for your network. There will be hints on your router configuration page to tell you how to set up a password. Make sure to keep a hard copy of your password hidden somewhere in case you forget it.
5. Locate and click on the internet icon for Windows 8, 10 or 11 in the notification area to the right of the taskbar. The icon will resemble a signal meter, like you would see on a cell phone. Choose the wireless network you just set up and enter your password.

Originally Published: Jul 13, 2011

Laptop WiFi FAQ

Can I buy internet for my laptop?

The easiest way to get an internet connection for a laptop is to set up a home internet service, though which you can use a 3G or 4G connection to get online via Wi-Fi.

Why is my laptop is not connecting to WiFi?

There are many reasons why your laptop may not be connecting. The most common explanation is that the laptop’s network adapter is disabled. For Windows users, this can be changed by checking your network adapter by visiting the Control Panel.

Can I get mobile internet on my laptop?

Data tethering is a tool that allows a mobile device to share its internet or data connection with a laptop. All you have to do is connect your phone to your laptop - either with a USB cable or using Apple’s Personal Hotspot - and then toggle on tethering in the phone’s settings menu.

Which VPN is best for a laptop?

There are a wide range of VPNs available, most of which offer a free trial for users to try out before paying for a full license. The most popular options right now include ExpressVPN, Hotspot Shield and NordVPN.

Are laptop WiFi cards universal?

Laptop Wi-Fi cards are universal as long as you have the proper connection on the board to fit the card. If your laptop isn’t compatible with a new card, you can try using a bracket adapter.

Troubleshooting a connection on Windows

Using a computer without an internet connection is virtually impossible now, especially with our dependence on cloud computing. Follow these steps if you're having issues connecting your PC to your wireless network and get back online.

Instructions in this article apply to Windows 10 and Windows 11.

Adding a New Wireless Network

To create a connection to a wireless home network or public Wi-Fi, first, you must configure a Wi-Fi connection. To do this, do the following steps:

1. Select Start then Settings (gear icon).

2. Within Windows Settings, select Network & Internet.

3. Select Status on the left panel to see what your current connectivity status is.

   In Windows 11, select Network & Internet, then turn on Wi-Fi.

4. Select Show available networks.

5. If available, a list of available Wi-Fi connections will appear. Select the desired connection > Connect.

6. If prompted, enter the network security key and select Next.

7. Connection should complete. To remember the connection, select Connect automatically.

If you are in a public place (some airports, municipal buildings, hospitals) that has Wi-Fi service, the network you connect to may be "open" (meaning no security). These networks are open, without passwords, so that people can easily log in and connect to the Internet. You should not have to worry that this network is open if you have an active Firewall and security software on your computer.

Repairing a Wi-Fi Connection Via Settings

You may have already set up a Wi-Fi connection, but it's simply not connecting. There are a couple of ways to run Windows Network Troubleshooter. Below is how to get started through Settings. These instructions and screenshots cover Windows 10. We'll also explain how to run the Windows Troubleshooter in Windows 11.

1. Select Start > Settings (gear icon).

2. Within Windows Settings, select Network & Internet.

3. In the left pane, select Status to see what your current connectivity status is.

4. Select Show available networks.

5. If you see available networks and adding them has failed, select Troubleshoot.

6. Windows will scan for possible issues, if any are found a new dialog box will open giving you a possible fix. Select Apply this fix to apply possible solution.

7. Windows Troubleshooter will apply solution and verify issue has been fixed.

8. If Windows Network Diagnostics couldn't fix the issue it will offer another possible solution. Select Apply this fix to attempt repair.

9. If the Troubleshooter is unable to fix the issue, you'll be given a list of possible issues and their statuses. You may have to look at other possible troubleshooting steps when you don't have a wireless connection.

10. If successful, you'll see Fixed next to the solution. Select Close to complete.

To access the Network Troubleshooter in Windows 11, go to Start > Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other Troubleshooters. Under Other, select Network Adapter > Run. Follow the troubleshooter's prompts to fix your network connection issues.

Repairing a Wi-Fi Connection via Network and Sharing Center

To troubleshoot your Wi-Fi connection via the Network and Sharing Center, do the following.

1. In the Searchbar, enter Control Panel, then select Open.

2. In the Control Panel, select Network and Internet.

3. Under Network and Sharing Center, select View network status and tasks.

4. Under Change your networking settings, select Troubleshoot problems.

5. Under Get up and running, select Internet Connections.

   In Windows 11, select Additional troubleshooters > ​Internet Connections.

6. Select Run the troubleshooter.

7. Select Troubleshoot my connection to the Internet.

8. After scanning for possible issues and fixes, Windows Network Diagnostics may provide a fix. Select Apply the fix to complete repair.

9. If the Troubleshooter is unable to fix the issue, you'll be given a list of possible issues and their statuses.

View Your Network Connection

The Network and Sharing Center should now show your computer connected to the selected network. It also shows a lot of information about Sharing and Discovery settings.

The status window provides a wealth of information about your network connection. To see this information, click the View Status link, next to the network name in the center of the screen.

1. In the Searchbar, enter Control Panel, then select Open.

2. In the Control Panel, go to Network and Internet and select View network status and tasks.

3. Under View your active networks, select your active connection.

4. In Wi-Fi Status, you can see connectiondetails, wireless properties, and even diagnoseyour connection. Once you're finished, select Close.

Viewing Network Connection Settings via Network & Internet Settings

Here's how to view your connected Wi-Fi properties through Network & Internet settings:

1. In the taskbar, select the Wi-Fi icon.

2. Under the name of your Wi-Fi connection, select Properties.

3. From here, you can see what type of network it is (Public or Private), configure firewall and security settings, and view additional properties of your network connection (speed, protocol, IP address, etc.).

FAQ

• How do I connect a printer to a wireless network in Windows 11?

  To add a printer to Windows 11, navigate to Settings and select Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners > Add device. Select Add device to install the printer automatically. Choose Add manually for manual installation options.

• Why isn't my Wi-Fi network showing up?

  Your device might be out of the router's range, or there could be interference from physical objects or other signals. To fix a Wi-Fi network that isn't showing up, troubleshoot your Wi-Fi connection, restart your modem and router, and move any object that may be causing interference.

• Why is my Wi-Fi slow?

  You may be running background programs that are using bandwidth, your equipment may be faulty, or you may be experiencing signal interference. To troubleshoot a slow internet connection, exit background programs, move your device closer to the router, verify your router settings are correct, and scan for malware.

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