How to Connect to Wi-Fi on Windows 10: Guide + Fixes

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Easily connect your computer to a wireless network

Written by Nicole Levine, MFA

Last Updated: November 12, 2025 Fact Checked

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• Connect to Wi-Fi (Quick)
|
• Connect to Wi-Fi (Manual)
|
• Connect to Hidden Wi-Fi
|
• Troubleshooting
|
• Video
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• Q&A

|Show more |Show less

Connecting to Wi-Fi on Windows 10 might seem hard, but it's pretty simple once you know where to look. To connect quickly, just click the network icon on the taskbar, select a network, and enter your password. If you're connecting to a work or school network that requires specific Wi-Fi settings, you can set up a manual connection. Read on to learn how to connect your Windows 10 PC to Wi-Fi on Windows, including how to connect to a hidden network. We'll also show you what to do if you can't connect to Wi-Fi.

Connecting a Windows PC to WiFi: Quick Overview

1. Click the network icon (globe) in the system tray.
2. If the Wi-Fi is off, click the tile to turn it on.
3. Select the network you want to connect to.
4. Enter the password (if needed) and click Connect.

Steps

Section 1 of 4:

Connecting to Wi-Fi (Quick)

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1. 
   1
   Click the network icon on the taskbar. If you're not connected to a network, the icon will look like a globe

   

   with a line through it. If you're currently connected to a Wi-Fi network, it'll look like a fan

   

   .

   • If you don't see the network icon, click the up-arrow next to the clock on the taskbar to display more icons.
   • If the icon still isn't visible, go to Settings > Personalization > Taskbar > Select which icons appear on the taskbar, and toggle the switch next to "Network" to "On".
2. 
   2
   Turn on Wi-Fi. If you see "Turned off" under Wi-Fi, click the Wi-Fi tile to turn it on. Once Wi-Fi is enabled, your computer will begin searching for nearby Wi-Fi networks to connect to.

   • If you can't turn on Wi-Fi and are using a laptop, check the computer for a physical Wi-Fi switch. If the switch is turned off, press or toggle it to turn on Wi-Fi.
   • If you're not sure whether your computer supports Wi-Fi, see How to Know if a Computer Has a Wireless Networking Card.
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3. 
   3
   Click the Wi-Fi network you want to connect to.
4. 
   4
   Choose whether to connect to the network automatically when it's in range. Either check or uncheck the box next to "Connect automatically".
5. 
   5
   Click the Connect button. Windows will attempt to connect to the wireless network.
6. 
   6
   Enter the Wi-Fi network password. If there is no password, you will not be prompted to enter one. Otherwise, when prompted to enter the "network security key," type the password into the field.

   • If you don't know the password, check out our guide to finding the network security key.
   • If you're using a home Wi-Fi network, your Wi-Fi router might have a "WPS" button on it. If it does, and if the router is nearby, pressing the button will automatically connect you to the network without having to type the password manually.
7. 
   7
   Click Next to connect. After a few moments, if the password is correct, you will see "Connected" beneath the connection.
8. 
   8
   Choose sharing settings. You'll be asked, "Do you want to allow your PC to be discoverable by other PCs and devices on this network?" Clicking away will choose the "No" option. If you're using Wi-Fi on a public access point, select No. If you need other people to be able to see your computer on the network, click Yes.

   • Once you choose your settings, you should be able to open a web browser and access the internet.
9. 
   9
   Disconnect from Wi-Fi. If you want to disconnect from the network, click the Wi-Fi icon

   

   , click your network, then click Disconnect.
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Section 2 of 4:

Connecting to Wi-Fi (Manual)

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1. 
   1
   Open the Control Panel. If you need to connect to a network that requires you to specify a network authentication type and use a certificate, which is common for connecting to certain enterprise networks, or your Wi-Fi network is not visible, you can create the connection manually in the Control Panel. Here's how to open it:

   • Click the Start menu.
   • Type control panel.
   • Click Control Panel in the search results.
2. 
   2
   Click Network & Internet. If you don't see this option, skip to the next step.
3. 
   3
   Click Network and Sharing Center. The Network and Sharing Center window will open.
4. 
   4
   Click Set up a new connection or network. Another window will expand.
5. 
   5
   Select "Manually connect a wireless network" and click Next. Now you'll be asked to enter your Wi-Fi network info.
6. 
   6
   Enter the Wi-Fi network name, security type, and password.

   • "Network name" is the name of the Wi-Fi access point you want to connect to.
   • "Security type" is the type of security used to authenticate–this information is provided to you by your IT department.
   • "Security Key" is the Wi-Fi password.
   • If the Wi-Fi network is hidden, check the box next to "Connect even if the network is not broadcasting."
7. 
   7
   Click Next. A confirmation screen will appear.
8. 
   8
   Click Change connection settings on the confirmation screen. This opens the connection properties.
9. 
   9
   Click the Security tab. This is where you can enter additional details, such as an encryption type and network authentication method.
10. 
    10
    Enter the required information. If your IT department provided you with a specific network authentication method, such as Microsoft: Protected (PEAP) or Microsoft: Smart Card or other certificate (EAP-TLS), select it from the menu.

    • Click Settings next to the network authentication method if you need to specify authentication servers and/or enter certificate details. Click OK when you're finished.
    • If you need to specify an authentication mode (such as using single sign on or specifying user credentials, click the Advanced button to enter the required information.
11. 
    11
    Click OK and then Close. You may have to click OK multiple times before you get to Close. Once the window is closed, you can connect to the Wi-Fi network you added to Windows 10.
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Section 3 of 4:

Connecting to a Hidden Wi-Fi Network

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1. 
   1
   Open your Windows Settings. If the Wi-Fi network you want to connect to does not broadcast its SSID (network name), use this method to connect to it on Windows 10. First, click the Start menu and select Settings.
2. 
   2
   Click the Network & Internet icon. It's the option with a globe image.
3. 
   3
   Click Wi-Fi. You will find this option in the left panel.
4. 
   4
   Click Manage known networks. This is a text link in the right panel.
5. 
   5
   Click + Add a new network. It's in the right panel above the existing networks.
6. 
   6
   Type the network's name (SSID/service set identifier). It's important to enter the SSID exactly as it was provided to you.
7. 
   7
   Select the security type and enter a password. For example, if the network uses WPA2-Personal-AES, select that option from the list.
8. 
   8
   Choose whether to always connect automatically when in range. If you want your Windows 10 computer to automatically connect to this Wi-Fi network any time it's available, check the box next to "Connect automatically." Otherwise, leave the checkmark blank.
9. 
   9
   Check the box next to "Connect even if this network is not broadcasting". This ensures you can connect to the network even though the SSID is hidden.
10. 
    10
    Click Save. As long as the information you entered is correct, your PC should automatically connect to Wi-Fi.
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Section 4 of 4:

Troubleshooting

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1. 
   1
   Check your Wi-Fi settings. If you are trying to connect to the wrong Wi-Fi network name, have the wrong password, or are using the wrong authentication type, you won't be able to get online.

   • Wi-Fi passwords are case-sensitive, so make sure Caps Lock is not on when typing your password.
   • If you need to change your Wi-Fi settings, go to Settings > Network and Internet > Wi-Fi > Manage Known Networks, select your network, and update your settings.
2. 
   2
   Restart your router if you can't connect to the internet. If you're having trouble getting online and have access to your router and/or modem, unplug it from power, leave it unplugged for a full minute, then plug it back in. After plugging it in, wait 2 minutes before trying to connect again.
3. 
   3
   Run the network troubleshooter. Windows 10 comes with a built-in troubleshooting tool that can help you fix Wi-Fi problems. Here's how to use it:

   • Click the Start menu and select Settings.
   • Click Network and Internet.
   • Click Status on the left.
   • Scroll down and click Network troubleshooter.
   • Follow the on-screen instructions to identify and fix the Wi-Fi connection problem.
   • In most cases, the network troubleshooter can fix most issues. If you're still having trouble connecting to Wi-Fi, check out our guide to fixing your network connection.
   • If you're connected to Wi-Fi but can't access the internet, see this Wi-Fi troubleshooting guide.
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Community Q&A

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• Question

  Where do I find the WiFi settings in Windows 10?

  

  Bat 🦇

  Top Answerer

  There are two different ways of accessing the WiFi settings. One is to go to Start > Settings > Network & Internet > WiFi. You can also click the taskbar network icon, choose "Network & Internet settings" from the bottom of the menu, then choose "WiFi" from the left.

  Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
  Thank you for your feedback.
  If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow

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  Not Helpful 2 Helpful 3
• Question

  On Windows 10, I do not use a "Connect Automatically" setting. When I do click "Connect" I want it to ask me for the Security Key. However, it does not and I cannot find how to force it to do so. What should I do?

  

  Community Answer

  The connect automatically settings do not control the computer storing your WiFi password. Any device will remember the network every time you log in and therefore will always remember the password and automatically connect when you click on it. To set it where you must put in your password every time you would need to forget the network every time you were done.

  Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
  Thank you for your feedback.
  If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow

  Yes No

  Not Helpful 1 Helpful 0
• Question

  What is wrong if my device can't see my WiFi after being connected to it a week ago when my other devices are connected fine?

  

  Community Answer

  This could be multiple issues. Your router could simply be overloaded - routers often have limits as to how much they can process, so it may just be "full." Alternatively, your device might have a damaged WiFi card, or has been set to ignore the WiFi.

  Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
  Thank you for your feedback.
  If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow

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  Not Helpful 4 Helpful 5

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