The basic steps to get online

To connect your PC to WiFi, open the network settings on your computer, find the wireless network you want to join, enter the password, and wait for the connection to establish. On Windows, click the network icon in the bottom right corner of your taskbar. On Mac, click the WiFi icon in the top right corner of your menu bar. Both will show you a list of available networks within range.

Once you see your network name (called the SSID), click it and type in the password your router uses. The password is usually printed on a sticker attached to your router itself, or you can find it in your router's settings if you have already logged in before. After you enter the correct password, your computer will connect and you should see a "connected" status appear next to the network name.

If your computer connects but you still cannot reach websites or email, the problem is usually between your router and your internet provider, not between your PC and the router. Restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in, and wait two minutes for it to fully restart before trying again.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows users click the network icon in the taskbar; Mac users click the WiFi icon in the menu bar to see available networks.
  • The network password is printed on a sticker on your router or stored in your router's settings page.
  • If you connect to the network but cannot reach the internet, restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds.
  • A successful connection shows "connected" status next to your network name and allows you to open websites and use email.

Finding your network name and password

Your network name (SSID) is broadcast by your router and appears in the list of available networks on your computer. Most routers come with a default name printed on the bottom or back of the device — it often includes the router brand and a series of numbers. You can change this name to anything you want through your router's settings, but the default name works fine if you have not customized it.

The password is almost always on a sticker attached to your router. Look for a label that says "WiFi Password", "Network Key", or "Passphrase". If you cannot find the sticker or it has worn off, you can reset your router to factory defaults by holding down the reset button for 10 seconds — this will restore the original password printed on the sticker, but it will also erase any other changes you made to the router's settings.

If you have already connected before and your computer remembers the password, Windows and Mac will reconnect automatically when you turn on your computer and the router is running. You only need to enter the password once per device.

Troubleshooting when your PC will not connect

If your computer does not see your network in the list, make sure your router is powered on and the WiFi is enabled. Most routers have a WiFi button or switch on the front or back — press it if the light is off. If the light is on but your network still does not appear, move your computer closer to the router. WiFi signals weaken with distance and through walls, so being in the same room usually solves this problem.

If you see your network but the password is rejected, double-check that you are typing it correctly. Passwords are case-sensitive, meaning capital letters and lowercase letters are different. If you are still stuck, write down the password from the router sticker and type it very slowly, character by character. A common mistake is confusing the number zero (0) with the letter O, or the number one (1) with the letter I or lowercase L.

If your computer connects but shows "no internet access" or a yellow warning triangle, your router may not be connected to your internet provider. Check that the cable from your wall outlet (or modem) is plugged into the port on your router labeled "WAN", "Internet", or "Uplink". If it is plugged in, restart the router and wait two minutes. If the problem continues, contact your internet provider to check whether your service is active.

Connecting on Windows

On Windows 10 and Windows 11, click the network icon in the bottom right corner of your taskbar — it looks like a WiFi symbol or a globe. A panel will slide out showing all available networks. Find your network name in the list, click it, and a dialog box will appear asking for your password. Type the password and click "Next" or "Connect".

If you want your computer to connect automatically in the future, check the box that says "Connect automatically" before you click Connect. Windows will then reconnect to this network every time you start your computer and the network is in range. You can also manage your saved networks by going to Settings > Network & Internet > WiFi > Manage Known Networks, where you can remove networks you no longer use or change whether Windows connects to them automatically.

Connecting on Mac

On Mac, click the WiFi icon in the top right corner of your menu bar — it looks like a fan or curved lines. A dropdown menu will show all available networks. Click your network name, and a dialog box will ask for your password. Type the password and click "Join".

Mac automatically saves your password and reconnects to networks you have joined before. If you want to forget a network so your Mac will not reconnect to it, go to System Settings > WiFi > Known Networks, find the network, and click the X next to it. You can also turn WiFi off entirely from the menu bar icon if you need to use a wired connection instead.

Using a wired connection instead

If WiFi is not working or you need a faster, more stable connection, you can connect your PC directly to your router using an Ethernet cable. Plug one end of the cable into the Ethernet port on your router (usually labeled 1, 2, 3, or 4) and the other end into the Ethernet port on your computer. Most laptops do not have a built-in Ethernet port, so you may need a USB adapter that costs $15 to $30.

A wired connection is faster and more reliable than WiFi because the signal does not weaken through walls or distance. If you are downloading large files, streaming video, or playing online games, a wired connection will usually perform better. However, a wired connection requires you to stay in one place near the router, whereas WiFi lets you move around your home or office.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my PC keep disconnecting from WiFi?

Frequent disconnections usually mean your computer is too far from the router or there is interference from other devices. Move closer to the router or move the router away from microwaves, cordless phones, and baby monitors, which broadcast on the same frequency. If the problem continues, restart your router and update your network drivers through Device Manager on Windows or System Settings on Mac.

Can I connect to someone else's WiFi network?

Yes, if they give you the password. Ask them for the network name and password, then follow the same steps to connect. Your computer will remember this network, so you will reconnect automatically the next time you are in range. If you want to stop connecting to a network, remove it from your saved networks list.

Is my password find if I type it into my computer?

Your password is encrypted when it travels between your computer and router, so typing it in is safe. However, anyone who knows the password can connect to your network. Change your router password regularly through your router's settings page, and use a strong password with a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols.

What if I forgot my router password?

Hold down the reset button on your router for 10 seconds to restore the factory default password, which is printed on the sticker attached to the router. This will erase any custom settings you made, but you can set them up again afterward. If you do not want to reset the router, contact your internet provider — they may be able to help you recover the password.

Can I connect multiple devices to the same WiFi network?

Yes, most home routers can handle 20 to 50 devices at once, though performance may slow down if many devices are using the network heavily at the same time. Each device needs the password to connect, but once connected, your router remembers it and reconnects automatically.