The fastest way to connect depends on whether your PC has WiFi built in

Most modern PCs have a WiFi adapter built into the motherboard, which means you can connect without any extra hardware. Older desktops and some budget models do not, so you may need a USB WiFi adapter first. Check your PC's specifications or look in Device Manager (Windows) or System Report (Mac) to see if WiFi is already there. If it is not, a USB adapter costs $15 to $40 and takes two minutes to install.

Once you know you have WiFi hardware, the actual connection takes under a minute on any modern operating system. The steps differ slightly between Windows, Mac, and Linux, but the principle is the same: find your network name, select it, and enter the password your router uses.

Key Takeaways

  • Check Device Manager (Windows) or System Report (Mac) to confirm your PC has a WiFi adapter before troubleshooting connection problems.
  • On Windows 11, go to Settings > Network & Internet > WiFi, select your network, and enter your router password.
  • On Mac, click the WiFi icon in the menu bar, select your network, and enter your WiFi password.
  • If your PC does not detect any networks, restart your router and PC, then check that WiFi is not disabled in BIOS or by a physical switch.
  • Write down your router's WiFi name and password before you start, so you do not have to hunt for them while connecting.

Connecting on Windows 11

Open Settings by pressing Windows key + I, or click the Start button and type "Settings". Go to Network & Internet on the left side, then click WiFi. You will see a list of available networks. Find your router's name (the SSID, which is usually printed on a sticker on the router itself) and click it.

A window will appear asking for your WiFi password. Type it exactly as it appears on your router — passwords are case-sensitive, so "MyPassword" is different from "mypassword". Click Next. Windows will connect and show "Connected, secured" under your network name when it succeeds. If you see "Can't connect", check that you typed the password correctly and try again.

If you do not see your network listed, make sure your router is powered on and that WiFi is enabled on it. Some routers have a physical WiFi button; press it if the light is off. If you still see no networks, restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in.

Connecting on Mac

Click the WiFi icon in the menu bar at the top right of your screen. A dropdown list will show all available networks. Find your router's name and click it. A password field will appear. Enter your WiFi password and click Join.

Your Mac will connect and show a checkmark next to the network name when it succeeds. The WiFi icon will also change to show signal strength. If you see "Unable to join", double-check that you typed the password correctly — Mac passwords are case-sensitive. If the password is right, restart your Mac and try again.

If no networks appear in the dropdown, your WiFi hardware may be off. Click the WiFi icon and look for an option to turn WiFi on. If you see no such option, restart your Mac. If networks still do not appear, restart your router as well.

Connecting on Linux

The steps depend on your desktop environment, but the principle is the same. On Ubuntu with GNOME, click the network icon in the top right corner of the screen. Select WiFi, then click the network you want to join. Enter your password and click Connect.

On other Linux distributions, look for a network manager icon in the system tray (usually the top right or bottom right of the screen). Click it, find your network, and enter your password. If you do not see a network manager, open a terminal and use the nmtui command (Network Manager Text User Interface) to connect through a menu-driven interface.

What to do if your PC does not see any networks

Start by restarting both your router and your PC. Unplug the router for 30 seconds, plug it back in, and wait two minutes for it to fully boot. Then restart your PC. This fixes most connection problems because it clears temporary errors in both devices.

If you still see no networks, check that WiFi is not disabled in your BIOS. Restart your PC and enter BIOS setup (usually by pressing Delete, F2, or F12 during startup — the key appears on your screen for a few seconds). Look for a setting called "Integrated Network Device" or "Onboard WiFi" and make sure it is enabled. Save and exit.

Some PCs also have a physical WiFi switch or a keyboard shortcut to toggle WiFi on and off. Check your PC's manual or look for a small switch on the side or back. If WiFi is off, turn it on. On laptops, look for a key with a WiFi symbol and press it, sometimes while holding Fn.

Fixing a weak or dropping connection

If your PC connects but the signal is weak or drops frequently, move closer to the router first. WiFi signal weakens through walls, metal, and water, so being in the same room as the router usually improves the connection. If that is not possible, move the router to a central location in your home, away from microwaves and cordless phones, which use the same frequency and cause interference.

Check that your router is using the latest WiFi standard your PC supports. On Windows, go to Settings > Network & Internet > Advanced Network Settings > WiFi > Manage Known Networks, click your network, and look for the "Link speed" — higher numbers (like 866 Mbps or 1200 Mbps) mean a faster connection. If your link speed is much lower than your router's rated speed, your PC may be connecting on an older standard. Restart your PC and router to force a reconnection.

If the connection still drops, update your WiFi driver. On Windows, right-click the Start button, select Device Manager, expand Network Adapters, right-click your WiFi adapter, and click Update Driver. On Mac, go to System Settings > General > Software Update and install any available updates. Outdated drivers are a common cause of weak or unstable connections.

Connecting to a hidden network

Some routers broadcast their name (SSID) so you can see them in the network list. Others are set to hidden, which means you will not see them listed. If your network is hidden, you will need to add it manually.

On Windows 11, go to Settings > Network & Internet > WiFi > Manage Known Networks > Add Network. Enter your network name exactly as it is set on your router, select the security type (usually WPA3 or WPA2), enter your password, and click Save. Your PC will now connect to that network when it is in range.

On Mac, click the WiFi icon in the menu bar, then click "Other Networks" at the bottom of the list. Enter your network name, select the security type, enter your password, and click Join.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my PC keep asking for the WiFi password even though I entered it correctly?

Windows and Mac both have a "forget network" option that clears saved passwords. Go to Settings > Network & Internet > WiFi > Manage Known Networks (Windows) or System Settings > WiFi (Mac), find your network, and select "Forget". Then reconnect and re-enter the password. This usually fixes repeated password prompts.

Can I connect to WiFi with an Ethernet cable instead?

Yes. Plug an Ethernet cable from your router into the Ethernet port on your PC. Your PC will detect the connection automatically and use it instead of WiFi. Ethernet is faster and more stable than WiFi, so it is better for gaming, video calls, or large downloads if your router is close enough to run a cable.

What is the difference between 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz WiFi?

Most routers broadcast both. The 2.4 GHz band has longer range but slower speed; the 5 GHz band is faster but does not travel through walls as well. Your PC will usually connect to whichever is stronger. If you want to force one, go to your router's settings (usually at 192.168.1.1 in a web browser) and disable the band you do not want to use.

Do I need to restart my PC every time I connect to a new WiFi network?

No. Your PC will detect and connect to new networks automatically once you enter the password the first time. Restarting only helps if the connection is not working — it clears temporary errors that prevent the PC from seeing networks or staying connected.

What if I forgot my WiFi password?

Check the sticker on your router — most routers have the default password printed there. If you changed it and forgot the new one, you can reset the router to factory defaults by holding the reset button (usually a small hole on the back) for 10 seconds. This erases all your settings, so you will need to set up the router again from scratch.