The fastest way: use Windows Settings

On Windows 10 or 11, the quickest route is the Settings app. Click the WiFi icon in the bottom right corner of your screen (it looks like curved lines), select your network name from the list, click "Connect", type your WiFi password, and you're done. Windows will remember that network and reconnect automatically next time you're in range.

If you don't see the WiFi icon in the corner, your PC's WiFi adapter may be turned off. Press the Windows key and type "Device Manager", open it, look for "Network adapters", and check whether your WiFi adapter has a down arrow next to it. If it does, right-click it and select "Enable device".

Key Takeaways

  • Windows 10 and 11 let you connect through the WiFi icon in the bottom right corner — no additional software needed.
  • Your PC needs a WiFi adapter, which is built into most laptops but may need to be added to older desktop computers.
  • If your network doesn't appear in the list, restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plug it back in.
  • Once you connect once, Windows stores the password and reconnects automatically when you're in range of that network.
  • If you see "Can't connect to this network", the password is usually wrong — double-check it against what's on your router or your account with your internet provider.

Check whether your PC has a WiFi adapter

Most laptops come with a WiFi adapter built in. Desktop computers usually don't — they typically connect through an ethernet cable plugged directly into the router. If you have a desktop and want to use WiFi instead, you'll need to buy a WiFi adapter (also called a wireless adapter or WiFi dongle), which costs between $15 and $50 depending on the speed you want.

To check whether your PC has one, open Device Manager (press Windows key and type "Device Manager"), look for "Network adapters", and expand that section. If you see anything with "Wireless", "WiFi", "802.11", or "Broadcom" in the name, you have an adapter. If you only see "Ethernet" or "Realtek", you don't have WiFi built in.

Find your network name and password

Your network name (called the SSID) and password are usually printed on a sticker on the bottom or back of your router — the device your internet provider gave you that sits in a closet or on a shelf. The sticker typically says "Network Name" or "WiFi Name" and "Password" or "WiFi Password". Write these down before you sit at your PC.

If you can't find the sticker or it's worn off, log into your router's settings page. Open a web browser, type 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 into the address bar, and press Enter. You'll be asked for a username and password — try "admin" for both, or check your router's manual. Once you're logged in, look for a section called "WiFi", "Wireless", or "Network Settings" to find your network name and password.

Connect through Settings if your network appears in the list

Click the WiFi icon in the bottom right corner of your screen. A list of nearby networks will appear. Find your network name in that list, click it, and click "Connect". A box will appear asking for your password. Type it exactly as it appears on the sticker (passwords are case-sensitive, so capital letters matter), then click "Next".

Windows will test the connection. If it succeeds, you'll see "Connected, secured" under your network name. If it fails, you'll see an error message. The most common error is "Can't connect to this network", which almost always means the password is wrong — go back and try again, checking each letter carefully.

What to do if your network doesn't appear in the list

If you don't see your network name when you click the WiFi icon, restart your router. Unplug it from the power outlet, wait 30 seconds, and plug it back in. It takes about two minutes to fully restart. Then try clicking the WiFi icon again.

If your network still doesn't appear, your router may be broadcasting on a frequency your PC can't receive (some routers use 5 GHz, which older adapters don't support). Check the sticker on your router or log into its settings page to see whether it has a 2.4 GHz network available — that works with almost every PC. If it does, you should see that network name in your list. If your router only broadcasts 5 GHz and your PC is old, you'll need a newer WiFi adapter.

Troubleshoot if you can connect but the internet doesn't work

Sometimes Windows says you're connected but web pages won't load. First, restart your router again — unplug it for 30 seconds and plug it back in. While it's restarting, restart your PC as well. Once both are back on, try opening a web page.

If that doesn't work, open Device Manager again, find your WiFi adapter under "Network adapters", right-click it, and select "Update driver". Windows will search for the latest driver (the software that lets your PC talk to the adapter) and install it if one is available. Restart your PC after the driver updates and try again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to enter the password every time I connect?

No. Once you connect to a network and enter the password correctly, Windows saves it. The next time you're in range of that network, your PC will reconnect automatically without asking for the password again. If you want to forget a network, click the WiFi icon, right-click the network name, and select "Forget".

Why does my PC say "No internet, secured"?

This means your PC is connected to the router but the router itself isn't connected to the internet. Restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds. If that doesn't fix it, check whether the cables going into the back of the router are plugged in firmly — one should go to your modem (the device your internet provider installed) and one to the power outlet.

Can I use WiFi on a desktop computer?

Yes, but you'll need to buy a WiFi adapter first. They plug into a USB port on the back of your desktop and cost $15 to $50. Once plugged in, Windows will recognize it and you can connect the same way you would on a laptop. Some adapters come with a driver disc, but most work without installing anything.

What if I forgot my WiFi password?

Check the sticker on your router. If it's not there or you've changed the password since, log into your router's settings page at 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 (username and password are usually "admin" for both). Look for "WiFi", "Wireless", or "Network Settings" to see or change your password. You can also call your internet provider — they have a record of your network name and can reset the password for you.

Why is my WiFi connection slow?

Move your PC closer to the router — walls and distance weaken the signal. If you're far away, consider a WiFi adapter with an external antenna, or use an ethernet cable if your desktop is near the router. You can also restart your router, which often improves speed. If nothing helps, contact your internet provider to check whether your internet plan speed is what you're paying for.