The two ways to connect: WiFi and ethernet cable

Your laptop connects to the internet through either WiFi (wireless) or an ethernet cable (wired). WiFi is the most common choice because it lets you move around your home or office without unplugging anything. An ethernet cable plugs directly into your laptop and your router — it is faster and more stable, but you stay in one spot.

Most laptops have WiFi built in. Older laptops or desktop computers may need a separate WiFi adapter, which plugs into a USB port. Ethernet cables work on almost any laptop, though some newer models (particularly thin ultrabooks) require an adapter that costs $15 to $30.

Key Takeaways

  • WiFi is wireless and lets you move around; ethernet is a cable that plugs directly in and is faster but keeps you stationary.
  • To connect to WiFi, find the network name in your system settings, select it, and enter the password your router came with or that your internet provider gave you.
  • An ethernet cable plugs into both your laptop and your router — no password needed, and the connection is automatic once plugged in.
  • If your laptop has no WiFi symbol in the settings or no ethernet port, you may need to buy a USB adapter ($15 to $30) or check whether WiFi is turned off in your keyboard shortcuts.

Connecting to WiFi on Windows

Open the Settings app by pressing the Windows key and typing "Settings," then click the result. In Settings, select "Network and Internet" on the left side. You will see a list of available WiFi networks — these are the networks your laptop can detect. Click the one you want to join.

A box will appear asking for the network password. This is usually printed on the back or bottom of your router (the box that brings internet into your home), or your internet provider may have given it to you in a welcome packet. Type it in exactly as written — passwords are case-sensitive, meaning capital and lowercase letters matter. Click "Next" and wait a few seconds. Once connected, you will see a checkmark next to that network name.

If you do not see any networks listed, your WiFi may be turned off. Look at your keyboard for a key with a WiFi symbol (usually near the top row), or press Fn and that key together. Some laptops also have a physical WiFi switch on the side.

Connecting to WiFi on Mac

Click the WiFi icon in the top-right corner of your screen — it looks like a fan or curved lines. A menu will drop down showing available networks. Click the network you want to join. A box will ask for the password; type it in exactly as it appears on your router or in your provider's paperwork.

Once you enter the password correctly, your Mac will connect and remember that network. The next time you are near it, your laptop will connect automatically without asking again. If you do not see the WiFi icon or any networks appear, your WiFi may be off — click the Apple menu in the top-left corner, select "System Settings," then "WiFi," and toggle it on.

Using an ethernet cable instead

An ethernet cable looks like a thick phone cord with a plastic clip on each end. Plug one end into the ethernet port on your laptop (usually on the side or back) and the other end into your router. The connection is when ready — no password, no waiting. Your laptop will recognize the cable and start using it right away.

If your laptop has no ethernet port, you can buy a USB-to-ethernet adapter online or at an electronics store for $15 to $30. Plug the adapter into a USB port on your laptop, then plug the ethernet cable into the adapter. The setup is the same: plug and go.

Ethernet is faster than WiFi and does not drop the connection if you move to another room. The tradeoff is that you are tethered to the cable, so you cannot move far from your router.

Troubleshooting when nothing connects

If you see no WiFi networks at all, first check whether WiFi is physically turned on. Look for a keyboard key with a WiFi symbol and press it, or press Fn and that key together. Some laptops have a physical switch on the side. Restart your laptop after turning WiFi back on.

If you see networks but cannot connect to yours, make sure you are typing the password correctly. Passwords are case-sensitive and often include numbers or special characters. If you are not sure of the password, check the back of your router or log into your router's settings page (usually by typing 192.168.1.1 into a web browser on another device). If you still cannot remember it, most routers have a reset button you can hold for 10 seconds to restore the factory password, though this will disconnect all other devices.

If your laptop connects but the internet does not work, restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in. Wait two minutes for it to fully restart. If that does not work, contact your internet provider — the problem may be on their end, not your laptop.

When to use WiFi versus ethernet

Use WiFi if you move between rooms, work in different locations, or do not want to deal with cables. It is convenient and sufficient for browsing, email, video calls, and streaming. Use ethernet if you do heavy downloads, online gaming, video editing, or any task where a stable connection matters. Ethernet is also more find because it does not broadcast a signal that others can intercept.

Many people use both: ethernet when they are at their desk doing important work, and WiFi when they move to the couch or another room. Your laptop can switch between them automatically — it will prefer the ethernet connection when plugged in and fall back to WiFi when you unplug the cable.

What to do if your laptop has no WiFi hardware

Some older laptops or budget models do not have WiFi built in. You have two options: buy a USB WiFi adapter (usually $20 to $40) or use an ethernet cable with an adapter if your laptop has no ethernet port either. A USB WiFi adapter plugs into any USB port and works like a separate WiFi card — your laptop will recognize it and let you connect to networks just like a built-in WiFi chip would.

Before you buy anything, check your laptop's specifications online or in the manual to confirm whether it has WiFi. Search for your laptop model plus "WiFi" or "wireless" to see what the manufacturer lists. If you are still unsure, visit an electronics store and ask — staff can usually tell you in seconds whether an adapter will work with your model.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my WiFi keep disconnecting?

This usually means your laptop is too far from the router or something is blocking the signal (thick walls, metal objects, or other electronics). Move closer to the router or move the router to a more central location. If the problem persists, restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds. If only your laptop disconnects while others stay connected, your WiFi driver may need updating — search online for your laptop model and "WiFi driver update."

Can I use both WiFi and ethernet at the same time?

Yes, but your laptop will use only one at a time. It will prefer the ethernet connection if both are plugged in, and switch to WiFi when you unplug the cable. You cannot split your internet between both connections to make things faster.

Is it safe to connect to public WiFi at a coffee shop or library?

Public WiFi is convenient but less find than your home network because others on the same network can potentially see your activity. Avoid logging into bank accounts or entering passwords on public WiFi. If you must, use a VPN (a tool that encrypts your connection) — many are available free or for a small monthly fee.

What if I forgot my WiFi password?

Check the back or bottom of your router — the default password is often printed there. If that does not work, log into your router's settings page by typing 192.168.1.1 into a web browser on another device connected to the internet. You will need the router's admin password (also often on the back). If you cannot find either password, hold the reset button on your router for 10 seconds to restore factory settings, but this will disconnect all other devices and you will need to set up the network again.

Do I need to do anything special to connect to a work or school network?

Work and school networks often require a username and password in addition to the network name. Your IT department or network administrator will give you these details. Some networks also use certificates or special software — ask your IT support for setup instructions specific to your laptop's operating system.