Pair chickens:
- Connect to Wi-Fi via the taskbar
- Connect to WiFi via Settings
- Connect to WiFi via the Control Panel
- Connect to WiFi using CMD
A Wi-Fi adapter makes it easy to connect your Windows 10 laptop or desktop to your network and the Internet without the need for cables. However, it's only convenient if you know where to find the settings.
Whether you're setting up a device for the first time, connecting to a new location, or looking for an efficient method of connecting multiple computers to the same network,windows 10offers several ways to connect to the Internet using a Wi-Fi connection quickly.
In this Windows 10 guide, we'll walk you through the steps to connect to a Wi-Fi network using the network drop-down menu in the taskbar, settings, control panel, and command lines with command prompt.
How to Connect to Wi-Fi Network Using the Taskbar
To connect to a Wi-Fi network through the taskbar in Windows 10, follow these steps:
- click noRedicon in the lower-right corner of the taskbar.
- Quick note:Alternatively, you can open the Action Center (Windows Key + A) and click theRedin the "Quick Actions" section to access the network flyout control. If you don't see the button, click the up arrow button on the left.
- Select the wireless network to connect to.
- (Optional) Check theautomatically connectoption.
- click noTo connectbutton.
- Quick Tip:If you don't see any wireless access points listed, click theWi-fibutton to turn on the adapter.
- Confirm the network security key (password).
- click noNextbutton.
- Confirm that the device should be discoverable on the network by other PCs.
After completing the steps, the laptop will connect to the network using Wi-Fi connection.
reconnect automatically
Furthermore, Windows 10 also provides an option to automatically reconnect the device after disconnecting the adapter manually.
To configure the Wi-Fi adapter to automatically reconnect, follow these steps:
- click noredicon in the system tray.
- click noWi-fibutton to disable wireless connectivity.
- Use the drop-down menu and select when to automatically reconnect:
- A bro.
- In one hour.
- In four hours.
- In one day.
After completing the steps, Windows 10 will not attempt to connect to a wireless connection until the selected time. When using this functionality, the device will automatically connect to previously known networks only.
How to connect to Wi-Fi network using settings
Using the "Network & Security" settings, you can also add wireless connections manually, and when the network is in range, the laptop will connect automatically.
To provide a Wi-Fi connection in Windows 10, follow these steps:
- OpenDefinitions.
- click innetwork security.
- click inWi-fi.
- click noManage known networksoption.
- click noAdd a new networkbutton.
- Confirm the network name.
- Use the drop-down menu to select thetype of security- for example,Personal WPA2-AES.
- Confirm the network security key (password).
- Check aautomatically connectoption.
- Check aConnect even if this network is not broadcastingoption (if needed).
- click noTo savebutton.
After completing the steps, the device will automatically connect when the wireless network is in range.
How to Connect to Wi-Fi Network Using Control Panel
To connect to a Wi-Fi network using the Control Panel, follow these steps:
- OpenControl panel.
- click inNetworks and Internet.
- click inShared networks and resources.
- In the "Change network settings" section, click the buttonSet up a new connection or networkoption.
- Select theManually connect to a wireless networkoption.
- click noNextbutton.
- Confirm the network name.
- Use the drop-down menu to select thetype of security- for example,WPA2-Personal.
- Confirm the network security key (password).
- Check aStart this connection automaticallyoption.
- (Optional) Check theConnect even if the network is not streamingoption.
- click noNextbutton.
- click noFencebutton.
After completing the steps, the computer will automatically connect to the Wi-Fi network.
How to Connect to Wi-Fi Network Using Command Prompt
How to Connect to Wi-Fi Network Using Command Prompt
Alternatively, you can also use thenetshcommand line tool in command prompt to connect to a Wi-Fi network.
To connect to a Wi-Fi hotspot with commands, follow these steps:
- OpenStart.
- To search forSystem symbol, right-click the top result and select theExecute as administratoroption.
- Enter the following command to see the available network profiles and pressTo enter:netsh wlan show profile
- Confirm the Wi-Fi network profile with your preferred settings.
- Type the following command to connect to wireless network in Windows 10 and pressTo enter:netsh wlan connect ssid=SEU-WIFI-SSID nome=PROFILE-NAME
In the command, remember to specify the name (SSID) of the network and the name of the profile with your network settings. For example, this command connects to the "tsunami" network using the "tsunami" profile:netsh wlan conectar ssid=nome do tsunami=tsunami.
- Quick Tip:On devices with more than one wireless adapter, you must also specify which adapter you want to use in the command. For example:netsh wlan connect ssid=SEU-WIFI-SSID name=PROFILE-NAME interface=Wi-Fi.
After completing the steps, the device will connect to the wireless network.
New network connection
The netsh tool also allowsmanage Wi-Fi networks and adapters. The only caveat is that you can only manage previously known networks, as you cannot create new network profiles with this tool.
When you need to use the command prompt to connect one or more computers to the same wireless network, you can export the network profile automatically created during the first connection. You can import it using netsh tool to connect using command line tool.
Export Wi-Fi profile
To export a Wi-Fi profile with commands, follow these steps:
- OpenStart.
- To search forSystem symbol, right-click the top result and select theExecute as administratoroption.
- Enter the following command to see the available network profiles and pressTo enter:netsh wlan show profile
- Enter the following command to export a profile and pressTo enter:netsh wlan export profile PROFILE-NAME key=delete folder=PATH\TO\EXPORT\FOLDER
For example, this command exports the tsunami profile to the "Documents" folder:netsh wlan export profile tsunami key=clear folder=C:\Users\m\Documents.
After completing the steps, you can import the same XML file to connect other devices to the same network.
Import Wi-Fi profile
To import a Wi-Fi profile in Windows 10, follow these steps:
- OpenStart.
- To search forSystem symbol, right-click the top result and select theExecute as administratoroption.
- Enter the following command to determine the name of the network adapter and pressTo enter:netsh wlan mostrar interfaces
- Confirm the name of the adapter that will connect to the network.
- Enter the following command to import the network profile and pressTo enter:netsh wlan add profile filename="PATH\TO\PROFILE.XML" Interface="YOUR-WIFI-ADAPTER-NAME" user=current
In the command, be sure to specify the location of the XML file and the name of the network interface. For example, this command imports the xml profile located in the "Documents" folder to the Wi-Fi adapter:netsh wlan add profile filename="C:\Users\m\Documents\wi-fi-tsunami.xml" Interface="WI-FI" usuario=actual.
- Enter the following command to connect to the wireless network and pressTo enter:netsh wlan connect ssid=SEU-WIFI-SSID nome=PROFILE-NAME
In the command, specify the SSID and profile name that match your network. For example, this command connects to an access point using the SSID "tsunami" and the profile name "tsunami":netsh wlan conectar ssid=tsunami nome=tsunami.
- Quick Tip:If you have multiple wireless interfaces, you must also specify in the command which adapter you want to use. For example,netsh wlan connect ssid=SEU-WIFI-SSID name=PROFILE-NAME interface=Wi-Fi.
After completing the steps, your computer should connect to the wireless network automatically.
More Windows Features
For more helpful articles, coverage, and answers to common questions about Windows 10 and Windows 11, visit the following resources:
- Windows 10 on Windows Central: Everything you need to know
- Windows 11 on Windows Central: Everything you need to know
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Mauro Huculak
Mauro Huculak is a technical writer for WindowsCentral.com. His main focus is writing comprehensive how-to's to help users get the most out of Windows 10 and its various related technologies. He has an IT background with professional certifications from Microsoft, Cisco, and CompTIA and is a recognized member of the Microsoft MVP community.
FAQs
Why Windows 10 Cannot connect to Wi-Fi? ›
Windows 10 can't connect to Wi-Fi
Press Windows + X and click on 'Device Manager'. Now, right click on network adapter and choose 'Uninstall'. Click on 'Delete the driver software for this device'. Reboot the system and Windows will automatically reinstall the drivers.
- Open your device's Settings app.
- Tap Network & internet. Internet.
- At the bottom of the list, tap Add network. You may need to enter the network name (SSID) and security details.
- Tap Save.
- Open your Android's Settings app by swiping up from the bottom of the screen and selecting it. ...
- Tap the word "Connections." ...
- In the new menu, tap "Wi-Fi" and then look under the "Available Networks" heading.
- Select the Wi-Fi network that you want by tapping it.
Turn Off Airplane Mode
If your Windows 10 laptop can't connect to Wi-Fi network but your phone can, the first thing you need to check is if your computer is stuck in Airplane mode. You might've turned it on involuntarily from Action Center or pressed a key or button that toggles Airplane mode on or off.
Make sure your computer/device is still in the range of your router/modem. Move it closer if it is currently too far away. Go to Advanced > Wireless > Wireless Settings, and check the wireless settings. Double check your Wireless Network Name and SSID is not hided.
Why is my computer not letting me connect to Internet? ›Check for Physical Connectivity Issues
Sometimes internet connection may fail due to simple things like a loose or unplugged network cable, modem, or router. If you're on a wireless network, your computer's wireless network interface card might be turned off.
- Step 1 – Open the Wi-Fi settings. Press the Windows key on your keyboard. ...
- Step 2 – Select Manage known networks.
- Step 3 – Open the network properties.
- Step 4 – Turn on the switch under Make this PC discoverable. Filippo Tortomasi.
- To reset network settings, go to Start menu > Settings > Network and Internet > Status > Network Reset.
- If you have a VPN or a proxy server, it may need to be reconfigured following the reset.
- Resetting network settings removes and reinstalls every network adapter installed on your system.
The easy way
By far, the fastest and cheapest way to add Wi-Fi to your PC or laptop is with a USB Wi-Fi adapter. Simply plug the device into a USB port on your computer, install the relevant drivers and you will be up and running in no time.
Under Command Prompt, choose Run as administrator. If prompted, under User Account Control, select Yes to run. To locate the name of the network to connect to, type netsh wlan show profiles and press Enter on the keyboard. Write down the name of the network you want to connect to.
Can I connect to a Wi-Fi without password? ›
Connect wifi without password by using a QR code
Open your smartphone's settings app. Now choose network and internet. In the new screen that opens up, you will see a list of all the wifi connections that are around you. You will also a settings option that says add network, with QR code icon right next to it.
Restart your device.
Open your Settings app and tap Network & internet or Connections. Depending on your device, these options may be different. Turn Wi-Fi off and mobile data on, and check if there's a difference. If not, turn mobile data off and Wi-Fi on and check again.
- Open the 'Start' menu, then select 'File Explorer'.
- Navigate to the file or folder you want to restore. ...
- Right click the file or folder and select 'Restore previous versions' to view the available versions.
- Select a previous version and click 'Open'.