A Complete Guide to Connecting to WiFi in Windows 10

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Establish a connection with both visible and hidden networks

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Last Updated: April 20, 2023

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Connect to Visible Wi-Fi

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Connect to Hidden Wi-Fi

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Q&A

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Tips

Wi-Fi has been around for a while now, enabling us to connect to our favorite websites and chat while playing games with our friends. Windows 10's brand new interface changes how you connect to wireless networks. Luckily, connecting to Wi-Fi is easier and simpler than before.

Things You Should Know

Click on the network
icon within your taskbar to open the network flyout and select the network to which you want to connect.
You may need to enter the network's password if it has one.
Click or tap + Add a new network to manually input the info for a hidden network and establish a connection.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Connect to Visible Wi-Fi

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The router acts like a man in the middle, connecting you to the internet. If it's off, then you won't be able to connect to that network.
2
Select the network
icon from the notification area to open the network flyout. If your device is able to connect to a wireless network through a wireless adapter, then you'll see a signal/broadcast radio wave icon with a star above it.
- If your device is wireless capable but the icon is missing, then go to "Settings > Personalization > Taskbar > Select which icons appear on the taskbar" and slide the switch next to "Network" to "On".
- You can also go to "Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi > Show available networks".
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See if the "Wi-Fi" tile is colored at the bottom of the pane.
Click or tap the network name (SSID/service set identifier^{[1]
X
Research source}) you want to connect to.
Either check or uncheck the box next to "Connect automatically".
7
Either enter the network password.
- If the router is WPS enabled, press the button on the router to connect.
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Choose sharing settings. You'll be asked "Do you want allow your PC to be discoverable by other PCs and devices on this network". Clicking away will choose the "No" option.
- If on your home or workplace network, select Yes, otherwise choose No.
You might have to agree to the network Terms. To do this, open a browser and attempt to access a website. Complete the requirements and begin using the network.
Press Disconnect.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Connect to Hidden Wi-Fi

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Open Settings. Click the Start
button and select the settings
gear in the lower left corner.
Type the network's name (SSID/service set identifier^[1]).
Either check
or uncheck
the box next to "Connect automatically".
Simply check the box next to it if you want to.

Community Q&A

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Question

Where do I find the WiFi settings in Windows 10?

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Top Answerer

There are two different ways of accessing the WiFi settings. One is to go to Start > Settings > Network & Internet > WiFi. You can also click the taskbar network icon, choose "Network & Internet settings" from the bottom of the menu, then choose "WiFi" from the left.

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Question

On Windows 10, I do not use a "Connect Automatically" setting. When I do click "Connect" I want it to ask me for the Security Key. However, it does not and I cannot find how to force it to do so. What should I do?

Community Answer

The connect automatically settings do not control the computer storing your WiFi password. Any device will remember the network every time you log in and therefore will always remember the password and automatically connect when you click on it. To set it where you must put in your password every time you would need to forget the network every time you were done.

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Question

What is wrong if my device can't see my WiFi after being connected to it a week ago when my other devices are connected fine?

Community Answer

This could be multiple issues. Your router could simply be overloaded - routers often have limits as to how much they can process, so it may just be "full." Alternatively, your device might have a damaged WiFi card, or has been set to ignore the WiFi.

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Tips

Connection problems and errors? Do the following in this order:
- Restart your router.
- Troubleshoot Wi-Fi by right-clicking (or long pressing for touchscreens) the taskbar icon and selecting Troubleshoot problems.
- Perform a network reset. Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Status and scroll down. Press "Network reset" (at the very bottom) and click or tap Reset now. Your PC will restart.
- Search for fixes online. Be sure to include error codes and messages in your search.
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