How to Connect to Wi-Fi in Windows 11

Edited 6 months ago by ExtremeHow Editorial Team

Wi-FiConnectivityWindows 11NetworkSettingsSetupConfigurationTroubleshootingSteps

In today's world, connecting to Wi-Fi is an essential task for most computer users. Wi-Fi allows you to access the Internet without the need for cables, making it a convenient and important functionality for any modern operating system. Windows 11 has streamlined the process of connecting to a Wi-Fi network, making it easy and quick. This guide provides detailed information on how to connect to Wi-Fi in Windows 11, designed to help users of all experience levels.

Understanding Wi-Fi and Windows 11

Before we discuss the steps to connect to a Wi-Fi network, let's briefly understand what Wi-Fi is and how it works in Windows 11. Wi-Fi, short for Wireless Fidelity, is a technology that allows devices to connect to the Internet wirelessly via radio waves. When you are using Windows 11, the laptop or desktop computer uses its internal Wi-Fi adapter to scan for available networks that you can connect to.

Pre-requisites for connecting to a Wi-Fi network

Before attempting to connect to a Wi-Fi network, make sure the following prerequisites are met:

• Your device must have a functional Wi-Fi adapter. Most modern laptops have built-in Wi-Fi adapters.
• You must be within range of the Wi-Fi network. Routers have limits on how far they can send their signal.
• You will need the Wi-Fi network's name (SSID) and password (if it's secured).

Steps to connect to a Wi-Fi network in Windows 11

1. Access Wi-Fi settings via the taskbar

Windows 11 offers multiple ways to access Wi-Fi settings, and one of the easiest ways is through the taskbar:

1. Find the network icon on the taskbar, at the bottom-right corner of your screen. This icon may look different depending on whether you're connected to Wi-Fi, Ethernet, or not connected at all. Typically, the icon looks like a small radio signal wave.
2. Click on this network icon. This will open a quick settings menu that includes Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Airplane mode, and other options.
3. Make sure Wi-Fi is turned on. If it isn't, you'll see a notification saying "Turn on Wi-Fi." Click on it to enable Wi-Fi.

2. View available networks

After Wi-Fi is enabled, you will see a list of Wi-Fi networks that your device can recognize. Follow these steps to connect:

• Click "View All Networks" to view a detailed list of networks.
• Identify the network you want to connect to. Networks are represented by their SSID (Service Set Identifier), which is essentially the name of the network.
• Click on the desired network name to view options related to it.

3. Enter the network credentials

After selecting the network of your choice, if the network is secured and requires a password (indicated by the lock icon next to the network name), you will need to enter its credentials to establish a connection:

1. Enter the correct password in the space provided. The password is case-sensitive and must be entered correctly to access the network.
2. If you expect to connect to this network regularly, you may want to check the "Connect automatically" box. This setting will prompt your computer to automatically connect to the network the next time you are in range of it.
3. Click "Connect".

4. Connection feedback

When your device tries to connect to a Wi-Fi network, it will provide feedback about whether the connection was successful:

• If the password is correct and allows network access, your device will connect within a few seconds. You will notice that the network icon in the taskbar reflects this change by showing a connected Wi-Fi icon.
• If there is a problem, such as an incorrect password, Windows will alert you, allowing you to try entering the credentials again.

Troubleshooting common Wi-Fi connection problems

Sometimes, despite following every step correctly, you may face problems. Here are some common problems and how to troubleshoot them:

The network is not visible in the list

If your network doesn't appear in the list of available networks:

• Make sure your Wi-Fi is turned on and your device is within range of the router.
• Some Wi-Fi networks do not broadcast their SSID. If you know the SSID of a hidden network, you can connect manually by clicking the "Hidden Network" option.

Unable to connect to network

If you are unable to connect and you receive the error message:

• Double-check the password and make sure it is entered correctly.
• Sometimes, rebooting the computer may resolve the issue.
• Resetting your network settings through the Settings menu or troubleshooting options can also help.

Setting up a wired Wi-Fi hotspot

Windows 11 allows you to create a Wi-Fi hotspot using your device's internet connection. This can be useful if you want to share your internet connection with other devices:

1. Open "Settings" by clicking the Start menu and selecting the gear icon.
2. Select "Network & Internet" from the menu on the left.
3. Click on "Mobile Hotspot."
4. Toggle the switch on to enable the hotspot, select the local connection you want to share.

Advanced: Using the command line

For users who are comfortable using the command line, Windows 11 allows configuration of Wi-Fi settings using Command Prompt or PowerShell:

You can use the following command to view the available Wi-Fi networks:

netsh wlan show networks

This will list all available networks along with additional information.

To connect to a Wi-Fi network via the command line, you must already have a profile set up. You can connect using the following command:

netsh wlan connect name="YourNetworkName"

Conclusion

Connecting to Wi-Fi on Windows 11 is a simple and straightforward process that can be achieved in just a few steps. Whether you are performing everyday tasks, ensuring connectivity on a new device, or troubleshooting a problematic connection, these steps will guide you. Always remember to ensure the security of your connection by using secure networks and avoiding public Wi-Fi when dealing with sensitive information.

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