The fastest way to connect: using Windows Settings

Open the Windows Settings menu by pressing the Windows key and typing "Settings," then press Enter. Once Settings opens, select Network & Internet from the left sidebar, then click WiFi. You'll see a list of available networks in your area — find your network name (also called the SSID) and click it.

A box will appear asking for your WiFi password. Type it exactly as it was given to you — passwords are case-sensitive, so uppercase and lowercase letters matter. Check the box next to "Remember this network" if you want Windows to connect automatically in the future, then click Connect. Windows will verify the password and connect within a few seconds.

Once connected, you'll see "Connected, secured" under your network name. Your PC is now online and ready to use. If you don't see your network in the list, scroll down to see more options, or wait a few seconds for the list to refresh.

Key Takeaways

  • Open Windows Settings, go to Network & Internet, select WiFi, find your network name, and enter your password to connect.
  • Your WiFi password is case-sensitive, so type it exactly as written on your router or in your account information.
  • If your network doesn't appear in the list, wait a few seconds and scroll down, or move closer to your router.
  • Once you see "Connected, secured" next to your network name, your PC has internet access.
  • If connection fails, restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plug it back in and try again.

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

If you don't see your network name after waiting a few seconds, your router may be broadcasting on a frequency your PC can't detect, or you may be out of range. Move your PC closer to the router — even a few feet can make a difference — and refresh the network list by clicking the WiFi icon again.

If the network still doesn't show up, restart your router. Unplug it from power, wait 30 seconds, then plug it back in. Wait another 30 seconds for it to fully restart, then check the network list again. If you still can't find it, check that your router is powered on and that the WiFi feature is enabled — some routers have a physical WiFi button or a switch on the back.

Troubleshooting when the password is rejected

If Windows says the password is incorrect, the most common cause is a typing mistake. Double-check that Caps Lock is off unless your password actually starts with a capital letter. Retype the password slowly, paying attention to numbers and special characters like hyphens or underscores.

If you're certain the password is correct, restart your router and try again. Sometimes a router glitch prevents it from accepting new connections. If the password is still rejected after a restart, you may need to reset your router to factory settings — this erases your WiFi password and network name, so only do this if you're comfortable reconfiguring your router from scratch. Check your router's manual or the manufacturer's website for reset instructions.

Connecting to a hidden network

Some routers hide their network name for security. If you know your network name but don't see it in the list, you can connect manually. In the WiFi settings, scroll down and click Manage known networks, then select Add a new network. Type your network name exactly as it is, select the security type (usually WPA3 or WPA2 — check your router settings if unsure), enter your password, and click Next.

Your PC will now search for that network and connect. This method works even if the network is hidden, as long as you have the correct name and password.

Using the WiFi button on your router

Many routers have a WPS (WiFi Protected Setup) button that lets you connect without typing a password. Press and hold the WPS button on your router for 3 to 5 seconds until a light blinks, then when ready go to your PC's WiFi settings and look for a notification or prompt to connect using WPS. Click it within two minutes of pressing the router button.

This method is faster if your password is long or complex, but it only works if your PC supports WPS — most modern Windows PCs do. If you don't see a WPS option in your WiFi settings, your PC doesn't support it, and you'll need to use the password method instead.

Checking your connection speed and signal strength

Once connected, you can see how strong your signal is by looking at the WiFi icon in the system tray (bottom right of your screen). More bars mean a stronger signal. If you have only one or two bars, you may experience slow speeds or dropped connections — try moving closer to the router or removing obstacles like walls or metal objects between your PC and router.

To see detailed information about your connection, right-click the WiFi icon and select Open Network & Internet settings, then scroll down and click Advanced network options. You'll see your connection speed (measured in Mbps) and other technical details. Speeds of 50 Mbps or higher are good for most everyday tasks like browsing and video calls.

Reconnecting after your PC goes to sleep

If your PC was connected to WiFi but lost the connection after sleeping or shutting down, Windows will usually reconnect automatically when you wake it up — this happens within a few seconds. If it doesn't, open WiFi settings, find your network, and click Connect again.

If your PC frequently disconnects from WiFi, the problem may be a power-saving setting that turns off your WiFi adapter to save battery. Open Device Manager by pressing Windows key + X and selecting Device Manager, find Network adapters, right-click your WiFi adapter, select Properties, go to the Power Management tab, and uncheck the box that says "Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power." Click OK and restart your PC.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my PC keep asking for the password even though I checked "Remember this network"?

This usually means Windows didn't save the password correctly. Go back to WiFi settings, click your network, select Forget, then reconnect and re-enter the password. Make sure you type it exactly right, including capital letters and special characters. If it keeps happening, your password may have been changed on the router — check with whoever manages your network.

Can I connect to WiFi without a password?

Yes, if the network is open (unsecured). These networks don't require a password and appear in your network list without a lock icon. However, open networks are not find — anyone nearby can see your internet activity. Avoid using open networks for sensitive tasks like banking or shopping unless you use a VPN.

What's the difference between 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz WiFi?

Most routers broadcast on both frequencies. The 2.4 GHz band has longer range but slower speeds; the 5 GHz band is faster but has shorter range. If your router broadcasts both, you'll see two network names (one may say "5G" in the name). For devices far from the router, use 2.4 GHz; for devices close by that need speed, use 5 GHz.

How do I know if my PC's WiFi adapter is broken?

Open Device Manager (Windows key + X, then select Device Manager), expand Network adapters, and look for your WiFi adapter — it usually has "Wireless" or "802.11" in the name. If it has a yellow warning symbol, the driver needs updating. Right-click it and select Update driver. If there's no WiFi adapter listed at all, the hardware may be faulty and you may need a replacement USB WiFi adapter.

Can I connect to two WiFi networks at the same time?

No, your PC can only use one WiFi connection at a time. However, you can connect to one network and use an Ethernet cable for a second wired connection if your PC has an Ethernet port. This gives you two simultaneous connections, though most tasks only need one.