How to Connect to WiFi in Windows 10

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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.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Connect to Visible Wi-Fi

1
Turn on the router if you own the network. 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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3
Make sure Wi-Fi is turned on. See if the "Wi-Fi" tile is colored at the bottom of the pane.
4
Click or tap the network name (SSID/service set identifier^{[1]
X
Research source}) you want to connect to.
5
Decide whether to always connect to the network automatically when it's in range. Either check or uncheck the box next to "Connect automatically".
6
Press the Connect button.
7
Either enter the network password.
- If the router is WPS enabled, press the button on the router to connect.
8
Click or tap Next.
9
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.
10
Begin using the network. 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.
11
To disconnect, simply open the Wi-Fi pane and select the network you're connected to. Press Disconnect.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Connect to Hidden Wi-Fi

1
Open Settings. Click the Start
button and select the settings
gear in the lower left corner.
2
Go to the Network & Internet category.
3
Select Wi-Fi from the left pane.
4
Click or tap "Manage known networks".
5
Click or tap + Add a new network.
6
Type the network's name (SSID/service set identifier^[1]).
7
Select the security type and authentication options/enter password.
8
Decide whether to always connect to the network automatically when it's in range. Either check
or uncheck
the box next to "Connect automatically".
9
Choose if you wish to "Connect even if this network is not broadcasting". Simply check the box next to it if you want to.
10
Press Save.

Community Q&A

Question

Where do I find the WiFi settings in Windows 10?

Bat 🦇

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.
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.
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.