Wi-Fi on Windows · Connect guide
How to connect a Windows laptop or PC to Wi-Fi
Sources checked · how we check
Windows lists nearby Wi-Fi networks from the taskbar. Pick yours and enter the password. If Wi-Fi is missing or won't connect, work through Microsoft's fixes below in order.
01 · Before you start
Check these first
- Make sure Wi-Fi is turned on: select the Network icon on the taskbar.
- Make sure Airplane mode is off: Settings → Network & Internet → Airplane mode.
02 · Connect
Step by step, by device
Windows 11
Quick settings → Manage Wi-Fi connections → network → Connect
- Select the Network, Sound or Battery icon on the taskbar to open quick settings.
- On the Wi-Fi quick setting, select Manage Wi-Fi connections.
- Choose the network and select Connect. Not listed? Select Refresh network list.
- Type the network password, then select Next.
Windows 11: join with a QR code
Camera app → barcode mode → scan → confirm in Settings
- Open the Camera app and select the barcode mode icon.
- Point the camera at the QR code that contains the Wi-Fi details.
- Select the link that appears, which opens Settings, and confirm you want to connect.
Windows 10
Network icon → network → Connect → password
- Select the Network icon on the taskbar.
- Choose the network and select Connect.
- Type the network password and select Next.
- Choose Yes or No, depending on the type of network and whether you want your PC to be discoverable.
Forget a network and reconnect
Settings → Network & internet → Wi-Fi → Manage known networks → Forget
- In Settings, select Network & internet → Wi-Fi, then Manage known networks.
- Select the network and select Forget.
- Reconnect by selecting the network and entering the password.
If it still won't connect
On Windows 11, run the Network and Internet troubleshooter in the Get Help app; on Windows 10, go to Settings → Network and Internet → Status → Network troubleshooter. Then restart the router and modem: unplug their power, wait at least 30 seconds and plug them back in. As a last step, use Network reset: on Windows 11, Settings → Network & internet → Advanced network settings → Network reset; on Windows 10, Settings → Network & Internet → Status → Network reset.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Network reset in Windows 11?
Start → Settings → Network & internet → Advanced network settings → Network reset, then Reset now. Microsoft suggests it as the last step when other fixes haven't worked.
Why doesn't my Wi-Fi network show up?
On Windows 11, select Refresh network list in Manage Wi-Fi connections. Also check Wi-Fi is on and Airplane mode is off.