📋 Verified Walkthrough
Windows • Everyday Basics

How do I connect my Windows 10 or 11 laptop to Wi-Fi?

Direct Answer

Click the Wi-Fi or globe icon in the bottom-right corner of your screen near the time/clock, click your home network name from the list, check "Connect automatically," and enter your Wi-Fi password.

Why You Might Want to Do This

  • To connect your laptop to the internet at home, a hotel, an airport, or a family member's house.
  • To browse web pages, check emails, and join video calls wirelessly.

Before You Start

  • Know the exact name and password of your Wi-Fi router (often printed on a sticker on your router box).
  • Make sure your laptop is within range of the Wi-Fi signal.

Wi-Fi passwords are case-sensitive. Capital letters and numbers must match exactly.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. 1

    Click the Network/Sound icon near the clock

    Look at the bottom-right corner of your screen where the time is displayed. Click the small curved Wi-Fi waves icon (or globe/speaker icon).

    👀 Curved Wi-Fi waves or globe icon near bottom-right clock.

  2. 2

    Click the arrow next to the Wi-Fi icon

    In the small quick settings panel that opens, click the small right-facing arrow (>) next to the Wi-Fi symbol to see available wireless networks.

    👀 Right arrow (>) beside the Wi-Fi button.

    3. ✅ Success Checkpoint: You're Doing Great

    If your screen matches the description above, you have followed the steps correctly. Continue to the next step.

  3. 3

    Click your home Wi-Fi network name

    Find your home Wi-Fi name in the list of available networks and click it once with your left mouse button.

    👀 Your home router name (SSID) in the list.

  4. 4

    Check "Connect automatically" and click "Connect"

    Make sure the box for "Connect automatically" is checked so your laptop remembers it in the future, then click the blue "Connect" button.

    👀 Checkbox "Connect automatically" + "Connect" button.

  5. 5

    Type your Wi-Fi password and click "Next"

    Carefully type your Wi-Fi password into the box. You can click the small eye icon on the right to verify you typed it correctly before clicking "Next."

    👀 Security key text box with eye icon.

If You Don't See It / Troubleshooting

If the Wi-Fi icon says "Airplane mode" or shows a small airplane

Click the airplane icon and click the Airplane Mode button once to turn it OFF, which re-enables your wireless antenna.

Good to Know

  • Once connected, your Windows PC will automatically reconnect whenever you turn it on at home.
  • Connecting an Apple computer instead? Read our guide on [How to Connect Mac to Wi-Fi](/guide/how-to-connect-mac-to-wifi).
  • Experiencing weak signals or dead zones in distant rooms? Check out our [Wi-Fi Router and Mesh System Buying Guide](/guide/wifi-router-mesh-system-buying-guide-dead-zones).
  • Public Wi-Fi networks (like coffee shops) may open a browser page asking you to click "Agree to Terms" before loading web pages.