How to connect to a Wi-Fi network on Windows 10

Source: Windows Central

If you use a laptop, tablet, or even a desktop computer, it likely has a Wi-Fi connection, as it’s the most convenient medium to access a network and the internet without messing around with cables.

However, it’s only convenient as long as you know the steps to connect. If you’re using Windows 10, there are multiple ways quickly connect to the internet using a Wi-Fi connection, whether you’re setting up a device for the first time, connecting in a new place, or if you’re simply looking for an efficient way to connect multiple devices to the same network.

In this Windows 10 guide, we walk you through the steps to connect to a Wi-Fi network using the network flyout in Taskbar, Settings, Control Panel, and using command lines with Command Prompt.

How to connect to Wi-Fi network using Taskbar

To connect to a Wi-Fi network using the network flyout in taskbar, use these steps:

Click on the Network icon in the bottom-right corner of the taskbar. (If you don’t see the button, click the up arrow button on the left.)

Note: Alternatively, you can open Action Center (Windows key + A), and then click the Network button in the Quick actions section to access the network flyout.

Click the Connect button.

Source: Windows Central

Quick tip: If you don’t see any network listed, click the Wi-Fi button to turn on the adapter from the flyout.

Confirm the network security key (password).

Source: Windows Central

Click the Next button.

Once you complete the steps, the device will connect to the network using the wireless connection.

Reconnect automatically

Windows 10 also offers an option to re-enable and reconnect the device automatically after disconnecting the adapter manually.

To schedule automatic reconnect to Wi-Fi networks, use these steps:

Click on the network icon in the bottom-right corner of the taskbar.

Click the Wi-Fi button to turn off wireless connectivity.

Source: Windows Central

Use the drop-down menu and select when to re-enable and re-connect:

• Manually.
• In one hour.
• In four hours.
• In one day.

Source: Windows Central

After you complete the steps, Windows 10 won’t try to re-establish a wireless connection until the schedule you specified.

When you use this feature, the computer will only auto-connect to those networks that you’ve previously configured to connect automatically.

How to connect to Wi-Fi network using Settings

On Windows 10, you can also use the «Network & Security» settings page to pre-configure Wi-Fi connections manually, and then when the network is in range, it’ll connect automatically.

To set up a Wi-Fi connection with the Settings app, use these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on Network & Security.
3. Click on Wi-Fi.

Click the Manage known networks option.

Source: Windows Central

Click the Add a new network button.

Source: Windows Central

Click the Save button.

Source: Windows Central

After you complete the steps, the computer will connect automatically to the Wi-Fi network you specified when it’s range.

How to connect to Wi-Fi network using Control Panel

To connect to a wireless network with Control Panel, use these steps:

1. Open Control Panel.
2. Click on Network and Internet.
3. Click on Network and Sharing Center.

Under the «Set up a new connection or network» section, click the Set up a new connection or network option.

Source: Windows Central

Select the Manually connect to a wireless network option.

Source: Windows Central

(Optional) Check the Connect even if the network is not broadcasting option.

Source: Windows Central

Click the Next button.

Click the Close button.

Once you complete the steps, the device will automatically connect to the Wi-Fi network.

How to connect to Wi-Fi network using Command Prompt

Alternatively, you can connect to a Wi-Fi network using the netsh command-line tool using Command Prompt.

To connect to a wireless access point with command lines, use these steps:

1. Open Start.
2. Search for Command Prompt, right-click the top result, and select the Run as administrator option.

Type the following command to view the available network profiles and press Enter:

netsh wlan show profile

Type the following command to connect to the Wi-Fi network and press Enter:

netsh wlan connect ssid=YOUR_WIFI_SSID name=PROFILE_NAME

In the command, remember to specify the SSID of the network and profile name with the network settings you’re trying to connect.

For example, this command connects to the tsunami network using the tsunami profile:

netsh wlan connect ssid=tsunami name=tsunami

Source: Windows Central

Quick Tip: If you have more than one wireless adapter, you must also specify in the command which adapter you want to use. Here’s an example of the command: netsh wlan connect ssid=YOUR_WIFI_SSID name=PROFILE_NAME interface=Wi-Fi .

After you complete the steps, the device will connect to the wireless network.

New network connection

On Windows 10, you can use the netsh command tool to manage wireless adapters and networks. However, it only allows connections to previously known networks, because you must specify a network profile, which you can’t create with the tool.

If you must use Command Prompt to connect one or multiple devices to the same Wi-Fi network, there’s a workaround you can use. You can export the network profile that was created automatically during the first connection, and then import it using netsh to connect to the wireless network.

Export Wi-Fi profile

To export a Wi-Fi profile on Windows 10, use these steps:

1. Open Start.
2. Search for Command Prompt, right-click the top result, and select the Run as administrator option.

Type the following command to view the available network profiles and press Enter:

netsh wlan show profile

Type the following command to export a profile and press Enter:

netsh wlan export profile PROFILE-NAME key=clear folder=PATH\TO\EXPORT\FOLDER

For example, this command exports the tsunami profile to the Documents folder.

netsh wlan export profile tsunami key=clear folder=C:\Users\m\Documents

Source: Windows Central

Once you complete the steps, you can import the same XML file to connect other computers to the same network or reconnect your device if the profile is no longer available.

Import Wi-Fi profile

To import a Wi-Fi profile on Windows 10, use these steps:

1. Open Start.
2. Search for Command Prompt, right-click the top result, and select the Run as administrator option.

Type the following command to determine the name of the network adapter and press Enter:

netsh wlan show interfaces

Type the following command to import the network profile and press Enter:

netsh wlan add profile filename=»PATH\TO\PROFILE.XML» Interface=»YOUR_WIFI_ADAPTER_NAME» user=current

In the command, make sure to specify the path to the XML file and interface name.

For example, this command imports the xml profile located in the Documents folder to the Wi-Fi adapter:

netsh wlan add profile filename=»C:\Users\m\Documents\wi-fi-tsunami.xml» Interface=»WI-FI» user=current

Source: Windows Central

Type the following command to connect to the wireless network and press Enter:

netsh wlan connect ssid=YOUR_WIFI_SSID name=PROFILE_NAME

In the command, make sure to specify the SSID and profile name.

For example, this command connects to an access point using the tsunami SSID and tsunami profile name:

netsh wlan connect ssid=tsunami name=tsunami

Quick Tip: If you have more than one wireless adapter, you must also specify in the command which adapter you want to use. For example, netsh wlan connect ssid=YOUR_WIFI_SSID name=PROFILE_NAME interface=Wi-Fi

After you complete the steps, the device should connect to the network automatically.

More Windows 10 resources

For more helpful articles, coverage, and answers to common questions about Windows 10, visit the following resources:

Halo: MCC’s live service elements make it better, not worse

Halo: The Master Chief Collection is more popular than ever, but some fans don’t agree with the live service approach 343 Industries has taken with it. Here’s why those elements are, at the end of the day, great for the game and for Halo overall.

Microsoft’s Surface Duo is not ‘failing up’

Microsoft announced this week that it was expanding Surface Duo availability to nine new commercial markets. While Surface Duo is undoubtedly a work in progress, this is not a sign of a disaster. It’s also doesn’t mean that Surface Duo is selling a ton either. Instead, the reason for the expansion is a lot more straightforward.

Here’s what you can do if Windows 10 update KB5001330 is causing issues

In this guide, we’ll show you the steps to get rid of the update KB5001330 to fix profile, gaming, and BSoD problems with the Windows 10 October 2020 Update and May 2020 Update.

These are the best PC sticks when you’re on the move

Instant computer — just add a screen. That’s the general idea behind the ultra-portable PC, but it can be hard to know which one you want. Relax, we have you covered!

Windows 10 can’t connect to this network [Comprehensive Fix]

• Windows 10 sometimes won’t connect to the Internet, and there can be a multitude of reasons for that.
• Depending on the exact error, there are various solutions, as you’ll see below.
• Network problems are common, and we’ve got a whole collection of useful guides in the Network Hub.
• Having trouble with certain apps too? See our tutorials in the Troubleshooting section.

Internet access is crucial for many users, and there have been reports that users are getting Windows 10 can’t connect to this network message while trying to establish an Internet connection.

This can be a big problem, but there there are few ways to fix these issues.

How can I fix Windows 10 network connection errors?

1. Windows 10 can’t connect to a wireless network

1.1. Uninstall your network adapter

1. Press Windows Key + X and choose Device Manager from the list.
   
2. Locate your network adapter and right-click it.
3. Choose Uninstall. (If asked, check to Delete the driver software for this device and click OK.)
   
   
4. After the driver has been uninstalled, restart your computer and Windows 10″ href=’https://windowsreport.com/windows-10-windows-7-user-base/’ data-id=»http://data.windowsreport.com/windowsreport/post/windows_10_hits_35_user_base__windows_7_takes_the_crown_with_43;http://data.windowsreport.com/windowsreport/entity/windows_10_2″>Windows 10 will automatically install the new driver.

1.2. Update your network adapter drivers

Sometimes issues with the wireless network are caused by an outdated driver, and in order to fix connection errors, you’ll have to download the latest drivers for your network adapter.

To do this you’ll need a computer or any other device with a working Internet connection.

Visit the website of your network adapter manufacturer and download the latest drivers for your network adapter on a USB or other external source.

After installing the latest drivers, this issue should be resolved.

Users can certainly update device drivers on their PC manually by going to each device manufacturer’s website and searching there or on the web for the right driver to match their device type and model.

However, besides being time-consuming, this process carries the risk of getting the wrong driver installed, which may lead to serious malfunctions.

The safer and easier way to update drivers on a Windows computer is by using an automatic tool such as DriverFix.

1. Download DriverFix.
2. Launch the program.
3. DriverFix will proceed to scan your PC for missing broken or outdated drivers
4. Choose which drivers to update or repair
5. Wait while DriverFix deals with your drivers.
6. Restart your PC.

Driverfix

1.3. Change channel width for your network adapter

1. Press Windows Key + S and enter type network.
2. Chose Network and Sharing Center from the list of results.

   

3. Click the Change adapter settings.
   
4. Locate your wireless adapter and right-click it. Choose Properties from the menu.
   
5. Navigate to Advanced tab.
6. Select the 802.11 channel width and change the value. (Some users have reported that changing the value to 20 MHz has fixed the issue for them, but you might have to use a different value.)
7. Click OK to save the changes.

1.4. Disable IPv6 on your computer and router

1. Open Network and Sharing Center.
2. Find the Connections section and click your current connection.
   
3. In the Connection status window, click the Properties button.
   
4. Find Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP /IPv6) and uncheck it.
   
5. Click OK button to save the changes.
6. Restart your computer in order to apply the changes.

If the problem still persists, you might have to disable IPv6 on your router.

Disabling IPv6 on your router is a complicated process, and it’s different for every type of router, so before you do that, check your router’s instruction manual.

If you encounter any issues or if your network protocol is missing, be sure to check out this guide that will help you get back on track.

1.5. Make sure that your adapter and router are using the same security type

In order to protect your data, wireless connections come with certain security types such as WPA2-PSK (AES) or WPA-PSK (AES).

For your network connection to work properly, your router and computer need to use the same security type.

You can set the security type for your router by following the instructions from your router’s instruction manual.

After you’ve set a specific security type on your router, you need to check if the same security type is being used on your computer as well. To do that, you need to follow these steps:

1. Open Network and Sharing Center.
2. Click on your connection, then on Wireless Properties.
3. In the Security tab, you should see your connection security type.
4. The Security type section should show the same security type that your router is using. ( You might have to try several different security types before you pick the right one.)
5. Click OK to save changes.

1.6. Add the connection manually

1. Open Network and Sharing Center.
2. Click Set up a new connection or network.
3. Choose Manually connect to a wireless network and click Next.
4. Enter the requested information such as network name, security key and security type.
5. Click Next to finish the process.

After you’ve created a new network connection, everything should be working without any problems. If the issue persists, try changing the security type of your new network.

1.7. Change the wireless network mode

1. Open Network and Sharing Center.
2. Click Change adapter settings, locate your wireless network adapter, right-click it and choose Properties from the menu.
3. When the Properties window opens, click the Configure button.
   
4. Go to the Advanced tab and from the list select Wireless mode.
   
5. Now change the value of Wireless mode so it matches the value of Wireless mode on your router. (In most cases 802.11b (or 802.11g) should work, but if it doesn’t, try experimenting with different options.)

You can change the wireless network mode for your router and your wireless adapter. In order for your network to work, your router and network adapter need to use the same or similar network mode.

If you want to change the network mode of your router, you’ll need to check the instruction manual, but in most cases, it won’t be necessary to change wireless network mode on your router.

1.8. Forget the wireless connection

1. Open Settings App and go to Network & Internet.
2. Go to Wi-Fi section and on Manage known networks.
3. Select your Wireless network and click Forget.
4. After you’ve done that, connect to the same wireless network again.

Can’t access the Settings app? Take a look on this step-by-step guide to get to the bottom of the problem.

Many network issues are caused by malware, various scripts, and bots. You can secure yourself by installing PIA (Private Internet Access), a leader in the VPN market. It protects your PC from attacks while browsing, masks your IP address, and blocks all unwanted access.

1.9. Disable and enable your wireless connection

1. Open Network and Sharing Center.
2. Click Change adapter settings.
3. Locate your wireless connection, right-click it and choose Disable.
   
4. Right-click the same connection again and choose Enable.

1.10. Install the driver manually

1. Open Device Manager and find your network adapter.
2. Right-click it and choose Update Driver Software.
   
3. Click Browse my computer for driver software.
   
4. Now click on Let me pick from a list of device drivers on my computer.
   
5. Make sure that Show compatible hardware is not checked.
   
6. Find your network adapter manufacturer and select the driver you wish to install.
7. After you’ve installed the driver, restart your computer.

1.11. Use ipconfig /release command

1. Press Windows Key + X and from the list choose Command Prompt (Admin).
   
2. When Command Prompt starts, enter the following lines and after each line press Enter to run it:
   • ipconfig /release
   • ipconfig /renew
3. Close Command Prompt and try to connect to the network again.

If you can’t run the commands because Command Prompt won’t work with admin rights, you may want to take a look here to solve the problem.

1.12 Change your network adapter

If nothing else works, maybe you should change your network adapter.

Certain USB WiFi adapters aren’t compatible with Windows 10, and if that’s the case, you might have to replace your current adapter with a newer model.

2. Windows 10 can’t connect to this network after upgrade

2.1. Use Command Prompt

1. Open Command Prompt as administrator.
2. When Command Prompt starts, type the following and press Enter to run it:
   • reg delete HKCRCLSID <988248f3-a1ad-49bf-9170-676cbbc36ba3>/va /f
     
3. Now enter the following line and press Enter to run it:
   • netcfg -v -u dni_dne
     
4. Close Command Prompt and restart your computer.

2.2. Uninstall ESET Smart Security/antivirus software

1. Open Settings and choose System.
2. Go to Apps & features section.
   
3. Locate your ESET Smart Security software and click Uninstall.
4. Restart your computer.

If you don’t use ESET Smart Security, you might want to uninstall the antivirus software that you’re currently using.

If your network connection starts working, you can install your antivirus software again.

We have to mention that some users suggest that you need to uninstall your Ethernet driver as well in order to fix this issue.

2.3. Check if IPv4 and IPv6 protocols are enabled

1. Open Network and Sharing Center.
2. Click Change adapter options.
3. Find your adapter, right-click it and choose Properties.
4. Make sure that IPv4 and IPv6 protocols are enabled.
5. Click OK and check if the issue has been resolved.
6. If the issue still persists, repeat all the steps but this time enable all items in the Properties window.

If you cant access the IPv4 proprieties, don’t worry. This guide will help you fix the issue.

3. Windows 10 can’t connect to this network, enter an APN and try again

Enter new Internet APN

1. Tap on Mobile network + SIM settings.
2. Choose SIM settings > Add Internet APN.
3. Now you’ll need to enter APN information.
4. After you’re done, tap Save.

As we said, you might have to contact your mobile provider in order to get your APN information, or you can search for it online from a different device.

4. Windows 10 can’t connect to this network and WEP problems

We have already covered how to create a wireless connection manually in this article, but in order to connect to the network that uses WEP security, you have to set Security type to WEP for your new connection.

We should also mention that WEP security type isn’t the safest, and it’s advised that you switch to WPA2 security type.

To do that, you’ll have to change the Security type in your router and on your computer.

5. Windows 10 can’t connect to this network after waking from Sleep Mode

5.1. Disable IPv6 / Change Power Management settings

We have already explained how to disable IPv6 in this article, but if you’re getting Windows 10 can’t connect to this network message after your computer wakes up from Sleep Mode, you need to do check Power Management settings for your adapter.

To do that, follow these steps:

1. Open Device Manager and navigate to the Network Adapters section.
2. Locate your wireless adapter and right-click it. Choose Properties from the menu.
   
3. Navigate to the Power Management tab.
4. Uncheck Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power and save the changes.
   

If you use a USB network adapter, you’ll have to repeat this step for all USB devices in Device Manager.

After doing this, if your PC won’t recognize the USB devices, you can take a look here to see some great solutions.

5.2. Change Power Options

1. Press Windows Key + S and type Power Options. Choose Power Options from the list.
   
2. Find your selected power plan and click the Change plan settings.
   
3. Now click Change advanced power settings.
   
4. Navigate through the list and go to Wireless Adapter Settings > Power Saving Mode.
5. Change its Setting to Maximum Performance and save the changes.
   

If this solution doesn’t work, you can also try changing your power plan to High Performance. To do that, follow these steps:

1. Open Power Options.
2. Select the High performance power plan.
   

5.3. Turn off Connect to WiFi hotspots

1. Open Settings and go to Network & Internet.
2. Go to Wi-Fi and click on Manage Wi-Fi settings.
3. Make sure that Connect to Wi-Fi hotspots and Send information about Wi-Fi connections to help discover nearby Wi-Fi are turned off.

Few users have reported that this solution has worked for them, so you might give it a try.

If Windows doesn’t find your Wi-Fi adapter, check out this article to fix the issue.

5.4. Disable and enable your network connection / turn on and off Airplane mode

In order to fix Windows 10 can’t connect to this network error, you can disable and enable your network connection to fix this problem.

In addition, you can try turning Airplane mode on and off in order to fix this problem.

For any Airplane mode errors, you may encounter there’s this awesome guide that can be of help.

Windows 10 can’t connect to this network after a password change

If you’ve recently changed your password for the wireless network and now can’t connect to your network, you might want to forget the connection, as shown in a previous solution.

In addition, you need to check if your security type on your computer matches the security type on your router (also described above).

Additionally, toggle the option to connect automatically to your network to Off. This will allow you to input your new password.

As seen, there can be many causes why your device can’t connect to the Internet. We truly hope that our solutions have been helpful and that you’ve managed to resolve this issue.

If you have any questions, feel free to reach for the comments section below.