How to manage wireless network connections on Windows 10

Although, for the most part, setting up a wired network connection on a Windows 10 device is as easy as plugging in an Ethernet cable, connecting using a wireless adapter requires some additional steps depending on the security of the network.

Windows 10’s Settings app that makes it super easy to manage many aspects of a Wi-Fi connection. Using the «Wi-Fi» page in the «Network & Security» section, you can connect and disconnect from a network, view configuration properties, change the network profile, manually add and remove network connections, set your connection as metered to reduce data usage on capped internet plans, and a lot more.

In this Windows 10 guide, we’ll walk you through many ways you can manage wireless network connections on your device using the Settings app.

How to connect to a Wi-Fi network

Connecting to a wireless network is an easy process, you only need to know the network you want to connect and the security key to authenticate (sometimes also referred as a Wi-Fi password).

1. Click the wireless icon in the notification area.
2. Select the network you want to connect.
3. Check the Connect automatically option.

Click the Connect button.

Click the Next button.

If the network flyout is not reporting any wireless network, you can try the steps shown below to turn off and on again Wi-Fi to see if that fixes the problem.

How to disconnect from a Wi-Fi network

Removing your device from a wireless network is also a straightforward process that can be done in a few different ways.

Disconnecting using the flyout menu

The easiest way to disconnect is using the network flyout menu.

1. Click the wireless icon in the notification area.
2. Select the network you’re currently connected.

Click the Disconnect button on the network connection.

Alternatively, you can click the quick action Wi-Fi button at the bottom to turn off the adapter and disconnect from the network using flyout menu.

Quick Tip: The same Wi-Fi button can also be found in the Action Center’s Quick Actions section (Windows key + A).

If you don’t select a schedule, then you’ll need to enable the adapter manually by clicking the Wi-Fi button again from the flyout menu. Also, note that using the flygout menu, it’s possible to turn on or off Airplane mode and Mobile hotspot.

Disconnecting using the Settings app

Alternatively, you can enable or disable Wi-Fi using the Settings app.

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on Network & Security.
3. Click on Wi-Fi.
4. Turn off the toggle switch for the adapter you want to disconnect.

Use the drop-down menu to select an option to turn on the wireless adapter on schedule.

How to view a Wi-Fi connection properties

Sometimes, in order to troubleshoot a problem or set up an application, you’ll need to know your network hardware information, such as network band, IP address, the name of the adapter and others. While there are a number of ways to find out this information, you can quickly identify these and other information about your wireless connection using the Settings app.

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

Under the wireless network, click the Hardware properties link.

In the properties page, you’ll find information, such as SSID, protocol, security type, network band and channel, IP and MAC address.

How to connect to a Wi-Fi network on range automatically

If you didn’t select the option to connect to a wireless network automatically while setting up a new connection, or you enabled the option, but you don’t need the configuration anymore, it’s possible to control this feature using the Settings app.

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

Click your current Wi-Fi connection.

Turn on or off the Connect automatically when in range option.

How to change the Wi-Fi connection network profile

In order to increase network security, starting with the Windows 10 Fall Creators Update, you can now more easily set your wireless connection as Private on a network you trust, or Public on the network you don’t trust, such as at a coffee shop or airport.

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

Click your current Wi-Fi connection.

Under «Network profile,» select one of the two options:

• Public – makes your PC hidden from other devices on a public network and disables file and printer sharing.
• Private – makes your PC discoverable by other devices in a local network and allows them to use printer and file sharing (if it was configured).

If you’re not running the Windows 10 Fall Creators Update, you’ll see a Make this PC discoverable option, which works in the same way as the options shown in the above steps (toggle switch off means Public, and toggle switch on means Private).

How to set a Wi-Fi connection as metered

Out of the box, Windows 10 has unlimited access to the internet to download system and app updates, sync settings across your devices, connect to cloud services, and to connect you to the mighty internet.

The problem is that if you’re on a limited internet connection, it’s possible to go over the data cap very quickly. A metered connection helps to reduce Windows 10’s data usage to prevent exceeding your data plan.

If you’re connected to a limited data plan, you can use the Settings app to set your wireless connection as metered.

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

Click your current Wi-Fi connection.

Under «Metered connection,» turn on the Set as metered connection toggle switch.

After completing the steps, Windows 10 will only have restricted access to an internet connection, which also prevents it from downloading updates. However, some critical updates may download over this type of connection.

In addition, using a metered connection will prevent the Start menu from downloading Live Tiles updates, and some apps will no longer receive updates automatically.

How to add or remove Wi-Fi connections

Using the Settings app is also possible to add or remove a Wi-Fi network manually in those cases when you may need to connect to a network that doesn’t broadcast its SSID (Service Set Identifier), or when you need to set up a wireless connection beforehand to save time.

Adding a Wi-Fi network

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

Click the Manage known networks link.

Click the Add a new network button.

Click Save.

Once you’ve completed the steps, whenever your device is within range of the network, it’ll connect automatically without any further steps.

Removing a Wi-Fi network

If you must remove (forget) a Wi-Fi network, the Settings app makes it a very straightforward process.

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

Click the Manage known networks link.

Click the Forget button (there is no confirmation dialog using this button, so make sure that you really want Windows 10 to forget this connection before clicking the button).

After completing the steps, your device will no longer try to connect with the network you’ve removed.

How to manage wireless services

The Wi-Fi settings page also offers a few nifty features for users that are always on the move.

Wi-Fi services

Windows 10 offers two additional features to help you get connected no matter where you are located. If you turn on the Find paid plans for suggested open hotspots near me toggle switch, then you’ll be able to purchase data plans from the Windows Store form affiliated networks.

In addition, you can also turn on the Connect to suggested open hotspots toggle switch, which allows Windows 10 to connect automatically to open wireless networks, even connecting through landing pages thanks to a database of known networks.

While using suggested open hotspots is a good option, remember that some networks can be reliable but not secure.

Hotspot 2.0 networks

Hotspot 2.0 is a relatively new networking standard that makes connecting to public Wi-Fi networks a simple and secure process.

If you’re in a public place like at a coffee shop, airport, or hotel, Hotspot 2.0 will identify and connect to the right network automatically without having to go through a list of networks which can be fake or malicious.

Hotspot 2.0 networks is enabled by default on Windows 10, but if you’re planning to make use of this feature, you can go to Settings > Update & Security > Wi-Fi to make sure is enabled. You can also check this guide for more details.

Wrapping things up

While it’s now possible to configure many wireless options using the Settings app, Windows 10 has yet to include every networking feature in this experience. This means that to change some options, such as advanced network adapter settings, power management, and set up specific protocols, you still need to use Control Panel.

More Windows 10 resources

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

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Setting up a wireless network

A wireless network at home lets you get online from more places in your house. This article describes the basic steps for setting up a wireless network and starting to use it.

Get the right equipment

Before you can set up your wireless network, here’s what you’ll need:

Broadband Internet connection and modem. A broadband Internet connection is a high-speed Internet connection. Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) and cable are two of the most common broadband connections. You can get a broadband connection by contacting an Internet service provider (ISP). Typically, ISPs that provide DSL are telephone companies and ISPs that provide cable are cable TV companies. ISPs frequently offer broadband modems. Some ISPs also offer combination modem/wireless routers. You can also find these at computer or electronics stores, and online.

Wireless router. A router sends info between your network and the Internet. With a wireless router, you can connect PCs to your network using radio signals instead of wires. There are several different kinds of wireless network technologies, which include 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, and 802.11ac.

Wireless network adapter. A wireless network adapter is a device that connects your PC to a wireless network. To connect your portable or desktop PC to your wireless network, the PC must have a wireless network adapter. Most laptops and tablets—and some desktop PCs—come with a wireless network adapter already installed.

To check whether your PC has a wireless network adapter:

Select the Start button, type device manager in the search box, and then select Device Manager.

Expand Network adapters.

Look for a network adapter that might have wireless in the name.

Setting up the modem and Internet connection

After you have all the equipment, you’ll need to set up your modem and Internet connection. If your modem wasn’t set up for you by your Internet service provider (ISP), follow the instructions that came with your modem to connect it to your PC and the Internet. If you’re using Digital Subscriber Line (DSL), connect your modem to a phone jack. If you’re using cable, connect your modem to a cable jack.

Positioning the wireless router

Put your wireless router somewhere where it will receive the strongest signal with the least amount of interference. For better results, follow these tips:

Place your wireless router in a central location. Place the router as close to the center of your home as possible to increase the strength of the wireless signal throughout your home.

Position the wireless router off the floor and away from walls and metal objects, such as metal file cabinets. The fewer physical obstructions between your PC and the router’s signal, the more likely that you’ll be using the router’s full signal strength.

Reduce interference. Some networking equipment uses a 2.4 gigahertz (GHz) radio frequency. This is the same frequency as most microwaves and many cordless phones. If you turn on the microwave or get a call on a cordless phone, your wireless signal might be temporarily interrupted. You can avoid most of these issues by using a cordless phone with a higher frequency, such as 5.8 GHz.

Securing your wireless network

Security is always important; with a wireless network, it’s even more important because your network’s signal could be broadcast outside your home. If you don’t help secure your network, people with PCs nearby could access info stored on your network PCs and use your Internet connection.

To help make your network more secure:

Change the default user name and password. This helps protect your router. Most router manufacturers have a default user name and password on the router and a default network name (also known as the SSID). Someone could use this info to access your router without you knowing it. To help avoid that, change the default user name and password for your router. See the documentation for your device for instructions.

Set up a security key (password) for your network. Wireless networks have a network security key to help protect them from unauthorized access. We recommend using Wi-Fi Protected Access 2 (WPA2) security if your router supports it. See the documentation for your router for more detailed info, including what type of security is supported and how to set it up.

Some routers support Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS). If your router supports WPS and it’s connected to the network, follow these steps to set up a network security key:

Do one of the following, depending on which version of Windows is running on your PC:

In Windows 7 or Windows 8.1, select Start, start typing Network and Sharing Center, and then choose it in the list.

In Windows 10, select Start , then select Settings > Network & Internet > Status > Network and Sharing Center.

Select Set up a new connection or network.

Select Set up a new network, then choose Next.

The wizard will walk you through creating a network name and a security key. If your router supports it, the wizard will default to Wi‑Fi Protected Access (WPA or WPA2) security. We recommend that you use WPA2, because it offers better security than WPA or Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) security. With WPA2 or WPA you can also use a passphrase, so you don’t have to remember a cryptic sequence of letters and numbers.

Write down your security key and keep it in a safe place. You can also save your security key on a USB flash drive by following the instructions in the wizard. (Saving your security key to a USB flash drive is available in Windows 8 and Windows 7, but not in Windows 10.)

Use a firewall. A firewall is hardware or software that can help protect your PC from unauthorized users or malicious software (malware). Running a firewall on each PC on your network can help control the spread of malicious software on your network, and help protect your PCs when you’re accessing the Internet. Windows Firewall is included with this version of Windows.

Connect a PC to your wireless network

Select the Network or icon in the notification area.

In the list of networks, choose the network that you want to connect to, and then select Connect.

Type the security key (often called the password).

Follow additional instructions if there are any.

If you have problems with your Wi-Fi network when using Windows 10, see Fix Wi-Fi problems in Windows 10 for advanced troubleshooting info.