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To connect a computer to Wi-Fi, turn on Wi-Fi, open the network menu, select the network you want, and enter its password if prompted. The exact controls depend on your operating system, and the computer must have a wireless network adapter. Most laptops have one. Many desktops do not.
Joining a network and getting internet access are separate steps. A computer can show as connected to Wi-Fi and still fail to load websites, so this guide covers both.
Check that the computer can use Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi requires a wireless network adapter. Microsoft’s support pages say most laptops and tablets, and some desktops, come with one installed. On a Windows PC, you can confirm this by opening Device Manager and expanding the Network adapters section. If you see an adapter with “Wireless” or “Wi-Fi” in its name, the hardware is present.
A desktop without built-in Wi-Fi can use a compatible USB Wi-Fi adapter or another supported wireless adapter. Check that the adapter works with your specific computer and operating system before you buy one. A computer that already has a working adapter does not need extra hardware to follow the steps below.
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You also need a wireless router that is already set up and an active internet connection to reach websites. If you are joining an existing network, such as one at home, school or work, you do not need to set up the router or buy internet service yourself.
Connect on Windows 11
- Select the Network, Sound or Battery icons on the taskbar to open quick settings.
- Select the arrow next to Wi-Fi to show the list of nearby networks. If the network you expect is missing, use the refresh option in the list and wait a few seconds.
- Select the network name, then select Connect.
- Enter the Wi-Fi password and select Next.
If your Windows 11 PC has a camera, you can also scan a Wi-Fi QR code shown by the network owner. Windows asks you to confirm adding and connecting to the network after the scan.
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Connect on Windows 10
- Select the Network icon in the taskbar notification area.
- Select the network you want, then select Connect.
- Enter the password when prompted.
Windows 10 may also ask whether your PC should be discoverable by other PCs and devices. Choose the option that fits the network. A home network you control can be treated differently from a public one.
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- Select the Wi-Fi icon in the menu bar at the top of the screen.
- Choose the network you want.
- If prompted, enter the Wi-Fi password, or agree to the network’s terms and conditions.
Apple’s help pages cover password problems, privacy and weak-security warnings, and a Mac that is connected to Wi-Fi but cannot reach the internet. If the connection fails, use those pages for the specific message you see.
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Connect on Ubuntu
In Ubuntu’s desktop help, open Wi-Fi from the system settings or the system menu, then choose a nearby wireless network. Enter the password if asked. Menu names differ between Linux distributions and desktop environments, so if your screen looks different, look for the Wi-Fi or Network section in your system settings.
If the computer does not join the network
Start with these basic checks:
- Confirm that Wi-Fi is turned on. On a laptop, check for a wireless key or function key that switches Wi-Fi on or off.
- Select the correct network name. Nearby networks can have similar names.
- Re-enter the password carefully. Passwords are case-sensitive.
- Move closer to the router. Ubuntu’s help lists a weak wireless signal as a common cause of failure.
- Check for a problem with the wireless card. Ubuntu lists this as a possible cause when a computer cannot connect at all.
On Windows, Microsoft’s troubleshooting guide suggests a staged approach. Run the built-in network troubleshooter first. If it does not help, test whether another device can join the same network. If another device connects normally, the problem is probably on your computer. If several devices fail, check the router or your internet connection.
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- Compatibility Systems: This Wi-Fi usb adapter is compatible with Windows11/10/8.1/8/7/XP,not supports Mac OS or Chromebook or Linux. Most Windows 11/10 systems will automatically detect and install the drivers. If the system does not detect the driver, you will need to download it from our website. For Windows 7, you will need to manually install the driver for this wifi card.or you go to the website online-setup support,we do online-setup for you.
Microsoft also describes checking whether the router’s default gateway responds to a ping and trying an Ethernet cable to see whether the wireless path is the problem. Use these steps only if the earlier checks fail.
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Microsoft lists driver changes and network reset as more advanced steps. Use them only after the basic checks have failed. Network reset removes and reinstalls network adapters and resets network settings, so you may need to reconnect to Wi-Fi and reconfigure any custom network settings afterward.
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- Wifi 6 High-speed Transmission: The WiFi adapter supports the new generation of WiFi6 technology with transmission speeds of up to 600 Mbps on 5 GHz + 287 Mbps on 2.4 GHz, enabling lightning-fast transmission of video at ultra-high speed and low latency
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- Receive & Transmit Two in One: A desktop computer can connect to the WiFi wireless Internet by connecting it to a wireless network card. A networked computer can connect to the network card to transmit WiFi and share it with other devices
- Stay Safe Online: The wifi dongle supports WPA-PSK, WPA2-PSK, WPA/WPA2 mixed encryption modes. Note: Make sure that the distance between the adapter and router should be within 30ft
If the computer joins Wi-Fi but has no internet
When the Wi-Fi icon shows a connection but websites will not open, the problem is usually not the password. Check whether other devices on the same network can reach the internet. If none can, the issue is likely with the router or your internet service. Restart the router and modem, then try again. If only your computer fails, restart it, then run the network troubleshooter for your operating system.
Quick Recap
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