Before you can connect to Wi-Fi you will need a few details: the name of the wireless network (typically printed on a label on the router) and the password (again, usually found on the router). If you’re using a PC, make sure it is fitted with a Wi-Fi adaptor: many PCs don’t have Wi-Fi and have to connect to a router using a network cable or, if it’s too far away, by using powerline adaptors.
See also: How to access your router to change Wi-Fi and other settings
How to connect to Wi-Fi on Windows 10: In brief
Press the Windows key and A to bring up the Action Centre (or swipe in from the right on a touchscreen)Click or tap on the Wi-Fi icon if it’s grey to enable Wi-FiRight-click (or long press) and choose ‘Go to Settings’Choose your Wi-Fi network from the list and tap on itEnter the password and wait for the connection to establish
How to connect to Wi-Fi on Windows 10: In detail
Usually, you will see a Wi-Fi icon near the clock in the taskbar which runs along the bottom of your screen. Clicking or tapping on this should display a list of the available Wi-Fi networks.
If the icon is missing, press Windows-A to open the new Action Centre where you should find it at the bottom. If you still don’t see it, click the ‘Expand’ button to show more icons.
Action centre expanded:
Just click on the one to which you want to connect and then make sure the ‘Connect automatically’ box is ticked. This means your computer will connect to that network whenever it is in range.
When you click Connect, you’ll be asked for the password. It’s worth unchecking the ‘Share network with my contacts’ box because if you leave it checked (it’s enabled by default if you used Windows 10’s Express setup option) then all your Skype and Hotmail contacts (who have a Windows 10 device) will be able to connect to your network automatically when they visit you. For some people it’s a great feature, but for anyone worried about what people will be able to access on your network, it may be too great a risk.
Microsoft says that your Wi-Fi password is sent encrypted and guests will not be able to access computers or other network devices on your network. Which they will if you willingly hand over your password to guests.
Some routers and hotspots will offer an extra option when you click Connect: the ability to press the WPS button on the router to connect your computer without entering a password.
Once you’ve done that, or entered the password, you will see a message ‘Verifying and connecting’ and – assuming the password is correct – a ‘Connected’ message.
You can then check you have internet access by launching a web browser and visiting your favourite website. That’s www.techadvisor.co.uk, right?
Jim has been testing and reviewing products for over 20 years. His main beats include VPN services and antivirus. He also covers smart home tech, mesh Wi-Fi and electric bikes.
