You can connect to Wi-Fi on Windows 11 in about a minute. This guide walks you through it on Windows 11 version 25H2, and the same steps work on earlier versions of Windows 11.
Before you start, you’ll need:
- Your Wi-Fi network name — Also called the SSID
- Your Wi-Fi password — Windows calls it the “network security key”. It’s often on a sticker on your router.
How to connect to Wi-Fi on Windows 11: step by step
1Click the network icon
It’s at the bottom-right of the taskbar, next to the clock. If you’re not connected it looks like a small globe; once connected it shows Wi-Fi bars.
2Turn Wi-Fi on
The Wi-Fi button in Quick Settings should be blue.
3Choose your network and click Connect
Click your network’s name. Leave “Connect automatically” checked so your PC reconnects on its own.
4Enter the security key and click Next
The network security key is your Wi-Fi password. It’s case-sensitive, so watch your capital letters. Press and hold the eye icon to check what you typed.
✓You’re connected
Your network shows “Connected, secured”, and the network icon on the taskbar changes to Wi-Fi bars.
+Another way: the Settings app
Start → Settings → Network & internet → Wi-Fi → Show available networks.
Won’t connect? Try this.
- Airplane mode on, or no Wi-Fi button? — Turn Airplane mode off. On a laptop, check for a Wi-Fi key or switch.
- Security key rejected? — Check Caps Lock, and use the eye icon to see what you typed
- Can’t see your network? — Move closer to the router, or restart the router and your PC
- Connected, but no internet? — Settings → System → Troubleshoot → Other troubleshooters → Network and Internet. Still stuck? Call us: 239-513-1960
On the go? Public Wi-Fi tips
- Only join networks you recognize — Ask staff for the exact name. Scammers set up look-alike networks.
- Keep public Wi-Fi set to “Public network” — If Windows asks, choose Public. It hides your PC from others on the network.
- Businesses: give visitors a guest network — Keep your office computers on their own secured network
Recap: connect to Wi-Fi on Windows 11 in 4 steps
- Click the network icon on the taskbar
- Make sure Wi-Fi is on, then click the arrow
- Click your network, then Connect
- Type the security key and click Next
Printable quick guide
Frequently asked questions
Why won’t my Windows 11 PC connect to Wi-Fi?
Check that Airplane mode is off and the Wi-Fi button in Quick Settings is on (blue), then restart your router and your PC. If the security key is rejected, check Caps Lock and use the eye icon to see what you typed. Connected but no internet? Run Settings → System → Troubleshoot → Other troubleshooters → Network and Internet.
Where do I find the network security key?
The network security key is simply your Wi-Fi password. It’s often printed on a sticker on your router, labeled Wi-Fi password, WPA key or network key. If another computer has already joined the network, it can show you the saved password.
How do I connect to Wi-Fi on Windows 11 without the taskbar icon?
Use the Settings app: Start → Settings → Network & internet → Wi-Fi → Show available networks. Click your network, click Connect, then enter the security key and click Next.
Should I choose a public or private network?
On hotel, airport and coffee-shop Wi-Fi, choose Public: it hides your PC from other devices on the network. Private is meant for a trusted home or office network where you share files or printers.
Related guides
Source: Connect to a Wi-Fi network in Windows (Microsoft Support)