Use the Taskbar to Connect to a Network in Windows 10
All Windows 10 devices, including desktop PCs, laptops, and tablets, let you view and log in to available wireless networks from the Taskbar. At the Network list, click the desired network and then input credentials if prompted. If you connect using this method, you’ll need to know the network name so that you can select it from the list. You will also need to know the network key (password) assigned to the network if it’s secured with one. If you’re at home, that information is likely on your wireless router. If you’re in a public place like a coffee shop, you’ll need to ask the proprietor. Some networks don’t require credentials, though, and a network key isn’t necessary. To connect to a network in Windows 10: Rarely, the network you want to connect to is hidden from view, which means the network name won’t appear in the Network list. If this is the case, you’ll have to work through the Network Connection wizard, available from the Network and Sharing Center.
Connect to a Network Using the Network and Sharing Center
For those more familiar with using Network and Sharing Center, accessing it may be slightly different from previous versions of Windows, but the basic functionality is nearly the same. To connect to a network using the Network and Sharing Center, do the following: For more information about the different types of Windows network connections, refer to our article on types of network connections.
Connect to a Network in Windows 8.1
Windows 8.1 offers a Network icon on the Taskbar (which is on the Desktop) like Windows 10 does, and the steps for connecting to a network from there are almost identical. To connect from the Desktop, though, you must first access it. You can do that from the Start screen by clicking the Desktop tile or by using the key combination Windows key+D. Once at the Desktop, follow the steps shown above in the Windows 10 section of this article. If you’d rather connect to a network from the Windows 8.1 Charms bar, or if there’s no Network icon on the Taskbar: If the network you want to connect to is hidden and doesn’t appear in the Network list, use the Network and Sharing Center as detailed in the Windows 10 section above.
Connect to a Network in Windows 7
Windows 7 also offers various ways to connect to networks. The easiest way is to connect using the Network icon on the Taskbar: As with other consumer Windows systems, Windows 7 offers the Network and Sharing Center, available from Control Panel. Here you’ll find the option Manage Wireless Networks. If you experience wireless network connection problems or if you don’t see the network you want to connect to in the network list when working through the steps above, go here and click Manually Create a Network Profile. Work through the wizard to add the connection.
Connect to a Network in Windows XP
To connect a Windows XP computer to a wireless network, refer to the article Set Up Network Connections in Windows XP.
Use Command Prompt to Connect to a Network
The Windows Command Prompt, or Windows CP, lets you connect to networks from a command line. If you experienced wireless connection problems or can’t figure out another way to connect, try this method. You’ll need to know the following information before you begin:
SSID: The Sevice Set Identifier. You’ll likely find this on your broadband router and might also be the name of the network. Key: The network identifier (password).
To make a network connection using the command prompt: If you see errors or are asked for additional information, read what’s offered and add parameters as required.
