Turn on Wi-Fi. Wifi doesn't work - then we're coming to you How to enable wireless on Windows 10

Windows 10 was a continuation of the ideas of Windows 8, adopting good qualities from it and further adapting to simultaneous work with both classic controllers like a mouse and keyboard, and with new touch screens focused on finger control. However, users who have just gotten used to working with 8 will need to adapt again to the changed appearance of Windows. Because of this, operations like setting up Wi-Fi on Windows 10 can be difficult for untrained people.

Connecting to an existing network

First, let's figure out how to connect to an already active broadcast Wi-Fi network. First, you should make sure that the activation button of the wireless adapter is in the on position. After turning on the module, you need to connect to the Wi-Fi network, for which you will need:

After these manipulations, the computer will be ready to work with web pages. As you noticed, connecting to Wi-Fi on Windows 10 is just as easy as in previous editions of the OS.

Interaction with networks

Windows is popular among users because it provides the ability to fine-tune almost every parameter. If necessary, with a little effort, the user can independently configure the OS functions as he sees fit. The same applies to the rich functionality for setting up networks: look up the IP address, set security and sharing parameters, transfer files to other computers on the same work network - all this could be done in previous generations of Windows and in the new Windows 10.

View network password

The new OS also includes functions that allow you to find out the key to the connected network. So, if a user needs to see the Wi-Fi password on Windows 10 in order to tell it to another person, then it is necessary:


Forget saved network

You can also completely forget the Wi-Fi network on Windows 10 so that the computer does not connect to it on its own when it is available again. To do this, the user needs:


Creating a new network using a router

In turn, you can create a Wi-Fi network on Windows 10 in the same way as it was done in previous editions of the OS. This operation no longer falls on the shoulders of the system, but depends on the router used. Instructions for creating and configuring a network are always included with the router; according to general rules, it looks like this:

  1. The user needs to connect the network cable to the router, and plug the device itself into a power outlet and activate it.
  2. Wait until the necessary indicators on the device body light up.
  3. Go to your computer and check the list of broadcast networks.
  4. Connect to an access point whose name matches the name of the router you are using.
  5. Open an Internet browser and go to the router’s web interface page. Depending on the device model, this may be the address “192.168.0.0” or “192.168.0.1”, but this parameter is individual for each manufacturer, and here it is better to use the operating instructions.
  6. Log in to the router menu using the standard login-password pair. This parameter also depends on the manufacturer.
  7. Use the Quick Setup Wizard. Most routers have this function, including budget models. Following the program prompts, the user will sequentially set all the necessary network parameters, including its name, password and the number of devices that can connect to this access point at the same time.

Important! After the setup is completed, save the changes, since many router models tend to reset the settings to factory settings after shutdown and do not save the specified data automatically.

Also, access to the Internet often requires action on the part of the provider - this also needs to be checked with the company providing access to the World Wide Web.

Conclusion

So, Windows 10 provides all the same tools for managing your Internet connection as previous versions of the OS. To a large extent, the differences lie only in the visual design of some sections of the settings menu and their adaptation to touch control.

Windows 10 is the next step in the evolution of operating systems for desktop and desktop computers from Microsoft Corporation. Despite the fact that Windows 8 can be considered a failure, its release was still beneficial for developers. Windows 10 has absorbed all the best from all its predecessors and acquired an incredible number of new features and capabilities. Some of their list also concerns the functioning of a wireless network, so setting up Wi-Fi in Windows 10 can cause problems for beginners who have purchased a device that operates on its basis.

In today’s article, we’ll look at how to set up Wi-Fi in 10, connect to an existing wireless network, and the problems associated with it.

Turn on the radio module

Before using a wireless Wi-Fi connection on a laptop, you need to activate the WiFi module. This is done using a special hardware key or key combination, for example, Fn and F11 (see the manual or look for the corresponding icon on the buttons or keyboard of the laptop).

Connect to an active access point

Here is an algorithm of actions that the user will have to perform in order to connect to the broadcast WiFi point. Naturally, to do this, you need to know the connection password, if it is set, and enable the use of the radio module on your device running Windows 10.

  • Click on the network icon located in the tray.
  • Select the appropriate wireless connection and click on it.
  • Check the “Connect automatically” checkbox if you are using this access point as a permanent connection, and click “Connect”.

If you have a password consisting of 8 or more characters, enter it and save it if necessary.

After checking the data, passing authentication and initialization, the Windows 10 computer will be connected to the specified Wi-Fi point. As you can see, establishing a connection via a wireless network in the “ten” is almost identical to previous versions of the OS.

See also: How to unblock the publisher of Windows 10

Additional wireless settings

Windows 10 is distinguished by a considerable list of Wi Fi parameters and its capabilities available to the user: viewing connection data, configuring security settings, configuring sharing, file sharing, remote access and viewing saved passwords.

Looking at the saved keys

Windows 10 provides the ability to view the password for the network to which your device is connected, for example, to connect to Wi-Fi using a smartphone or transfer the key to a friend.

It's sad, but you won't be able to view the saved password for an inactive network.

  • To do this, go to the “Network Control Center...”.
  • In the “View active networks” frame, find “Wireless...” and click on its icon.
  • Call up the properties of the active WiFi connection.
  • In the “Status” window, click on the button indicated in the screenshot.

A window will appear with detailed information about the WiFi connection currently in use.

  • Go to the “Security” tab and activate the function of visualizing the characters entered in the security key field.

On the Windows 10 computer from which you configured the Wi-Fi router, you can also view the wireless connection encryption key.

  • Follow what is indicated in the user manual or on the sticker on the back/bottom cover of the router.

Typically this is 192.168.0.1.

  • Click on the “Wireless Mode” link.
  • In the “Protection...” or “Security” tab, move to the connection encryption method and see the key in the “PSK Password” field.

Removing an unnecessary connection

Even with a one-time use of a public network (in a cafe, airport), Windows 10 remembers the parameters of the connection made and stores them. If such a network is not needed in the future, it can be easily deleted - “forgotten”, so that the computer does not connect to it.

  • Call up the “Networks and Internet” menu item in the system settings.
  • Go to the first tab “WiFi”.
  • Click on the “Manage settings...” button below.

See also: When installing Windows 10 I started getting an error

  • Scroll down the list until you see the names of the access points.
  • Click on the name of the unnecessary wireless network and click “Forget”.

From now on, when a forgotten connection is detected, Windows 10 will not make automatic connections to it.

Creating a new connection using a TP-Link router

Forming and setting up a new connection in Windows 10 is a simple procedure and it depends, first of all, on the router used, and not on the OS version. In principle, how to configure the router is described in its instructions, but let’s briefly look at the process of creating a new WiFi connection.

  • We turn on the device to the power supply and connect it to the computer using the included crimped twisted pair cable.
  • We are waiting for the router to load.
  • Open an Internet browser window and enter the starting address (look on the sticker on the case or in the user manual) to enter the router interface.
  • Enter the standard password and login values ​​to gain access to the interface.

Typically this is "admin" for both lines. In any case, take a look at the technical documentation.

  • Go to the “Quick Setup” tab.
  • Using the functionality and tips of the wizard, we set the key Wi-Fi parameters.
  • Be sure to save the settings and reboot the router if the device reboot does not start automatically.

This concludes the review of the main features for working with WiFi in Windows 10.

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windowsprofi.ru

How to set up Wi-Fi on Windows 10: connecting to a network, viewing the password

Windows 10 was a continuation of the ideas of Windows 8, adopting good qualities from it and further adapting to simultaneous work with both classic controllers like a mouse and keyboard, and with new touch screens focused on finger control. However, users who have just gotten used to working with 8 will need to adapt again to the changed appearance of Windows. Because of this, operations like setting up Wi-Fi on Windows 10 can be difficult for untrained people.

Connecting to an existing network

First, let's figure out how to connect to an already active broadcast Wi-Fi network. First, you should make sure that the activation button of the wireless adapter is in the on position. After turning on the module, you need to connect to the Wi-Fi network, for which you will need:

After these manipulations, the computer will be ready to work with web pages. As you noticed, connecting to Wi-Fi on Windows 10 is just as easy as in previous editions of the OS.

Interaction with networks

Windows is popular among users because it provides the ability to fine-tune almost every parameter. If necessary, with a little effort, the user can independently configure the OS functions as he sees fit. The same applies to the rich functionality for setting up networks: look up the IP address, set security and sharing parameters, transfer files to other computers on the same work network - all this could be done in previous generations of Windows and in the new Windows 10.

The new OS also includes functions that allow you to find out the key to the connected network. So, if a user needs to see the Wi-Fi password on Windows 10 in order to tell it to another person, then it is necessary:


Forget saved network

You can also completely forget the Wi-Fi network on Windows 10 so that the computer does not connect to it on its own when it is available again. To do this, the user needs:


In turn, you can create a Wi-Fi network on Windows 10 in the same way as it was done in previous editions of the OS. This operation no longer falls on the shoulders of the system, but depends on the router used. Instructions for creating and configuring a network are always included with the router; according to general rules, it looks like this:

  1. The user needs to connect the network cable to the router, and plug the device itself into a power outlet and activate it.
  2. Wait until the necessary indicators on the device body light up.
  3. Go to your computer and check the list of broadcast networks.
  4. Connect to an access point whose name matches the name of the router you are using.
  5. Open an Internet browser and go to the router’s web interface page. Depending on the device model, this may be the address “192.168.0.0” or “192.168.0.1”, but this parameter is individual for each manufacturer, and here it is better to use the operating instructions.
  6. Log in to the router menu using the standard login-password pair. This parameter also depends on the manufacturer.
  7. Use the Quick Setup Wizard. Most routers have this function, including budget models. Following the program prompts, the user will sequentially set all the necessary network parameters, including its name, password and the number of devices that can connect to this access point at the same time.

Important! After the setup is completed, save the changes, since many router models tend to reset the settings to factory settings after shutdown and do not save the specified data automatically.

Also, access to the Internet often requires action on the part of the provider - this also needs to be checked with the company providing access to the World Wide Web.

Conclusion

So, Windows 10 provides all the same tools for managing your Internet connection as previous versions of the OS. To a large extent, the differences lie only in the visual design of some sections of the settings menu and their adaptation to touch control.

WindowsTen.ru

Setting up Wi-Fi in Windows 10

To easily create a software WiFi router in Windows 10, you need to:

  1. Windows 10 OS.
  2. WiFi adapter.
  3. The presence of the Internet itself.

The article looked at an ADSL connection as an example. But in reality, you can use absolutely anything: PPPoE, Wi-Fi from a second adapter, and so on.

To configure wifi distribution via the command line (cmd), use the commands:

  1. netsh wlan set hostednetwork mode=allow
  2. netsh wlan set hostednetwork mode=allow ssid=FastWifi key=12345678 keyUsage=persistent

The procedure for setting up a Wi-Fi network is as follows:

First, you should check whether the Wi-Fi router is working. For example, on laptops the virtual WiFi adapter may well be disabled in the BIOS itself. On laptops, to make sure it works, you can use the Fn+Fx or Fn+F3 keys. But the easiest way to check is by clicking on the “Network” icon and checking if any other networks are available. If yes, then everything is in order (if someone nearby is giving access).

You need to make sure that there is unhindered access to the network. The console will help with this, in which you need to enter the “ping” command, or by opening any browser. This way we will make sure that we can distribute the Internet.

You should make sure that the “WLAN Service” is running, including “Routing”. This can be done as follows: Control Panel, then go to Administration.” The standard service settings should start automatically. However, there are cases when, after optimizing a PC, specialists turn them off. With this optimization option, specialists can often harm the operating system, and it will be difficult to try to distribute the Internet.

After making sure that the services are working, you need to launch the Windows console with the “cmd.exe” command with all administrator rights. The best option would be to open WinX in the operating system menu. It contains “Command Prompt (Administrator)”. You can open it using Win+X.

Opening the Windows 10 OS console, enter:

netsh wlan set hostednetwork made=allow ssid=winap key=123456789 keyusage=persisstent

The command creates a wireless point with the following parameters:

  • winap network name;
  • Password 123456789.

It can be copied from this article to save time. It looks like this in the image:

Instead of “winap” and “123456789”, you may need to enter your desired name and password, respectively, which you are going to use when accessing Wi-Fi. This will not only protect your network from hacking, but will also prevent you from forgetting your password and access name.

It is worth paying attention to the fact that: the password for accessing the wireless network should consist of no more than 8 characters; the Cyrillic alphabet does not need to be entered to avoid confusion.

After the work is done, you can try to distribute wireless Internet. In the same console you should enter:

netsh wlan start hostednetwork

netsh wlan show hostednetwork

The last of them displays the presence or absence of access to the Internet. This can be seen in the image:

Upon completion of the check, you should go to “Network Connections” in Windows 10 using the Control Panel.

In this example, “Ethernet” is the source of the Internet network. In this case, “Local Area Connection 3 winap” is an access point. It is in working condition. It is recommended to assign a new name to the wireless network so as not to confuse it with anything else in the future.

After this, you should expand your Internet connection using “Windows ICS”. To do this, hover over the connection (in the photo it’s “Ethernet”), then right-click, after “Properties”, then go to the “Access” tab. Ultimately, he clicks to enable ICS and establish a connection with the one who is trying to distribute traffic - to WiFi “winAP”.

Upon completion of all actions, we connect to the WiFi network and check whether the Internet can be distributed or not. In the console you can run the command

netsh wlan shaw hostednetwork

It shows how many users are currently using your Internet distribution with all their might.

How to manage an access point

By performing certain actions you can control the access point, namely:

netsh wlan stop hostadnetwork

The command stops the wifi network.

netsh wlan set hostednetwork mode=disalow

Command to completely remove access point data from the system. This is done instantly and there is no provision for a reversible process.

netsh wlan start hostednetwork

The command sets up automatic network starts. Thus, it is added to startup. Moreover, it is allowed to be written into a cmd script. All that needs to be done for this is to indicate that it is launched as an administrator (otherwise this will not be possible), and then add the script to startup. Please note: it is required that wireless network access is also installed when downloading Windows 10 version. Otherwise, despite the functionality of the access point, there will be no Internet.

Without any doubt, it will take no more than 5 minutes to start distributing the Internet in this way. However, this does not require the use of additional special programs. This method of connecting a network allows you to create a WiFi router in a short time without any hassles and distribute the Internet. Moreover, you can use it anywhere and any time of the day. If you plan to use the network access point every day, the best option would be to purchase a router. Since this option is convenient only for those who use it on work trips, or even need it several times a month.

Possible problems

If it happens that the Wi-Fi wireless network is not working without any reason, the Windows 10 operating system should not be blamed for this, the problem is clearly located in the settings. Some of the popular problems in this case are:

  1. WiFi router drivers – it is advisable to reinstall them.
  2. The problem is in the router itself.
  3. Perhaps the actions were carried out incorrectly.
  4. Perhaps all services that are responsible for access are disabled.
  5. There may be a virus on your computer that is stopping it from working.

For example, when starting the operating system, the Wi-Fi router driver may not ask the virtual adapter to exit standby mode. When the Windows 10 system boots, the service continues to be in this state.

The procedure for creating and configuring a WiFi router access point to a wireless network can also be applied to Windows of earlier versions, in particular version 8 and 8.1.

Found a typo? Select the text and press Ctrl + Enter

ZnaiWifi.ru

How to connect to Wi-Fi on Windows 10?

Lately, everyone has been writing about Windows 10. Some criticize it, others really like the system, everyone is updating, testing and all that. I also try to be in the “trend” :), so I put the ten next to the already installed Winodws 7, and used it a little. Well, of course, I checked how Wi-Fi works, and how network management is generally organized. Even compared to Winodws 7, practically nothing has changed, there are just some more settings that are tailored for touch screens.

The panel for connecting to Wi-Fi networks has changed a little; now you can turn Wi-Fi on or off in just two clicks. The main thing I liked was the automatic installation of all drivers, including for the network card and Wi-Fi receiver. On my laptop, a model like 2013, all the drivers were installed automatically. I really don’t know how it will be on other computers, but this is very cool, because on the same Winodws 7, there have always been many problems connecting to Wi-Fi, precisely because of the drivers. The only thing I haven’t found is where to look up the password for the Wi-Fi network in Windows 10. The method I wrote about in this article is not suitable. There simply is no "Manage wireless networks" item. I’ll study this topic a little more and write about how to remember the password on the “ten”.

In this article I want to show you how to connect to Wi-Fi on Windows 10. I’ll also show you where the wireless network settings are located.

Connecting a laptop or tablet on Windows 10 to a Wi-Fi network

Everything is very simple, and also beautiful. On the notification panel (in the lower right corner), click on the button in the form of network divisions (Wi-Fi antennas). If you have a Wi-Fi driver installed, but the adapter itself is turned off, then the icon will have a red cross, and if there are networks available for connection, it will have an asterisk.

Click on this icon, and if Wi-Fi is turned off, then click on the corresponding button and turn on the wireless adapter.

Immediately after turning on the wireless adapter, the networks available for connection will appear at the top. Click on the desired network and click on the Connect button. You can uncheck the Connect automatically checkbox if you do not want your device to establish a connection to this network itself.

If the network is protected by a password, you will need to specify it.

Next, the system will ask if you want your computer to participate in your home network. Other devices will see it. If you are connecting to your home network, I recommend clicking Yes. So that later there will be no problems with setting up the local network.

That's it, your computer will be connected to the Internet. By clicking on the network you are connected to, you can easily disconnect from it.

You can finally test the new browser - Microsoft Edge. An interesting browser by the way, I would like to see your reviews about it.

How to open Wi-Fi settings on Windows 10?

Click on the connection icon and click on the Network settings link.

The "Network and Internet" settings will open. There are wireless network settings.

You can also open the familiar network and sharing control panel. Just right-click on the connection icon and select Network and Sharing Center. And then everything is the same as in Windows 7 and 8, managing adapters, etc.

So far I have not heard about any problems with Wi-Fi on Windows 10, errors, crashes and the like. Well, by tradition, the most popular problem is “no Internet access”, or rather the connection status is “Limited”, with a yellow triangle next to the network icon. As a rule, the router is to blame. Or rather, incorrect setting. If you have such an error, then see the article: “Connection is limited” in Windows 10 via Wi-Fi and network cable.

I would be grateful for your comments on the topic of the article. Write how you like Windows 10, whether there are any problems with accessing the Internet via Wi-Fi, or about any new features of the system.

help-wifi.com

How to connect Wi-Fi on Windows 10?

Without a doubt, the release of a new version of the popular operating system became one of the main events of 2015 in the field of IT technologies. Following months, which for many users felt like an eternity, a flurry of criticism, discussions and questions followed. Of course, most users, after installing the update, rushed to check what they had added to the main functions of the “ten”. Of course, one of the main functions of the OS is connecting to a wireless Internet network. In general, the creators did not introduce anything extraordinary into the operation of Wi-Fi. In addition, many similarities in this component can be found with a similar process in its predecessor versions. But, as you understand, this would not be a new OS if the functions and settings were left without innovations compared to Windows 7 and 8. Today we will talk about the benefits of Wi-Fi and how to connect Wi-Fi on Windows 10.

New Wi-Fi features in Windows 10

In general terms, this element has a modified panel for connecting to wireless networks. In particular, turning Wi-Fi on and off can be done in two clicks.

What we can praise the developers for is the integration of such an option as automatic installation of all drivers.

How to create a restore point in Windows 10?

How to prepare a laptop and tablet for connection?

In principle, there is nothing abstruse in this process - fortunately, the creators decided not to reinvent the wheel and did everything beautifully and simply. We go down to the bottom of the screen, where the notification panel is located. Click on the wireless network icon. If the adapter is turned off, there will be a red cross on the icon. In the case when both the adapter and the driver are in perfect order, the icon will have an asterisk. Therefore, to connect to the Internet, you should select a specific network and click on it.

After this, a “Connect” button will appear under the name of the potential Internet “supplier” network. In addition to this, you will also see the “Connect automatically” option, which you can check if you want your laptop or PC to independently connect to the selected network.

Of course, in most cases, wireless network distributors set a password for their network, so after connecting, the system will ask you to enter the network security key. After entering it, a request will appear asking you to allow other PCs to detect your device. In this case, it is better to give a positive answer in order to avoid future embarrassment with setting up a local network. That's it, now your device is ready to receive a signal.

Calling up wireless Internet settings. View Password

At the end of the list of available networks there is a “Network Settings” link. After clicking it, the “Network and Internet” subsection will appear, in which you can enable or disable network access, select a network and make settings in the “Advanced Settings” item.

As for the security code, users often experience some difficulties with it. This question is especially relevant for those who use one router from several devices. To achieve your goal you need to follow a couple of simple steps. First, go to the “Network and Sharing Center” section, which can be accessed using the Control Panel. In the window that appears, select the “Wireless Network” link (located in the upper right corner), then select the “Wireless Network Properties” button.

How to clean the Windows 10 registry?

After this, the “Connection” and “Security” tabs will appear, go to the second one.

The password is typed opposite the line “Network security key”. In order to see the characters, you need to check the box next to the “Display entered characters” item.

How to forget/create a network?

In order for your device to stop connecting to a certain network on its own as soon as it is active again, you need to go to the “Settings” section, the “Network and Internet” subsection and select the Wi-Fi option. In the window on the right, select “Manage Wi-Fi network settings.” A list of known networks will appear in front of you, from which you should select the one you want to forget. Actually, after clicking on the name of the network, the system will offer to perform the desired action.

Thus, the system will exclude the selected network from the “registry” and the independent connection will stop.

The process of creating a network is no different from its predecessors.

Make sure your router is active, then look through the list of available networks. As soon as you see a name in this list similar to the name of the router model, connect. Then go to your browser and open the router's web interface page. After this, enter your username and password to access the menu. In the menu you can already use the quick preparation wizard, which will tell you all the necessary instructions for creating a new access point.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Wi-Fi Connection in Windows 10

In general, there are no numerous (or even isolated) complaints about connecting to a wireless network in the Top Ten yet. The developers tried to make sure that life was not complicated for users and harmoniously integrated their innovations into the process. As you can see, having learned about some of the nuances of the principle of connecting a computer to a network, it is unlikely that in the future the system will prevent you from safely browsing web pages from the device.

The biggest problem with connecting to Wi-Fi, which is also present in previous versions, is the evil yellow triangle with an exclamation mark. It often frustrates users, but the system is not to blame. The “Restricted” status appears due to malfunctions of the router. And this, as they say, is a completely different story. How to fix the error “Windows cannot be installed on this disk”?

In one of our next articles we will tell you how to find out the Wi-Fi password.

If you still have questions on the topic “How to connect Wi-Fi on Windows 10?”, you can ask them in the comments

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The check starts with the BIOS. This applies to systems with built-in communication modules. First of all, laptops. If you disable wireless communication on a Windows 10 laptop, the OS does not see the network. Wi-Fi does not work, and sometimes BlueTooth does not work if the module is combined. It would be useful to look at the presence of an antenna installed according to the rules. The setup is preceded by inspecting the hardware and checking the results using other devices. It is very convenient to set up Wi-Fi with a smartphone at hand. When the connection is established, the information is verified.

Not everyone knows about this, but now, even without a router, you can transfer files over a Wi-Fi network by setting up special applications. In this aspect, both standards are approximately equal at short distances. Today everyone uses the capabilities of a wireless network in the subway, transport, hotel and even train. This is why a poorly functioning protocol is a cause of dissatisfaction, and why some people start to panic when the Wi-Fi icon disappears. Let's see why we can't connect to this network.

On a laptop, the F2 key is often used to enter the BIOS, which must be pressed during startup. Scroll through the (usually sparse) menu until you see the wireless network setting. To be honest, it’s difficult to get lost on a single page of settings, but we’ll still attach a photo.

Two protocols are circled:

  1. Wi-Fi.
  2. BlueTooth.

The laptop has a dedicated slot for the wireless module, and the system knows where to look for it. This means it can be turned off if necessary. Use this option for your health. Finally, it would be nice to make sure that we should have a network at all. Let's take the time to remove the back cover and take a look.

It is almost impossible to confuse. The two coaxial wires have a very distinctive appearance. If the hardware is in order, we move on.

Turning on the network on laptops

Wi-Fi on a laptop is turned on with the quick key combination Fn + F5. A graphical menu appears where you just need to check a box. Inspect the keyboard for function keys.

These keys are the most frequently used. We don't show the icons because some of them don't remind you of wireless communication at all. After that, go to settings and enable the network:


Reconciliation

We mentioned that you need to check the result. Sometimes it happens that there has been no connection for a long time, but the subscriber is still on the list. Here is a screenshot of the network list from Android.

In general, the picture is similar. This means that we were able to set up the network and connect. If you plan to distribute, configure network discovery in the special menu.

Network discovery

In some cases, it is necessary to set several more parameters. This includes network discovery. To enable it:


I can't turn it on

Start by checking Device Manager:


In case of any deviations, try the following steps:

  1. Update the driver (directly from Device Manager).
  2. Disable the hardware (from Device Manager) and restart the PC.

Windows has a real problem with networks. Sometimes changes take effect only after several reboots.

External modem

An external modem is an option for many PCs. The interface (unlike USB) has hardly been updated, so old devices are quite suitable.

In a matter of seconds, the OS recognized the installed modem, and now we can find our neighbors’ access points.

All that remains is to check if everything works!

This is what we were talking about: a modern OS can update to a new configuration almost instantly.

And now we again see the same list of networks on the third device. If it were not possible to immediately start showing the networks, then we would have to download the driver.

How to download the driver

We just type our model (WL-U356L) into the search, and now on the company’s page we are offered to download the driver.

Actually, the modem is old, so the driver for it is antediluvian.

A huge number of people can no longer imagine everyday life without the Internet. But in order to use it, you first need to connect to the World Wide Web. It is at this stage that some users periodically experience difficulties. In this article, we'll tell you what to do if your Windows 10 device won't connect to your Wi-Fi network.

Today we will talk about two main methods that will help you solve the problem of connecting to a wireless network. In fact, there are many more similar methods, but most often they are individual in nature and are not suitable for all users. Now let's look at both mentioned methods in detail.

Method 1: Checking and enabling the Wi-Fi adapter

In any unclear situation with a wireless network, you first need to make sure that the adapter is correctly recognized by the system and access to the hardware itself is enabled. It sounds trivial, but many users forget about this and look for the problem too deeply at once.

  1. Open "Options" Windows 10 using keyboard shortcut "Win+I" or any other known method.
  2. Next, go to the section "Network and Internet".
  3. Now you need to find a line with the name on the left side of the window that opens "Wi-Fi". By default it is second from the top. If it is present in the list, then go to this section and make sure that the wireless network switch is set to "On".
  4. In case the section "Wi-Fi" not in the list, should be opened "Control Panel". To do this, you can use the keyboard shortcut "Win+R", enter the command control in the window that opens, and then click "Enter".

    About how you can still open "Control Panel", you can find out from a special article.

  5. A new window will appear. For convenience, you can switch the element display mode to "Large Icons". This is done in the upper right corner.
  6. Now you need to find an icon with the name in the list "Network and Sharing Center". Go to this section.
  7. In the left part of the next window, click LMB on the line "Changing adapter settings".
  8. At the next step, you will see a list of all adapters that are connected to the computer. Please note that additional devices that were installed on the system along with the virtual machine or VPN are also displayed here. Among all the adapters you need to find the one called "Wireless network" or contains the words in the description "Wireless" or "WLAN". Theoretically, the icon of the required equipment will be gray. This means it is turned off. In order to use the hardware, you need to right-click on its name and select the line from the context menu "Turn on".

After completing the described steps, try again to search for available networks and connect to the one you need. If you do not find the adapter you are looking for in the list, then you should try the second method, which we will discuss later.

Method 2: Install drivers and reset connection

If the system cannot correctly detect the wireless adapter or its operation is malfunctioning, then it is worth updating the drivers for the device. Of course, Windows 10 is a very independent operating system, and often installs the necessary software itself. But there are situations when equipment needs software released by the developers themselves for stable operation. To do this, we recommend doing the following:

After restarting your computer, try connecting to Wi-Fi again. In most cases, the described actions solve previously encountered problems. If you are trying to connect to a network whose data is saved, then we recommend activating the function "Forget". It will allow you to update the connection configuration, which could simply have changed. It's very easy to do this:


We hope that by following the steps described, you will get rid of various errors and problems with Wi-Fi. If after all the manipulations you were unable to achieve a positive result, then you should try more radical methods. We talked about them in a separate article.

Connecting to WiFi on a laptop or computer running Windows 10 is very easy.

In the tray, on the "Network" icon, click on the left mouse button:

Note. If the network icon in the tray looks different this means that you do not have a WiFi adapter, or it is disabled. See the section at the end of this article.

A panel will open with a list of available WiFi networks (access points). You need to click on the network you want to connect to. After this, the “Connect” button will appear:

After this, a field will appear in which you need to enter the password for this access point:

Note. In order to see the text of the password that you wrote, you need to click the "Eye" button at the right end of the field. The password text is only displayed when the button is held down!

Enter the password, click “Next” and if the password is correct, then in half a minute or a minute the connection will be established. The network icon in the tray will change its appearance. In this case, Windows 10 will set all parameters, except the password, for a new connection automatically.

After connecting to the access point, Windows 10 will prompt you to assign the type of this network:

If you click the "Yes" button, then you can exchange files and other resources on this network (for example, print over the network). If you click the "No" button, then this network will only have the Internet.

The connection is established and you can use the Internet:

How to Change WiFi Settings on Windows 10

In the tray, on the “Network” icon, you need to right-click and then select “Network Center” from the menu

In the Network Control Center, you need to click on the connection name (in the illustration it is “Wireless network sQuad 7.82 3G”:

The status window for this connection will open, in which you need to click the “Wireless Network Properties” button:

And after that a window will open in which you can change the settings for this connection:

How to use WiFi

Using WiFi is very easy. Once you have created a connection, you can turn it on and off through the network icon in the tray.

However, you need to understand that the ability to use WiFi is highly dependent on external factors. Because the radio signal is affected by the external environment. Various obstacles such as walls, ceilings, floors weaken both the signal of the access point and the signal of the client device. Windows shows the signal strength from the access point in “sticks”. The pictures at the beginning of the article show the signal level of one or two short sticks. This is a very weak signal. With such a signal, you most likely will not be able to use the Internet.

There are programs that show the signal level in numbers - dBm, for example 60 dBm or 40 dBm. The higher the number, the weaker the signal - a good signal is a number less than 50 dBm. However, you need to understand that the accuracy of such numbers varies depending on the adapter and the driver of this adapter. Under the same conditions, one adapter may show, for example, 71 dBm, and another adapter 82 dBm.

In addition to passive barriers, the quality of WiFi signal transmission can be negatively affected by sources of electromagnetic radiation. So, even if you have the best WiFi adapter installed on your laptop, this does not mean that you will always be able to use the Internet via WiFi.

In situations with a poor signal, using an adapter with an external antenna can help. For example, the TP-Link TL-WN722N/C USB WiFi adapter is equipped with an external antenna. Moreover, it is removable and, if necessary, can be replaced with another one with a higher gain.

What benefits does having an external antenna provide? Continuing the same example - under equal conditions - the same access point, the same time and place of connection, the presence of passive barriers between the access point and the client - as a result, a weak signal in both directions:

  • The internal "native" WiFi adapter of the laptop connects to the access point, but practically does not allow you to use the Internet due to low speed and frequent interruptions.
  • TP-Link TL-WN722NC with its own antenna provides a stable Internet connection at a good speed.

If WiFi doesn't work

If your computer does not have a "Wireless Network Connection" the reason may be the following:

  • There is no WiFi adapter on your computer at all. You can find this out through Device Manager. There should be a wireless network card in the list of devices.
  • There is a WiFi adapter on your computer, but it is disabled. For example, many laptops have buttons to turn off the WiFi adapter. This can be a separate button or one of the F buttons in combination with the Fn button. If the WiFi adapter is built into the motherboard, it may be disabled in the BIOS.
  • There is an adapter, but the drivers for it are not installed, in this case it will be in the list of devices as an unidentified device.
  • There is an adapter, but it is disabled by software.

There is no WiFi adapter in the list of devices:

There is a WiFi adapter in the list of devices, but it is disabled (icon in front of the adapter name):

If "Wireless Network Connection" is present, it shows a list of networks, but cannot connect to the desired network, then the reason may be that:

  • The signal between your adapter and the access point is too weak. Long distances, thick walls, etc. Moreover, the signal level of the access point may be decent, but the signal from your adapter does not reach the access point. Because the adapter signal is generally weaker than the access point signal. Especially if the adapter is built-in, such as in a laptop.
  • You entered the wrong password. This is especially true for Windows XP because the password characters cannot be seen there.

If the connection to the access point is established, but the Internet does not work, then the reasons may be:

  • WiFi router (access point) is not connected to the Internet. For example, a technical failure at the provider, or a lack of funds in your account with the provider.
  • Technical failure in the operation of the provider's DNS servers.

Private WiFi network

WiFi Security

Since when using WiFi, all information is transmitted via radio waves, this makes WiFi networks much more vulnerable compared to wired networks. The fact is that radio signals sent by the access point (WiFi router) and devices that are connected to the access point are available for interception by any similar device that is within the “hearing” radius of the access point or from the client of this access point. That is, intercepting network traffic becomes very simple, affordable and invisible. And intercepting network traffic allows you to collect the information necessary to attack a WiFi network. As more and more access points become available, WiFi increases and so does the number of people willing to “hack” the WiFi network.

The most common motivation for hacking WiFi hotspots is to connect to the Internet via WiFi for free. A fairly common picture today is that you have a WiFi router installed in your apartment and not only your devices are connected to it, but also the computer of one of your neighbors. You pay for the Internet, and your tech-savvy neighbor gets the Internet for free.

But Internet “theft” is not the only reason why WiFi networks are “hacked.” The fact is that if an attacker gains access to your access point, through it he can gain access to all devices that are connected to your WiFi router. And this gives him the opportunity to steal your personal data. For example, passwords to mail, to Internet banking, your documents - in one word, to everything you own.

Therefore, you need to use WiFi with caution. Here are a few rules to follow.

Do not connect to open public WiFi networks through a laptop on which you store valuable information. And if you need access to the Internet via open WiFi networks, then use a firewall and antivirus on your laptop. It’s even better if you install two operating systems on your laptop. One main one, in which all your valuable information will be stored. And the other is empty, only for accessing the Internet through open WiFi networks.

If you use a WiFi router at home or in the office, you must configure the WiFi router correctly:

  • Use WPA2 security type.
  • The password for protection should be long - preferably 10 - 15 characters, and should consist of an arbitrary set of characters. Password marina1234 very bad - it will be hacked in a few minutes. Password nve5k-sjehr)