How to Connect to Wi-Fi: A Step-by-Step Guide for Windows and macOS

Key Information:

• Your Wi-Fi network name and password are typically located on the bottom of your router or in the user’s manual.
• To connect to Wi-Fi, click on the icon resembling a wireframe globe in the taskbar. Then, select your wireless network and enter the password.
• Alternatively, you can connect to the internet by using an Ethernet cable to connect your computer to a LAN port on your modem or router.

Using Windows

1. Click the network icon. It’s located in the lower-right corner of the taskbar to the left of the time on Windows 10. If you are not connected to a network, the icon will look like an outline of a globe with a small "warning" circle at its bottom-right corner.

If you don’t see either of these icons, click the upward-pointing arrow ^ to the left of the time to display more icons.

If you’re using Windows 8, hover your mouse in the upper-right corner of the screen and click Settings. On Windows 7, the Wi-Fi icon looks like a series of bars.

2. Select a network from the list. If a network requires a password for joining, it will display "Secured" below its name.

3. Click Connect next to the network you want to join.

Located in the bottom-right corner of the network’s name, you can also tick the "Connect automatically" box to enable your PC to connect to this network whenever it’s within range. If the network has no password, you’ll connect automatically upon clicking "Connect."

4. Input the network’s password if prompted. For secured networks, you’ll need to enter the password to establish a connection.

Click Next. It’s in the bottom-left corner of the network window. Doing so will prompt your PC to connect to the network if the password you entered is correct.

Using macOS

1. Click the Wi-Fi icon

Located at the top-right of the menu bar on your screen, the Wi-Fi icon resembles a hollow cone when your computer isn’t connected to a wireless network.

If you’re already connected to a Wi-Fi network, its name will be displayed at the top of the list with a checkmark beside it.

2. Click a network name. If the network doesn’t require a password, your Mac will connect automatically. However, if a password is required, you’ll be prompted to enter it at this point.

3. Enter the network’s password if prompted.

4. Click Join. It’s at the bottom of the pop-up window. As long as the password is correct, your Mac will connect to the network.

Article ID: 838
Created: May 16, 2024
Last Updated: February 10, 2025
Author: Annive Federicos [annive.federicos@spintel.net.au]

Online URL: https://articles.spintel.net.au/article/how-to-connect-to-wi-fi-a-step-by-step-guide-for-windows-and-macos.html