How to Manually Connect to Wi-Fi on Windows 10?

Wi-Fi connectivity is essential for browsing the internet, streaming, or working from home. Windows 10 makes it easy to connect to wireless networks, but sometimes, you may need to connect manually, especially if your computer doesn’t automatically detect or connect to a network. This guide will walk you through the process of manually connecting to Wi-Fi on Windows 10.

Why You Might Need to Connect Manually

While most modern devices connect to WiFi networks automatically, there are situations where you may need to connect manually:

• Hidden Networks: Some networks do not broadcast their SSID (network name), making them invisible to normal detection.
• Connection Issues: Your PC may not automatically detect available networks due to temporary issues.
• Specific Settings: You may want to connect to a network with unique settings, such as static IP addresses or particular security protocols.

Now, let’s look at the steps to manually connect to a WiFi network.

Method 1: Connecting via the Network Icon in the Taskbar

1. Click on the Network Icon:
   • On the taskbar, look for the WiFi icon (signal bars) at the bottom-right corner of your screen.
   • If you’re using a desktop PC with an Ethernet connection, you may see the Ethernet icon instead of the WiFi icon.
2. Open Network Settings:
   • Click on the WiFi icon to open a list of available networks. This will display a list of nearby WiFi networks that your computer can detect.
3. Select “Network & Internet Settings”:
   • At the bottom of the WiFi list, click on Network & Internet Settings to open the WiFi settings page.
4. Manually Connect to a Hidden Network:
   • In the Network & Internet settings window, click on WiFi on the left panel, then click on Manage known networks.
   • Scroll down to Add a network and click on it.
   • Enter the name of the WiFi network (SSID), select the correct security type (WPA2, WEP, etc.), and input the password.
   • Check the box for Connect automatically if you want your computer to reconnect to the network in the future.
   • Click Save to add the network.
5. Connect to the Network:
   • After saving, you can go back to the WiFi list by clicking the WiFi icon again and selecting the network you just added.
   • Your PC will attempt to connect, and if the password is correct, you’ll be connected to the WiFi network.

Method 2: Manually Connecting via Command Prompt (Advanced Method)

For users who are comfortable with using the command line, you can manually connect to WiFi via Command Prompt.

Steps:

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator:
   • Press Windows + X and select Command Prompt (Admin) or Windows PowerShell (Admin).
   • Alternatively, you can search for “cmd” in the Start menu, right-click it, and select Run as administrator.
2. View Available Networks:
   • In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter: netsh wlan show networks
   • This will list all the available wireless networks in your vicinity.
3. Connect to a Network:
   • If the network you want to connect to is visible, use this command to connect: netsh wlan connect name="NETWORK_NAME" Replace “NETWORK_NAME” with the name (SSID) of the WiFi network you want to connect to.
4. Enter the Password (If Required):
   • If the network is secured, you will be prompted to enter the password. Type the password and press Enter.
5. Confirm the Connection:
   • After the connection attempt, type the following command to check the status: netsh wlan show interfaces
   • This will confirm if you’re connected to the network.

Method 3: Using Network Troubleshooter

If you are having trouble connecting to WiFi manually, you can use the built-in Network Troubleshooter in Windows 10 to diagnose and fix connection issues.

Steps:

1. Open Network Troubleshooter:
   • Right-click on the WiFi icon in the taskbar and select Troubleshoot problems. Alternatively, you can go to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot and click on Internet Connections.
2. Run the Troubleshooter:
   • The troubleshooter will automatically detect any issues related to your network connection and provide suggestions for fixing them.
3. Follow the On-Screen Instructions:
   • If any issues are found, the troubleshooter will guide you through steps to resolve them. This may include resetting network adapters or troubleshooting wireless settings.
4. Retry the Connection:
   • Once the issue is fixed, attempt to connect to the WiFi network again using one of the methods outlined above.

Method 4: Manually Connecting Using WiFi Settings in Control Panel

You can also connect to a network manually by using the Control Panel, which provides a more classic method of managing network connections.

Steps:

1. Open Control Panel:
   • Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog box, type control, and press Enter.
   • Alternatively, type Control Panel in the Start Menu search bar.
2. Navigate to Network and Sharing Center:
   • In the Control Panel, click on Network and Sharing Center.
3. Set Up a New Connection or Network:
   • Click on Set up a new connection or network under the “Change your network settings” section.
4. Choose Wi-Fi:
   • Select Manually connect to a wireless network and click Next.
5. Enter Network Information:
   • Fill in the network name (SSID), select the appropriate security type, and enter the password.
   • If you want your PC to reconnect automatically to this network, check the box for Start this connection automatically.
6. Connect:
   • Click Next to save the settings and connect to the WiFi network.

Conclusion

Manually connecting to WiFi on Windows 10 is a straightforward process, but it may be necessary when automatic connections don’t work, or when you need to connect to a hidden or secured network. Whether using the taskbar, Command Prompt, Network Troubleshooter, or the Control Panel, you can always find a method that works for your situation.

If you encounter connection issues, it’s also helpful to check for driver updates or reset your network settings. Remember to ensure your password is correct, especially when connecting to a hidden network, as a wrong password will prevent you from successfully connecting.

Key Takeaways:

• Method 1: Use the WiFi icon on the taskbar for easy access to network settings.
• Method 2: Use Command Prompt for a more advanced, command-line approach.
• Method 3: Use the Network Troubleshooter to fix connection issues.
• Method 4: Use Control Panel for a traditional network management experience.