Buzz
Linking a Windows PC to a network via Wi-Fi or Ethernet cable
Are you looking to establish internet connectivity for your Windows computer? Nowadays, internet access is essential for almost every task. You can establish a wireless connection by configuring your computer's Wi-Fi settings. Alternatively, you can directly connect your computer to the internet modem or router using an Ethernet cable. It's important to note that connecting to a network differs from setting up a wired computer network commonly found in office environments. This Mytour article provides instructions on connecting a Windows computer to an internet network.
Essential Information
- You can typically locate your Wi-Fi network name and password on the bottom of the router or in the user manual.
- Access the taskbar and click on the icon resembling a wireframe globe. Then, select the Wi-Fi icon and choose your wireless network. Enter the network password when prompted.
- Another option for internet connection is to link your computer to a LAN port on the modem or router using an Ethernet cable.
Procedures
Setting Up Wi-Fi Connection on Windows 11
Ensure your network is operational. To connect to an internet network, you must configure your wireless network. The modem of the network should be linked to an Internet output (e.g., a cable outlet), and the router should be connected to the modem. Both the router and modem need to be powered on.
- You can assess the status of your Internet connection by observing the status lights on the modem and/or router. If the Internet connection seems unstable, opting for a wired connection instead of Wi-Fi may be preferable.
- Some modems come equipped with a built-in router.
- If your PC is already linked to a Wi-Fi network, the network icon will resemble fan-shaped arches. Click on this icon instead.
Select your wireless network and click Connect. You will find your Wi-Fi network name in the list of available networks. Select your wireless network and then hit the blue Connect button.
- If your network's name isn't visible, you might need to move closer to your router/modem or ensure that your Wi-Fi network is functional. It's also plausible that your network name is hidden and requires manual entry. If your network is hidden, you'll need to access your router and either reveal the SSID name or unhide the network.
- Typically, your network's name incorporates your router/modem's name, model number, and/or manufacturer's name if the network hasn't been configured previously.
Input the network password. Type the password used to access your network into the provided text box.
- If you haven't modified the network password from the default factory settings, you can find it on a sticker typically located on the bottom or back of the router (or modem/router combo) or in the user manual provided with your modem or router.
- If the network lacks a password, clicking Connect in the previous step will establish a connection to the network.
Click Next. This button is located below the password text field. Clicking it will input the password and initiate the connection attempt to the network.
- If the password entered is incorrect, you'll be prompted to re-enter it.
Wait for the network to establish connection. Once your computer successfully connects to the network, you'll see the status change to 'Connected' below the network's name. Now, you can freely access the Internet on your PC.
- If you have multiple computers connected to the same Wi-Fi network, you can interconnect with other computers on the same wireless network.
Setting Up Wi-Fi Connection on Windows 10
Ensure your network is operational. To connect to an internet network, you must configure your wireless network. The network's modem should be linked to an Internet output (e.g., a cable outlet), and the network's router should be connected to the modem. Both the router and modem need to be powered on.
- Some modems come with a built-in router.
- You can check the status of your Internet connection by observing the status lights on the modem and/or router. If the Internet connection appears unstable, consider using a wired connection instead of Wi-Fi.
Activate Wi-Fi if needed. If you notice a message stating 'Wi-Fi Turned off' at the top of the pop-up menu, click the Wi-Fi box located in the bottom-left corner of the pop-up menu before proceeding.
Select the name of your wireless network. Choose the name of the wireless network you wish to connect to. The network's name will expand.
- If you cannot see your network's name, you might need to move closer to your router/modem, or ensure that your Wi-Fi network is operational. It's also plausible that your network's name is hidden and requires manual entry. If your network is hidden, you'll need to access your router and either discover the SSID name or reveal the network.
- Your network's name will likely incorporate your router/modem's name, model number, and/or manufacturer's name if the network hasn't been set up previously.
Click Connect. This option is situated below the expanded name of the network in the pop-up menu.
Input the network password. Type the password used to access your network into the provided text box.
- If you haven't changed the network's password from the default factory settings, you can find it on a sticker typically located on the bottom or back of the router (or modem/router combination) or in the user manual provided with your modem or router.
- If the network doesn't have a password, clicking Connect in the previous step will establish a connection to the network.
Click Next. This action is located below the password text field. Clicking it will input the password and attempt to connect your computer to the network.
- If the password entered is incorrect, you'll be prompted to re-enter it.
Wait for the network to establish connection. Once your computer successfully connects to the network, you'll notice the status change to 'Connected' below the network's name. At this juncture, you're ready to commence using the Internet on your PC.
- If you have multiple computers linked to the same Wi-Fi network, you can interconnect with other computers on the same wireless network.
Utilizing Ethernet
Ensure your network is operational. To connect to an Internet network, the modem of the network must be linked to an Internet output (e.g., a cable outlet), and your router must be connected to the modem. Both devices must be powered on.
- Some modems come equipped with a built-in router.
- If you don't require Internet access for wireless devices or users on your network, bypass the router and connect your computer directly to the modem.
Purchase an Ethernet cable if needed. Ethernet cables are utilized to link network devices (e.g., your computer or a router) to a modem or a connected router. Ethernet cables are available in most electronics stores, or you can browse online at retailers such as Amazon and Best Buy.
- Ensure the Ethernet cable you purchase is of sufficient length to reach from your router or modem to your computer if relocating your computer isn't an option.
- Your Ethernet cable should not exceed 100 meters in length, with 90 meters being widely considered as the maximum effective length.
- An Ethernet cable can also be used to connect two computers together.
Locate an available Ethernet LAN port on your router or modem. Ethernet ports are square openings typically located at the rear of your router and modem. The Ethernet port designated for your use on the router often has 'LAN' indicated above or adjacent to it. Your router may offer multiple available ports.
- Modems typically feature only one 'Internet' port, typically utilized for connecting the router to the modem.
- If directly connecting your computer to the modem on a network employing a separate router, disconnect the router from the modem's Ethernet port before proceeding.
Locate your computer's Ethernet port. Find the square-shaped Ethernet port on your computer. If your computer has one, it's likely situated on the side (for laptops) or at the rear of the tower (for desktops).
- If your computer lacks an Ethernet port, you'll need to purchase a USB-to-Ethernet adapter.
Connect your computer to the router or modem. Insert one end of the Ethernet cable into an available LAN port on your router or modem, then plug the other end into your computer's Ethernet port.
- Ethernet cables have interchangeable ends, so it doesn't matter which end is plugged into the computer or the router.
- If your PC doesn't have an Ethernet port, insert the USB end of the Ethernet adapter into one of your computer's USB ports before connecting to the router or modem.
Wait for your computer to establish an Internet connection. Once your computer recognizes the Ethernet connection, it will connect to the network. You'll notice a monitor-shaped icon appear on the taskbar's right side, replacing the previous 'Wi-Fi' icon. You can now begin using the Internet on your PC.
Helpful Tips
-
Ethernet provides the fastest and most reliable Internet connection, making it ideal for tasks like gaming on PCs.
-
Many Wi-Fi issues can be resolved by simply restarting your computer. This often resolves connectivity problems caused by software issues.
-
If you're using an older computer, you can still connect to Wi-Fi using Windows 7 or 8.
Important Notices
- If your network hardware (e.g., router, modem, or cable) malfunctions, you may encounter difficulty connecting to your desired network.
- Avoid inputting sensitive information such as passwords or credit card details when utilizing networks lacking 'Secured' in their name.
