How to connect to Wi-Fi network on Windows 11
You can connect your Windows 11 device to a Wi-Fi network in various ways, and in this guide, you will learn how.
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Windows 11 makes it easy to connect laptops, tablets, and desktop computers to a wireless network to access the internet and other local network resources. However, it’s only easy if you know the tools and process to connect.
If you are setting up a connection in a new network or want to learn a more efficient way to connect multiple computers,Windows 11has different tools to connect without cables, using the Taskbar, Settings, Control Panel, and Command Prompt. Also, starting withthe release of version 24H2, it’s also possible to connect using a QR Code.
In thishow-to guide, I’ll walk you through how to connect your computer to a Wi-Fi network on Windows 11.
How to connect to Wi-Fi network from Taskbar
To connect to a Wi-Fi network through the Windows 11 Taskbar, use these steps:
Once you complete the steps, the laptop will connect to the network using the wireless connection.
Reconnect automatically
In addition, Windows 11 also offers an option to reconnect the device automatically after manually disconnecting the adapter.
To set the Wi-Fi adapter to reconnect automatically on Windows 11, use these steps:
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After you complete the steps, Windows 11 won’t reconnect until the time you selected. When using this functionality, the computer will only connect automatically to the networks you have connected to in the past.
How to connect to Wi-Fi network from Settings
You can also set up wireless connections manually using the Settings app. This way, when the network is in range or hiding its SSID (Service Set Identifier), the laptop or desktop computer can connect automatically.
To add a wireless connection manually, use these steps:
Once you complete the steps, the device will connect automatically when the wireless network is in range and whether it’s hidden or visible.
How to connect to Wi-Fi network from QR Code
Starting with the release of Windows 11 version 24H2 (2024 Update), Microsoft is adding a new option that allows you to generate a QR Code that you can use with other devices to connect to a wireless network using the camera app.
To connect to a wireless network scanning a QR Code, use these steps:
How to connect to Wi-Fi network from Control Panel
To connect to a wireless network with Control Panel on Windows 11, use these steps:
Once you complete the steps, the computer will automatically connect to the Wi-Fi network.
How to connect to Wi-Fi network from Command Prompt
You can also use thenetshcommand-line tool in Command Prompt to connect to a Wi-Fi network on Windows 11.
To connect to a Wi-Fi network with commands, use these steps:
In the command, update the name (SSID) of the network and profile name with your network information. For example, this command connects to the “tsunami” network using the “tsunami” profile:netsh wlan connect ssid=tsunami name=tsunami.
After you complete the steps, the laptop will connect to the Wi-Fi network.
Create network connection
The netsh command tool also allows you tomanage Wi-Fi adapters and networks. The only issue is that you can only manage existing profiles. You cannot create new network profiles with this tool.
If you have to use Command Prompt to connect one or multiple computers to the same wireless network, you can export the profile created automatically during the first connection. Then you can import it using netsh to connect using commands.
Export Wi-Fi profile
To export a Wi-Fi profile with commands on Windows 11, use these steps:
For example, this command exports the tsunami profile to the “Documents” folder:netsh wlan export profile tsunami key=clear folder=C:\Users\m\Documents
Once you complete the steps, you can import the same XML file to connect other computers to the wireless network.
Import Wi-Fi profile
To import a Wi-Fi profile on Windows 11, use these steps:
In the command, you must specify the location of the XML file and network interface name. For example, this command imports the XML profile located in the “Documents” folder to the Wi-Fi adapter:netsh wlan add profile filename=“C:\Users\m\Documents\wi-fi-tsunami.xml” Interface=“WI-FI” user=current.
In the command, you must specify the SSID and profile name that corresponds to your network. For example, this command connects to an access point using the “tsunami” SSID and “tsunami” profile name:netsh wlan connect ssid=tsunami name=tsunami.
After you complete the steps, the computer should connect to the wireless network automatically.
More resources
For more helpful articles, coverage, and answers to common questions about Windows 10 and Windows 11, visit the following resources:
Mauro Huculak has been a Windows How-To Expert contributor for WindowsCentral.com for nearly a decade and has over 15 years of experience writing comprehensive guides. He also has an IT background and has achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft, Cisco, VMware, and CompTIA. He has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years.
