Lorene Melone
How to Manually Add a WiFi Network in Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide
Connecting to a WiFi network on your Windows 11 PC or laptop can sometimes be straightforward, but there are moments when automatic connections may fail, or you might need to join a hidden network. This tutorial provides a detailed, step-by-step approach to manually add a WiFi network, ensuring you have every necessary detail to get connected effectively and securely. By following this guide, you’ll learn how to navigate through the system settings, input your network details properly, and troubleshoot common connectivity issues.
Step 1: Accessing Network Settings
The first step in manually adding a WiFi network is to access the Settings on your Windows 11 device. You can do this by clicking on the Start menu located on the taskbar. From there, select the Settings icon, which resembles a gear. Alternatively, you can use the keyboard shortcut Windows + I to open the Settings directly.
Step 2: Navigating to Network & Internet
Once you are in the Settings window, look for the Network & Internet category listed on the left sidebar. Click on it to proceed. In this section, you’ll see various options related to your internet connectivity.
Step 3: Opening WiFi Settings
In the Network & Internet section, find and click on WiFi to access the WiFi settings. Here, you will see an overview of your current WiFi networks and configurations. Make sure your WiFi toggle is turned on, which will allow you to search for available networks.
Step 4: Adding a New Network
Look for an option labeled Manage known networks and click on it. This will take you to a page where you can manage the networks your device has previously connected to. To add a new network manually, click on Add a new network. A window will pop up prompting you to enter the details of the new network.
Step 5: Entering Network Details
In the dialog box that appears, enter the following information:
- Name (SSID): Input the exact name of the WiFi network you wish to connect to.
- Security Type: Choose the correct security type from the dropdown menu. This is usually WPA2-Personal for most home networks.
- Password: Enter the password for the network. Make sure to check this against your network details to avoid any errors.
- Connect Automatically: If desired, check this box to connect automatically to this network in the future.
- Connect Even if the Network is Not Broadcast: Check this if you’re connecting to a hidden network. This is important for maintaining access if the SSID does not appear in the available networks list.
Once all the information is entered correctly, click on the Save button to finalize the addition of the network.
Step 6: Confirming the Connection
After saving your new network, return to the WiFi settings page. Your newly added network should now be visible in the list of known networks. Click on it to establish a connection. Ensure that you input the correct password if prompted. If connected successfully, you will see the connection status change to “Connected.”
Additional Tips & Troubleshooting
If you encounter connection issues, here are a few troubleshooting tips:
- Double-check the SSID and password for accuracy.
- Ensure your device’s WiFi is enabled. You can toggle it off and on to refresh the connection.
- If the network is hidden, ensure you have selected the option to connect even if the network is not broadcasting.
- If further assistance is needed, consider running the Windows Network Troubleshooter by navigating to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters > Network Adapter.
Following these steps and tips will help ensure that you maintain seamless internet connectivity on your Windows 11 device.
Conclusion
Manually adding a WiFi network in Windows 11 is a straightforward process that can be immensely beneficial, especially when dealing with hidden networks or troubleshooting automatic connections. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you will gain more control over your network settings and connectivity options. If you enjoyed this tutorial, be sure to check out other Windows 11 guides for enhancing your overall tech experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I connect to a hidden WiFi network using this method?
Yes, this guide includes steps for connecting to hidden networks by allowing you to manually input the SSID and password during the setup process.
What should I do if I forget my WiFi password?
You can usually find your WiFi password written on a label on your router. If not, you may need to access your router’s settings through its IP address to retrieve it.
How can I troubleshoot if I can’t connect to the WiFi network?
Ensure you entered the correct SSID and password. If problems persist, restart your router, confirm that WiFi is enabled on your device, and consider running the Windows Network Troubleshooter for further diagnostics.