How to connect a new computer to the internet via Wi-Fi: complete instructions with pictures and tips

• Find out the adapter model (in the device manager or documentation).
• Download the driver from the official website (Intel, Qualcomm Atheros, Realtek or laptop manufacturer).
• Install with administrator rights.

For laptops Lenovo, HP, ASUS And Acer It's better to use drivers from the manufacturer's website - they are often optimized for a specific model. For example, for Lenovo ThinkPad T14 I need a package Wireless LAN Driver from the "Support" section.

Download the driver for your version of Windows (x64 or ARM)

Disable antivirus during installation

Restart your PC after installation

Check for updates in Windows Update -->

⚠️ Note: If Wi-Fi is completely lost after installing the driver, try rolling back the driver in Device Manager or installing an older version from the manufacturer's website. This issue often occurs with adapters. Realtek RTL8852AE in Windows 11.

3. Connecting to Wi-Fi via the Windows control panel

If the drivers are installed and the adapter is working, it's time to connect to the network. The process is almost identical in Windows 10 and 11.

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Click on the icon Wi-Fi in the lower right corner of the screen (next to the clock). If you don't see it, tap the "messages" icon (💬) → "Expand."
2. Turn on Wi-Fi if it is turned off (slider at the top of the list of networks).
3. Select your network from the list and click "Connect".
4. Enter your password (make sure your keyboard layout is correct!) and click Next.
5. If you are asked "Do you want to allow other devices on this network to find your PC?", select:
   • "Yes" — for home network (printers, file sharing).
   • "No" — for public networks (cafes, airports).

After a successful connection, a message will appear next to the network name. ConnectedIf instead you see No internet access, go to the "Troubleshooting" section.

What to do if there is no Wi-Fi icon in the tray?

If there is no Wi-Fi icon at all, this may mean:

1. The adapter is disabled in the BIOS (you need to go to the settings when booting the PC and enable it) Wireless LAN).

2. Drivers are missing (see section 2).

3. The adapter is physically damaged (relevant after the laptop has been dropped).

4. The service is disabled in the system WLAN AutoConfig (check in services.msc).

4. Manually connect to a hidden Wi-Fi network

Some networks (especially corporate ones) hide their name (SSID) for security. In this case, connecting via the standard list won't work—you'll need to enter the data manually.

Instructions for hidden networks:

1. Open Settings → Network and Internet → Wi-Fi.
2. Click "Manage known networks" → "Add new network".
3. Enter:
   • Network name (SSID) — exactly the same as on the router (case-sensitive!).
   • Security type - usually WPA2-Personal or WPA3-Personal.
   • Password - security key.
   • Check the "Connect automatically" box.
• Save and wait a few seconds.

If you are unsure about the security type, look at the sticker on the router or in its web interface (192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1). Modern routers (ASUS RT-AX88U, TP-Link Archer AX6000) are usually used WPA3, but for compatibility with older devices it can be included WPA2/WPA3 Transition Mode.

5. Configuring the router for a stable connection

Sometimes the problem isn't with your computer, but with the router itself. If your Wi-Fi is unstable (drops, low speed), check these settings:

For routers Keenetic And MikroTik additional configuration may be required DHCP (automatic IP assignment). If your PC receives an IP address of the form 169.254.x.x, this means that DHCP is not working - check the settings in the section Local area network.

6. Solving common connection problems

Even after proper setup, errors may still occur. Here are the most common ones and how to fix them:

• 🔌 "No connections available":
  • Check if Wi-Fi is enabled on the router (the indicator should be on).
  • Make sure the adapter is not disabled in Device Manager.
  • On laptops, look for a hardware Wi-Fi switch (for example, on HP Pavilion this is a key F12 with an antenna icon).
• 🔒 "Incorrect password":
  • Make sure your keyboard layout is correct (password is case sensitive!).
  • Try entering the password via the clipboard (copy from a text file).
  • Reset the password on the router (button Reset for 10 seconds).
• 🌐 "Connected, but no internet access":
  • Reboot your router (pull the plug for 30 seconds).
  • Check if your internet connection is paid for by your provider.
  • Run in command line (Win + R → cmd):

    ipconfig /release
    ipconfig /renew

If after connecting the speed is below 10 Mbps, although the provider's tariff is 100+ Mbps, check the QoS settings on the router - it is possible that the limitation is set at the MAC address level of your PC.

⚠️ Attention: In Windows 11, after the update KB5034123 (January 2026), some users encounter a bug where the PC does not connect to networks with WPA3A temporary solution is to switch the router to WPA2 or roll back the update.

7. Optimize Wi-Fi for gaming, streaming, and work

Different tasks require different network settings. Here's how to optimize your connection:

• 🎮 For online games:
  • Connect to the network 5 GHz (less interference).
  • Turn on QoS on the router and set the priority for your PC by MAC address.
  • Turn off background updates in Settings → Update & Security → Advanced options.
• 🎥 For 4K streaming:
  • Use range 5 GHz with channel width 80 MHz.
  • Turn off other devices that consume traffic (smartphones, smart speakers).
  • Turn on WMM (Wi-Fi Multimedia) in the router settings.
• 💼 For remote work:
  • Connect via cable (if possible) or use 2.4 GHz with a fixed channel (eg 6).
  • Turn off adapter power saving in Device Manager → Adapter Properties → Power Management.

For maximum gaming stability, you can assign your PC to a specific Wi-Fi channel. For example, in routers ASUS this is done in the section Wireless → Professional → Roaming Assistant (turn off automatic channel switching).

8. Security: How to protect your Wi-Fi connection

An open or poorly secured network puts your data at risk. Follow these guidelines:

• 🔐 Password:
  • Use WPA3 (or at least WPA2).
  • The password must be at least 12 characters long and include numbers and special characters (e.g. K7#pL9!mQ2$v).
  • Change your password every 3-6 months.
• 📡 Router settings:
  • Turn it off WPS (vulnerable to hacking).
  • Change the default admin login/password (admin/admin) to complex.
  • Disable remote control of the router via the Internet.
• 🖥️ PC settings:
  • Turn off file sharing if you don't need it (Settings → Network & Internet → Sharing options).
  • Use Windows Firewall or a third-party antivirus (Kaspersky, Bitdefender).

Check who is connected to your network: in the router's web interface (192.168.0.1) find the section DHCP Clients List or Attached DevicesIf you see unfamiliar devices, change the password and reboot the router.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about connecting a PC to Wi-Fi