Have you ever noticed your internet connection is slower than usual? Or your router is flickering more often than usual? Perhaps unauthorized devices have connected to your Wi-Fi network—neighbors, guests who forgot to disconnect, or even hackers. Windows 10 There are several ways to check the list of connected gadgets, and you don't have to go into your router settings.
Many users mistakenly believe that they must use the router's admin panel to view the list of devices. In fact, Windows 10 provides built-in tools - from a simple interface Parameters to powerful command lineIf standard methods aren't enough, you can use free utilities from third-party developers.
In this article we will look at 5 proven methodsHow to see which devices are using your Wi-Fi directly from your computer or laptop. You'll learn how to distinguish your devices from others, what to do if you encounter an unfamiliar connection, and how to protect your network from unauthorized access.
1. View connected devices through Windows Settings
The easiest way is to use the built-in menu ParametersHe won't show. all devices on the network, but it will display gadgets that have recently interacted with your PC (for example, for file sharing or printing).
To open the list:
- Click
Win + Ito openWindows Settings. - Go to the section
Network and Internet → Wi-Fi. - Scroll down and select
Managing known networks. - Click on the name of your Wi-Fi network, then -
Properties.
Here you will see the list connected devices, but only those that actively use shared resources (printers, folders). This method is not suitable for a full network analysis, but it will help quickly detect suspicious devices, such as an unknown one. smartphone or tablet.
2. Using the Command Prompt (CMD)
A more advanced method is to check through command lineHe will show all active IP addresses on your local network, including devices connected to Wi-Fi. You don't need administrator rights, but it will require a little patience.
Follow these steps:
- Open
Command line(Win + R→ entercmd→Enter). - Enter the command to view the ARP (Address Resolution Protocol) table:
arp -a - Look for lines in the output with IP addresses from your subnet (usually
192.168.x.xor10.0.x.x).
Unfortunately, arp -a Shows only IP and MAC addresses, not device names. To find them, you'll have to use additional commands or third-party utilities. However, this method works even if the router doesn't support viewing the list of connected devices.
Make sure it's not your device (check your router settings)|Try disabling it through your router's admin panel|Change your Wi-Fi password if you suspect hacking|Use a static IP for your devices to make it easier to track other people's-->
3. Viewing through the Network and Sharing Center
Another built-in tool is Network and Sharing CenterIt won't show a full list of devices, but it will help you see active connections to your PC, which indirectly indicates the presence of other devices on the network.
Instructions:
- Click
Win + R, enterncpa.cpland pressEnter. - Right click on your Wi-Fi adapter and select
Status → Details. - Pay attention to the field
Default Gateway IPv4— this is the address of your router. - Return to the main window, click
Alt, then select from the menuMore → Advanced Options.
Here you will see the list active connections, but again, only those that interact with your computer. This method is ineffective for full-fledged network monitoring, but it is useful if you want to check if someone has connected directly to your PC.
Once a week|Only when the internet is slow|Never tested|I use special programs-->
4. Third-party Wi-Fi monitoring programs
If Windows' built-in tools aren't enough for you, you can use free utilities. They will not only display all connected devices but also provide additional information: manufacturer (by MAC address), device type (smartphone, laptop, TV), and sometimes even model.
Top 3 programs for Wi-Fi network analysis:
- 🔍 Wireless Network Watcher (from NirSoft) — scans the network and displays the IP, MAC address, device name, and manufacturer. Suitable for beginners.
- 📊 Angry IP Scanner — a powerful network scanner with plugin support. It can detect open ports and services on devices.
- 🛡️ GlassWire — not only monitors connections but also blocks suspicious activity. A free version is available.
To take advantage Wireless Network Watcher:
- Download the program from the official website NirSoft (it is portable and does not require installation).
- Launch
WNetWatcher.exeon behalf of the administrator. - Click
Start Scanning- after a few seconds a list of all devices on the network will appear.
How to determine the manufacturer of a device by MAC address?
The first 6 characters of the MAC address (eg. 2C:54:91) indicate the manufacturer. Check them in the database. MAC Vendors (link for example, not displayed in the article). For example, 3C:22:FB - This Apple, 78:31:C1 — Xiaomi.
The advantage of third-party programs is that they show all devices, even those that don't interact with your PC. The downside is that some antivirus programs may block such utilities, considering them potentially dangerous (especially if the program scans the network). If this happens, add the utility to your antivirus's exceptions.
5. Checking via the router's web interface
If you have access to your router settings, this is the most reliable way to see full list of connected devices. Unlike the Windows methods, this will display all gadgets, including those connected via cable (Ethernet).
How to access the router admin panel:
- Find out the IP address of the router (usually
192.168.0.1or192.168.1.1). It can be found on a sticker on the device body or via the command:ipconfig | findstr"Default Gateway" - Enter this IP into the address bar of your browser.
- Log in (the default login and password are often
admin/admin, if you haven't changed them). - Find the section
Wireless Network (Wi-Fi) → Client ListorDHCP → DHCP Clients.
The interface may vary depending on the router model. Below is a table with paths to the device list for popular brands:
| Router manufacturer | Path to the list of devices | Note |
|---|---|---|
| TP-Link | Wireless Mode → Wireless Mode Statistics |
Shows MAC, IP and device name |
| ASUS | Network Map → Clients |
Displays the device type (smartphone, PC, TV) |
| Xiaomi | Devices → Connected devices |
You can block the device directly from the interface |
| Keenetic | List of devices (on the main page) |
Shows connection history for the last 24 hours |
In some routers (for example, ASUS or Keenetic) you can not only see the connected gadgets, but also block You can limit their speed or set an access schedule. This is useful if you want to limit the internet time of children or guests.
6. How to distinguish your devices from others
You found an unknown MAC address or device name in the list—what should you do? Before blocking it, make sure it's not your device. Here are a few ways to identify it:
🔹 Check the MAC addresses of your devices:
- 📱 On Android:
Settings → About phone → General information → Wi-Fi MAC address. - 🍎 On iPhone:
Settings → Wi-Fi → (tap your network) → MAC Address. - 💻 On Windows:
ipconfig /all | findstr"Physical Address" - 🖥️ On MacOS:
System Preferences → Network → Advanced → Ethernet/Wi-Fi → MAC Address.
🔹 Use device names:
- Many gadgets are displayed online under their own names (for example,
iPhone-VasyaorSamsung-Galaxy-S21). - If the name is unfamiliar, try turn off Wi-Fi on all your devices one by one and see if the suspicious connection disappears.
🔹 Check your connection history:
- Some routers (eg. Keenetic or MikroTik) keep a connection log. See when an unknown device first appeared.
- If it was connected at night or in your absence, this is a reason to be wary.
What should I do if an unknown device reappears after changing the password?
This may mean that:
1) Someone at home shared the password with strangers.
2) Your router is vulnerable to attack WPS (if it is enabled).
3) There is a "smart" device (such as a camera or a light bulb) on the network that you forgot.
In this case, turn it off WPS in the router settings and enable MAC address filtering.
7. How to protect Wi-Fi from unauthorized access
Found a suspicious device? Here's what to do. right nowTo protect your network:
⚡ Change your Wi-Fi password:
- Use a password that is long at least 12 characters with letters, numbers and special characters (for example,
WiFi_Protection!2026). - Don't use obvious combinations like
12345678orqwerty.
🔒 Enable encryption WPA3:
- In the router settings, select the security type
WPA3-Personal(orWPA2/WPA3, If WPA3 (not supported). - Disable legacy protocols
WEPAndWPA- They are easy to break.
🚫 Turn it off WPS:
- WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) is convenient for quick connection, but is vulnerable to brute-force attacks.
- Find the section in your router settings
WPSand deactivate it.
📋 Enable MAC address filtering:
- Find the section in the router panel
MAC address filteringorAccess control. - Whitelist only the MAC addresses of your devices.
🔄 Update your router firmware:
- Manufacturers regularly release updates that patch vulnerabilities.
- Check the section
Software updatein the router settings.
8. Common mistakes and how to avoid them
When checking connected devices, users often encounter serious problems. Here are the most common errors and their solutions:
❌ I can't see all the devices in arp -a:
- Team
arp -aShows only devices your PC has interacted with in the last few minutes. To refresh the list, run:ping 192.168.1.255(replace
192.168.1to your subnet), then repeatarp -a.
❌ The router does not show some devices:
- They may be connected via cable (Ethernet) and not Wi-Fi. Check the section
LANorDHCP. - Some devices (eg smart speakers) may be "hiding" on the network. Try rebooting your router.
❌ Third-party program does not scan the network:
- Make sure your antivirus isn't blocking the utility. Add it to the exceptions list.
- Make sure your PC is connected to the same network as your other devices.
❌ After changing the password, the unknown device appeared again.:
- Maybe it is smart device (For example, Xiaomi Mi Home or Philips Hue), which automatically connects to the network.
- Check the list of devices in smart home apps.
FAQ: Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
Is it possible to see connected devices without access to the router?
Yes, but with restrictions. Through command line (arp -a) or programs like Wireless Network Watcher You'll see devices on your local network, but you won't get a full list like you would in the router dashboard. There will also be no information about devices connected via cable (unless they're communicating with your PC).
How to block an unknown device?
The most reliable way is change your Wi-Fi password. You can also:
- Block the MAC address of the device in the router settings (section
MAC filtering). - Turn on
Isolation of clients(if available in the router) - this will prevent devices from communicating with each other. - Create
guest networkand move all untrusted gadgets there.
Why do devices with names like this appear in the list? android-xxxxxx?
These are the standard names that are assigned Android-devices when connected to Wi-Fi. If you don't recognize such a device:
- Check if a guest (friend, relative) has connected to your network.
- Check with your household members to see if they have connected any new gadgets.
- If the device is suspicious, change the Wi-Fi password.
Sometimes they are displayed like this smart TVs or media players on Android TV.
Is it possible to find out what websites a connected device visits?
Through standard means Windows 10 - No. But some routers (for example, ASUS with firmware Asuswrt-Merlin or Keenetic) have a built-in function Traffic control or Parental controlYou can also use sniffer programs like Wireshark, but this requires deep knowledge of networks.
⚠️ Attention: Tracking other devices' traffic without their consent may violate privacy laws.
What should I do if my router doesn't support viewing the list of devices?
If your router is an older model or has a stripped-down firmware, try:
- Update the firmware through the manufacturer's official website.
- Use alternative firmware (eg. DD-WRT or OpenWRT, if supported by your model).
- Connect the computer to the network Windows/Linux and use scanning programs (for example, Angry IP Scanner).
If all else fails, consider purchasing a new router with modern security features.
Now you know how to check who's connected to your Wi-Fi and how to protect your network from unwanted guests. Regularly checking your list of devices will help prevent traffic theft and keep your data private. If you detect a suspicious connection, don't panic—follow the instructions in this article, and your network will be secure again.