How to enter a Wi-Fi password on a laptop: instructions for Windows, macOS, and Linux

Connecting a laptop to Wi-Fi is a basic task every user faces. But even such a simple process can raise questions: where to find the password field, what to do if the network isn't showing up, or how to connect if you've forgotten the password combination. In this article, we'll cover all possible scenarios—from standard password entry to restoring network access without one.

We will cover instructions for three main operating systems: Windows 10/11, macOS And Linux (for example Ubuntu). You'll also learn how to find the saved Wi-Fi password on your laptop if it's already been entered, and what to do if you see errors like "Incorrect network password" or "Unable to connect to the network."

If you're setting up Wi-Fi on a new device for the first time or encountering issues after a system update, you'll find solutions here. And for those who want to delve deeper into the technical details, we've included spoilers explaining why the network is sometimes "visible but not connecting" and how to fix it.

1. Standard Method: How to Enter a Wi-Fi Password on a Windows Laptop

On most laptops running Windows 10 or 11 The process of connecting to Wi-Fi is the same. Let's look at step-by-step instructions taking into account the latest system updates (including Windows 11 24H2).

First, make sure your laptop's Wi-Fi module is enabled. This is usually done by:

• 🔄 Keyboard shortcut - click Fn + F2 (or another function key with an antenna icon, for example, F12 at Lenovo, F3 at HP).
• 🖱️ Through the notification panel — Click on the Wi-Fi icon in the lower right corner and select “Wi-Fi” (if it is disabled, click on the tile to activate it).
• ⚙️ In the system parameters - go to Start → Settings → Network & Internet → Wi-Fi and move the slider to the "On" position.

Once Wi-Fi is activated, follow these steps:

1. Click on the icon networks in the notification area (next to the clock).
2. From the list of available networks, select the desired one (for example, TP-Link_1234).
3. Check the box “Connect automatically” (if you want the laptop to remember the network).
4. Enter Wi-Fi password and click "Next".

The Wi-Fi module is enabled on the laptop.

The router is turned on and distributing the network (the indicators are on)

The laptop is within the network coverage area (no further than 10-15 meters from the router)

The password is entered without typos (case sensitive!)

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If the password is entered correctly, the message "Connected" will appear after a few seconds. Otherwise, the system will display an error. On Windows 11 laptops, you may be asked to confirm your Microsoft account when you first connect—this is part of the Wi-Fi Sense feature (which can be disabled in the network settings).

⚠️ Attention: If the network is hidden (not displayed in the list), click “Hidden network”, enter its name (SSID) manually, then the password. Check SSID on the router sticker or in its web interface.

2. Connecting to Wi-Fi on macOS (MacBook, iMac)

On devices Apple The process of connecting to Wi-Fi is slightly different, but no less intuitive. Let's look at an example. macOS Sonoma And Ventura (also relevant for older versions, starting from Catalina).

First, make sure Wi-Fi is turned on:

• 🍏 Click on the icon Wi-Fi in the top panel (on the right). If it's gray, the network is disabled.
• 🔄 Click "Turn on Wi-Fi" or use the combination Shift + Option + ⌘ (Cmd) + W.

Next:

1. Select the desired network from the list (for example, KEENETIC-5G).
2. Enter the password in the window that appears. macOS When you type, dots are displayed - to see the characters, check the "Show password" box.
3. Click "Connect".

If the network is protected according to the standard WPA3, additional confirmation may be required (for example, through Apple ID when using the function iCloud Keychain). Also on MacBook with a chip M1/M2 Connection is faster thanks to the optimized Wi-Fi 6 module.

Windows 10/11

macOS

Linux (Ubuntu, Mint, etc.)

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3. Entering a Wi-Fi password on a Linux laptop (Ubuntu, Mint, Fedora)

On distributions Linux Wi-Fi connection depends on the desktop environment you are using (GNOME, KDE, XFCE) and networks. Let's look at a universal method using an example. Ubuntu 22.04/24.04 With GNOME.

Steps to connect:

1. Click on the network icon in the upper right corner (next to the clock).
2. Select "Wi-Fi not connected" → "Select network".
3. Click on the desired network (for example, ASUS_5G).
4. Enter your password in the "Password" field and click "Connect".

If there is no network icon, the Wi-Fi driver may not be installed. To check, open the terminal (Ctrl + Alt + T) and enter:

lspci -knn | grep Net -A3

If the output contains a line with Network controller, but the network does not work - install the driver through Additional drivers (Software & Updates → Additional Drivers).

nmcli dev wifi list

nmcli dev wifi connect "MY_WIFI" password "12345678"

nmcli connection show

⚠️ Attention: On some laptops (eg. Dell XPS or Lenovo ThinkPad) may need to be disabled Secure Boot in BIOS for correct operation of the Wi-Fi module.

4. How to find a saved Wi-Fi password on a laptop

If your laptop is already connected to the network but you've forgotten the password, you can find it in the system settings. The methods vary depending on the operating system.

On Windows:

1. Open Settings → Network and Internet → Wi-Fi.
2. Click "Manage known networks" and select the one you need.
3. Click "Properties" → scroll to "Network Password".
4. Click "Show" (you will be asked to enter your Windows account password).

On macOS:

1. Open Applications → Utilities → Keychain.
2. Find the network name in the list and double-click on it.
3. Check the box "Show password" and enter the password from Mac.

On Linux (Ubuntu):

1. Open terminal and enter:

   sudo grep psk= /etc/NetworkManager/system-connections/*

2. Find the line in the output psk=your_password.

5. What to do if your laptop won't connect to Wi-Fi

Common causes of connection problems and their solutions:

• 🔌 The router doesn't distribute the Internet. - reboot it (remove the plug from the socket for 30 seconds).
• 📶 Weak signal - Move closer to the router or use a repeater.
• 🔒 Incorrect password - check the case of the characters (for example, P@ssw0rd ≠ p@ssw0rd).
• 🖥️ Wi-Fi driver issues - update it through device Manager (Windows) or Software Update (macOS).
• 🛡️ Blocked by antivirus/firewall - temporarily disable protection and try connecting again.

If the network is "connected but no internet access", run the following command in the command prompt (Win + R → cmd):

ipconfig /release
ipconfig /renew
ipconfig /flushdns

6. How to connect to Wi-Fi without a password (alternative methods)

If you don't know your Wi-Fi password, but it was previously saved on another device (smartphone, tablet), you can:

• 📱 View password on phone:
  • On Android: Settings → Wi-Fi → Network name → Share (device PIN required).
  • On iPhone: Settings → Wi-Fi → ⓘ next to the network → Password (Face ID/Touch ID required).
• 🖧 Connect via WPS:
  • Click the button WPS on the router (usually on the back).
  • On your laptop, select the network and click Connect via WPS (not available on all models).
• 🔧 Reset the password on the router:
  • Click the button Reset on the router (hold for 10-15 seconds).
  • Connect to the network using the default password (indicated on the router sticker).

⚠️ Attention: Using other people's networks without permission is illegal (Article 272 of the Russian Criminal Code, "Unauthorized access to computer information"). Connect only to your own networks or with the owner's consent.

7. Setting up automatic Wi-Fi connection

To make your laptop connect to Wi-Fi automatically when you turn it on:

On Windows:

1. Go to Settings → Network and Internet → Wi-Fi.
2. Select the network and click Properties.
3. Activate the option "Connect automatically when entering range".

On macOS:

1. Open System Preferences → Network.
2. Select Wi-Fi → Advanced.
3. In the "Favorite networks" list, find yours and check the "Automatically join this network" box.

On Linux:

Most distributions enable auto-connection the first time you connect manually. If not, edit the network configuration file:

sudo nano /etc/NetworkManager/system-connections/your_network.nmconnection

Find the line autoconnect=false and replace with autoconnect=true, then save (Ctrl + O) and restart NetworkManager:

sudo systemctl restart NetworkManager

8. Security: How to protect your Wi-Fi from hacking

If you've successfully connected to the network, make sure it's protected from unauthorized access. Recommendations:

• 🔐 Use WPA3 — the most reliable encryption standard (replace WPA2 in the router settings).
• 🔄 Change your password every 3-6 months - Use combinations of 12+ characters with letters, numbers and special characters (e.g. K!t7en_2026_WiFi).
• 📵 Disable WPS - This function is vulnerable to brute force attacks.
• 👤 Create a guest network for friends, it is isolated from the main one.
• 📡 Update your router firmware - outdated versions contain vulnerabilities.

To change the password on your router:

1. Open the web interface at 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1 (default logins/passwords: admin/admin or admin/empty).
2. Go to the section Wireless → Security (names may differ).
3. Select WPA3-Personal, enter a new password and save the settings.

⚠️ Attention: Router settings may vary depending on the model (TP-Link, ASUS, Keenetic etc.). For exact menu paths, please refer to the device's instructions.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about connecting to Wi-Fi