How To Connect Your PC To WiFi

Connecting your Windows 11 PC to the internet—whether wirelessly via Wi-Fi or directly through an Ethernet cable—is essential for setting up your device, getting system updates, and getting online. Depending on whether you are unboxing a brand-new PC or navigating a machine you’re already logged into, the connection process looks a bit different.

Scenario 1: Connecting During Initial Setup (Out-of-Box Experience)

When powering on a new PC or setting up a fresh installation of Windows 11, you will encounter the Out-of-Box Experience (OOBE). After selecting your region and keyboard layout, Windows will pause at the "Let's connect you to a network" screen.

Option A: Connecting via Wired Ethernet

Connecting with an Ethernet cable is the fastest, most reliable method:

  1. Plug one end of an RJ45 Ethernet cable into your router or modem and the other into the Ethernet port on your PC.

  2. Windows 11 auto-detects wired connections. Once plugged in, the screen will reflect that you are connected.

  3. Click Next at the bottom right to continue Windows setup.

Option B: Connecting via Wi-Fi

Note, if your PC shipped with a WiFi USB or Antennas, please install them now.

  1. Look at the list of available wireless networks displayed in the center of the screen.

  2. Click on your Wi-Fi network name (SSID).

  3. Check the Connect automatically box if you want the PC to remember this network going forward.

  4. Click Connect.

  5. Type your Wi-Fi password (network security key) and click Next.

  6. Windows will verify the key and confirm your connection. Click Next to proceed with account creation.

Troubleshooting OOBE Connection Issues:

If no Wi-Fi networks appear, your PC may lack the necessary wireless drivers. You can press Shift + F10 (or Shift + Fn + F10 on some laptops) to open a Command Prompt window. Typing oobe\bypassnro and pressing Enter will restart the setup process and add an "I don't have internet" option, allowing you to create a local account offline and install network drivers later.

Scenario 2: Connecting Within Windows 11 (From the Desktop)

If you have already logged into Windows 11 and need to connect to a new network or switch connections, you can do so either through Quick Settings or the Settings app.

Option A: Connecting via Wired Ethernet

  1. Plug your Ethernet cable into your computer’s port and your router.

  2. Windows 11 automatically negotiates the connection without requiring passwords.

  3. You will see a small Wired Ethernet icon (a monitor with a cable next to it) in the System Tray next to your clock.

Option B: Connecting via Wi-Fi (Quick Settings Method)

Note, if your PC shipped with a WiFi USB or Antennas, please install them now.

The quickest way to get online in Windows 11 is using the Taskbar's Quick Settings menu:

  1. Open Quick Settings: Click on the group of icons in the bottom-right corner of your screen (containing the Wi-Fi/Ethernet, Volume, and Battery icons) or press Windows Key + A on your keyboard.

  2. Access Wi-Fi Menu: Click the > arrow next to the Wi-Fi icon to open the Manage Wi-Fi connections list.

  3. Select Network: Find your Wi-Fi network from the list.

  4. Connect: Ensure Connect automatically is checked if desired, then click Connect.

  5. Enter Credentials: Type your network password and click Next.

Option C: Connecting via Settings App

If you prefer configuring details or adding hidden networks:

  1. Open Settings by pressing Windows Key + I or opening it from the Start Menu.

  2. Select Network & internet from the left-hand menu.

  3. Toggle the Wi-Fi switch to On if it isn't already.

  4. Click on Wi-Fi, then select Show available networks.

  5. Select your network, click Connect, enter your Wi-Fi key, and press Next.

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