This article explains how to connect a Windows computer to a network to access the internet. It is possible to take advantage of a wireless connection using Wi-Fi connectivity or a wired connection using an Ethernet network cable that will be connected directly to the router / modem that manages the internet connection and the LAN network. It should be noted that connecting a device to a LAN is different from creating and configuring a computer network, such as the LAN that is present in the office where you work or in the school you attend.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Wi-Fi connection
Step 1. Make sure the network is active
To have access to the internet, you will need to connect to a LAN managed by a modem / router that is actively connected to the internet (for example via twisted pair or optical fiber). Also, if the modem and network router are represented by two separate devices, they must be connected to each other via an Ethernet cable and both must be turned on and working.
- Most modern modems also act as a router.
- You can check the working status of your internet connection by looking at the lights on your modem or router. If the wireless connection to the network appears to be down or unstable, try using a wired connection via an Ethernet cable, instead of the Wi-Fi connection.
Step 2. Click on the "Wi-Fi" network connection icon
It is located in the lower right corner of the screen on the taskbar. You will see a list of all active Wi-Fi networks in the area you are in.
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In order to click on the Wi-Fi network connection icon, you may need to click on the icon first
Android7expandless visible on the Windows taskbar next to the system clock, in order to expand the section dedicated to hidden icons.
Step 3. Turn on Wi-Fi connectivity if needed
If the word "Wi-Fi Off" is visible at the top of the panel that appears, click on the square button Wifi located in the lower left part of the menu.
Step 4. Select the name of the wireless network you wish to connect to
Click on the SSID of the Wi-Fi network in question. A small box will appear.
- If the name of the network you want to connect to doesn't appear in the list, try moving your computer closer to the network router / modem.
- If this is your first time setting up your Wi-Fi network, the name displayed is most likely a combination of the name of the router / modem that controls it, the model number, and the name of the device manufacturer.
Step 5. Click the Connect button
It is located in the lower right part of the box relating to the wireless network in question.
Step 6. Enter the security password
Type in the text field that appears. This is the password for accessing the wireless network.
- If you have not changed the default network login credentials, the password should appear on a sticker attached to the bottom or back of the network router.
- If the wireless network in question is not protected by a password, click on the button Connect the computer will automatically connect to the network.
Step 7. Click the Next button
It is located below the text field where you entered the password. This way the computer will use the password you entered to try to connect to the selected network.
If the password is incorrect, you will be asked to re-enter it
Step 8. Wait for the computer to connect to the indicated network
When the connection process is complete, "Connected" should appear under the name of the selected network. You are now free to browse the web using your computer.
Method 2 of 2: Ethernet connection
Step 1. Make sure the network is active
To have access to the internet, you will need to connect to a LAN managed by a modem / router that is actively connected to the internet (for example via twisted pair or optical fiber). Also, if the modem and network router are represented by two separate devices, they must be connected to each other via an Ethernet cable and both must be turned on and working.
- Most modern modems also serve as a network router.
- If you don't need to provide or use a wireless network connection, you won't need to purchase a Wi-Fi router, simply connect your computer directly to the modem using an Ethernet cable.
Step 2. Purchase an Ethernet network cable if you don't already have one
Ethernet cables are used to connect network devices (such as computers or routers) to a modem or router connected to the internet. You can buy an Ethernet cable at any electronics store or online at sites like Amazon and eBay.
- Make sure the Ethernet cable you want to buy is long enough to allow you to connect your network router or modem to your computer.
- Ethernet network cables cannot exceed 100 meters in length, but in reality the commonly accepted maximum limit is 90 meters.
Step 3. Find a free Ethernet port on your router or modem
Network ports are square in shape and are usually located on the back side of the network device. In most cases, the port you will need to use to connect your computer to the network router / modem is labeled "Internet", "Ethernet" or "LAN". A standard network router has multiple ports of this type.
- Normally, modems that do not also integrate router functionality have only one network port labeled "Internet" to which the network router should be connected.
- If you want to connect your computer directly to the modem on a network that uses a separate router, unplug the cable that connects the router to the modem's Ethernet port.
Step 4. Locate your computer's network port
If your computer has an RJ-45 port, it will most likely be located along one side of the case (in the case of a laptop) or on the back of the case (in the case of a desktop).
If your computer does not have an Ethernet network port, you will need to purchase a USB to RJ-45 adapter
Step 5. Connect your computer to the router or network modem
Plug one of the connectors on the Ethernet cable into one of the free ports on your router or modem, then plug the other end of the cable into your computer's network port.
- Ethernet cables are non-directional, so it doesn't matter which end you connect to your computer and which end to your network router / modem.
- If your computer does not have an Ethernet port, connect the USB connector on the adapter to a free USB port on the computer before connecting the computer to the router or network modem.
Step 6. Wait for the computer to establish the connection
The operating system will automatically detect the wired network connection and connect to the network. In the part of the Windows taskbar, where the "Wi-Fi" connection icon is normally displayed
a stylized monitor icon should appear. At this point you are free to browse the web using your PC.
Advice
- Using a wired network connection via an Ethernet cable is ideal when you want to achieve the fastest possible data transfer speed and a stable connection to the internet. This is the best solution when you want to play online with other users.
- You can solve most of the problems that may affect the Wi-Fi network connection simply by restarting the computer. If the device fails to connect to the network due to a software problem, restarting it should be able to restore normal operation.
Warnings
- If your network devices (router, modem, connecting cables, etc.) are not working properly, you may not be able to establish a connection to the network you have chosen.
- Avoid entering or typing sensitive and important data, such as passwords or credit card details, if your computer is connected to an unsecured network, i.e. one that can be accessed without knowing the security password.
