Connect to a Wi-Fi network in Windows (2025)

Connect to a Wi-Fi network

1. SelecttheNetwork, Sound, or Battery icons () on the taskbar to open quick settings.

   The Disconnected icon appears when you’re not connected.

   

2. On the Wi-Fiquick setting, selectManage Wi-Ficonnections .

   

3. Choose the Wi-Fi network you want, then selectConnect. If you don't see the network you expect, you can manually start a new Wi-Fi scan by selecting the Refresh network list ​​​ button in the lower right.

4. Typethe network password, and then selectNext.

Connecting to a Wi-Fi network with a QR code

On Windows devices that have a camera, you can use it to scan a QR code to quickly connect to a Wi-Fi network without needing to manually enter network details. You may find these QR codes in public places like coffee shops, or you can scan them on another Windows device.

1. Open the Camera app. Select the barcode mode icon to switch from photo mode to barcode mode.

   

2. Point your device's camera at the QR code that contains the Wi-Fi connection information.

3. Select the link that appears in the Camera app, which will open Settings.

4. In Settings, confirm that you want to add and connect to the Wi-Fi network. You can choose if your device will connect automatically to that network when it is in range.

   

Find your Wi-Fi network password in Windows

If you forgot your Wi-Fi network password or want to quickly share it with another person, you can find it on a Windows PC that has connected to your Wi-Fi network. After you find your password, you can use it on another PC or device to connect to your Wi-Fi network by scanning the QR code or entering the network details.

In the Settings appon your Windows device,selectNetwork & internet >Properties , then, next toWi-Fi network password, select Show.

Note:You can also view the password of saved networks on theManage known networks pageby selecting any network and thenShow next to Wi-Fi network password.

On another device, scan the QR code to connect if the device supports it, or connect to Wi-Fi as you normally would and enter your Wi-Fi password when prompted.

Random hardware addresses

When you're not connected to Wi-Fi, your device sends a signal to look for Wi-Fi networks in the area to help you get connected. The signal contains the unique physical hardware (MAC) address for your device.

Some places, for example shopping malls, stores, or other public areas, might use this unique address to track your movement in that area. If your Wi-Fi hardware supports it, you can turn on random hardware addresses to make it harder for people to track you when your device scans for networks and connects.

There are two controls for using random hardware addresses—one is for all Wi-Fi networks and the other is for the specific Wi-Fi network you choose. When you turn it on for all networks, random hardware addresses are used while your PC scans for networks and connects to any network. When it's turned on for a specific network you choose, random hardware addresses are used the next time you connect to that network.