How to Connect to a Wifi Network?

Answer 1

So you're interested in connecting to a wifi network so that you can have internet connectivity or you can connect to another person that is currently on the wifi network. Connecting to a wifi network is simple in most cases, but it might not be so obvious for some people who don't have experience with wireless networking. If you just want a simple solution for connecting to a wifi network, you've come to the right place!

The first step in connecting to a wifi network is making sure that you have the appropriate hardware to do so. For instance, make sure the device that you're trying to connect to the wifi network has hardware equipped for connecting wirelessly. If you've got a computer, your computer should have a wireless network adapter installed. If you're using another device such as a cell phone, make sure that it has wireless network capabilities.

Once you've made sure that you've got the correct hardware, check to see if your device automatically connected to the wifi network. Sometimes if there is an unsecured wifi network in range of a device, it will automatically connect to it. If the device automatically connected to the wifi network, then you don't have to go any further.

However, in most cases, devices don't automatically connect and they need a little further assistance in making a connection. You're more than likely using a computer, and the first thing you should do is open your Networking settings. This can usually be found in the Control Panel under "Networking" or "Network and Sharing Center."

Once you've opened this up, look for a button that says, "Connect to a network," or "Search for nearby wireless networks." Click the button and you should be prompted with a window that features a list of wireless networks that are nearby! Once you see the wifi network you're trying to connect to, double-click it and you should begin connecting. You may be asked for a network passkey (which you'll have to obtain from the network administrator). Once you've entered the correct passkey, your computer will connect to the wifi network and you'll be able to explore the network and get online.