How to Connect to WiFi on Windows 8

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This wikiHow teaches you how to connect your Windows 8 computer to a wireless Internet network.

Quick Guide: Connecting to Wi-Fi on Windows 8

  1. Press Win + C to open the Charms bar.
  2. Click the settings icon, which is a cogwheel.
  3. Click the Wi-Fi icon, which is in the upper-left part of the settings menu.
  4. Select a Wi-Fi network.
  5. Enter the Wi-Fi network credentials when prompted.

Steps

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  1. Most laptops have built-in wireless cards that allow you to connect to Wi-Fi, but many desktop computers don't come with these cards installed.
  2. Place your mouse cursor in the top- or bottom-right corner of the screen, or press ⊞ Win + C . The Charms bar will pop out from the right side of the screen.
    • On a mobile device running Windows 8, you can swipe in from the right side of the screen.
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  3. It's the gear-shaped icon at the bottom of the Charms bar. Doing so brings up the Settings menu.
  4. It resembles a series of ascending bars in the upper-left side of the Settings menu. Clicking this icon opens a list of currently available networks.
  5. Click a network that you want to connect to. This will expand the network's name into a card with the network's information.
  6. It's in the bottom-right corner of the network card. Doing so will open the network.
    • If you want to connect to the network automatically whenever you're in range, check the "Connect automatically" box first.
  7. Do so in the "Enter the network security key" field.
    • If the network you're trying to connect to isn't password-protected, skip this step.
    • You may need to look up your password if you forgot it.
  8. It's in the bottom-left side of the network's card.
  9. Click either No, don't turn on sharing or connect to devices or Yes, turn on sharing and connect to devices . Generally, you'll select the No option for public or unprotected networks, while the Yes option is fine for work and home networks.
    • Sharing your computer with other devices allows you to connect to things like printers, speakers, and other devices on your network.
  10. Open a web browser and go to a page (e.g., Google or Facebook). If the connection is successful, you will be able to load the page.
    • Fresh connections often take a few seconds to begin working.
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    What should I do if my WiFi icon is not appearing at the top of my screen?
    Community Answer
    Go into your control panel and manage your WiFi/network settings from there. Then, restart your computer to try and bring the icon back.
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    Not Helpful 8 Helpful 24
  • Question
    What should I do if my Windows phone failed to connect to WiFi?
    Community Answer
    First, make sure your wireless access point is broadcasting in the correct mode. (For example, if it only supports N mode or AC mode, make sure you have mixed mode turned on.) If that isn't the issue, try checking the password encryption security; it should be set to WPA2/AES Personal.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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  • Question
    How do I turn on my WiFi on my Windows 8 laptop?
    Community Answer
    Go into the start menu by clicking the Windows icon in the bottom-right corner. Navigate your way to Settings and go into the WiFi tab. Find the name of your network (SSID) and enter the password for the network.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
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      Tips

      • The more bars a network's name has next to it, the stronger your connection to it will be.
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      Warnings

      • Avoid unsecured networks if possible. If you do have to use a public network, don't access any personal information (e.g., your bank account) while on it.
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      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      1. Open the Charms bar .
      2. Click Settings
      3. Click the Wi-Fi icon .
      4. Click a network.
      5. Click Connect .
      6. Enter the password.
      7. Select a sharing option.

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