What are the steps to configuring a wireless network in Windows?

1 Check your hardware

Before you can configure a wireless network in Windows, you need to make sure that your computer has a wireless adapter. This is a device that allows your computer to communicate with wireless routers and access points. You can check if you have a wireless adapter by opening the Device Manager and looking for Network Adapters. If you see a device with Wireless, Wi-Fi, or WLAN in its name, you have a wireless adapter. If not, you may need to buy one and install it on your computer.

2 Connect to a network

If you want to connect to an existing wireless network, such as your home network or a public hotspot, you need to find and select the network from the list of available networks. To do this, click on the network icon in the system tray, which is usually located at the bottom right corner of your screen. You will see a list of wireless networks that your computer can detect. Click on the one you want to join and enter the password if required. You can also choose to connect automatically or manually, and whether to share your network with other devices.

3 Create a network

If you want to create your own wireless network, such as a hotspot or an ad hoc network, you need to use the Mobile Hotspot feature or the Network and Sharing Center. To use the Mobile Hotspot feature, go to Settings > Network & Internet > Mobile Hotspot and turn on the switch. You can customize the network name, password, and band. To use the Network and Sharing Center, go to Control Panel > Network and Internet > Network and Sharing Center and click on Set up a new connection or network. Choose Set up a wireless ad hoc (computer-to-computer) network and follow the instructions.

4 Manage your network

Once you have configured your wireless network in Windows, you can manage it by changing its settings, troubleshooting problems, or forgetting it. To change the settings of a network, such as the password, security type, or IP address, go to Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi and click on Manage known networks. Select the network you want to modify and click on Properties. To troubleshoot problems, such as connection issues, signal strength, or driver errors, go to Settings > Network & Internet > Status and click on Network troubleshooter. To forget a network, such as when you no longer want to connect to it or when it is no longer available, go to Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi and click on Manage known networks. Select the network you want to forget and click on Forget.

5 Secure your network

One of the most important aspects of configuring a wireless network in Windows is securing it from unauthorized access and attacks. To do this, you need to use encryption, firewall, and antivirus software. Encryption is a method of scrambling the data that is sent and received over the wireless network, so that only authorized devices can read it. The most common encryption standards are WEP, WPA, and WPA2, with WPA2 being the most secure. You can choose the encryption type when you create or join a network, or change it in the network settings. Firewall is a software that blocks unwanted incoming and outgoing traffic from your computer and network, preventing hackers and malware from accessing your data. You can enable or disable the firewall in the Windows Security app. Antivirus software is a software that scans your computer and network for viruses, worms, and other malicious programs that can harm your system or steal your information. You can install and update the antivirus software of your choice, or use the Windows Defender app.

6 Enjoy your network

Now that you have configured your wireless network in Windows, you can enjoy the benefits of wireless connectivity. You can access the internet, share files and printers, stream media, and play games with other devices on your network. You can also monitor your network performance, usage, and data consumption in the Settings > Network & Internet > Data usage app. You can also adjust your network profile, metered connection, and power saving mode in the Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi app.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?