Manually connect to a wireless network

Wireless networking: Frequently Asked Questions

• What is a wireless network?
• What are the different types of wireless network technologies?
• What hardware does my computer need to be on a wireless network?
• What is wireless signal strength?
• What are the risks of connecting to a public wireless network?
• How do I find a wireless network that is not on the list of available networks?
• Why do I need to copy wireless network settings to other computers and devices on my network?
• Can I use software other than Windows to manage my wireless network connections?
• How can I tell if my wireless network adapter works with Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) or Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) encryption?

Troubleshoot low wireless signal quality difficulties

• Your computer is too far from the wireless router or access point.
• The wireless router or access point is turned off or is not working properly.
• There is interference from other devices.
• The network you are looking for is set to not broadcast its network name (SSID).

Troubleshoot problems finding wireless networks

• The wireless switch on your computer is turned off.
• Your computer is too far from the wireless router or access point.
• The wireless router or access point is turned off or is not working properly.
• There is interference from other devices.
• Windows is not configured to connect to the right type of network.
• The router or access point is busy.
• The network you are looking for is set to not broadcast its network name (SSID).
• Your network administrator is blocking access to certain networks.