A Windows 10 PC can get online through Wi-Fi, an Ethernet cable or your phone’s hotspot. Windows normally sets everything up automatically; you just pick the network and enter the password. This guide covers each method, brand-specific tips for laptops such as HP models, and safe fixes when the connection will not work.
Note: Windows 10 reached end of support on October 14, 2025. Consumer Extended Security Updates (ESU) now run until October 12, 2027. These steps still work on Windows 10, but upgrading to Windows 11 is the long-term way to keep getting security fixes.
Quick Answer
Click the network icon on the taskbar, make sure Wi-Fi is on and Airplane mode is off, select your network, click Connect and enter the password. For a wired connection, plug an Ethernet cable into the PC and router; Windows connects automatically.
Connect Through Wi-Fi
- Click the network icon (Wi-Fi bars or a globe) at the right end of the taskbar.
- If Wi-Fi is off, click the Wi-Fi tile to turn it on, and make sure Airplane mode is off.
- Select the name of your wireless network.
- Tick Connect automatically if this is a network you trust and use regularly.
- Click Connect and enter the Wi-Fi password (security key).
- If asked whether to make the PC discoverable, choose No on public networks and Yes only at home or work.
- Open a website you trust to confirm the connection works.
Connect With Ethernet
Plug one end of an Ethernet cable into the PC and the other into a router, switch or wall port. Windows configures the connection automatically through DHCP and shows a monitor icon on the taskbar when it is connected. Laptops without an Ethernet port can use a USB-to-Ethernet adapter. If the icon still shows no internet, try another cable or router port before changing any IP settings. See switching from Wi-Fi to Ethernet on Windows 10.
Use Your Phone’s Hotspot
Turn on Personal Hotspot (iPhone) or Mobile hotspot (Android) on your phone, then connect to it from the Windows network list like any Wi-Fi network, using the password shown on the phone. Hotspots use your mobile data allowance, so pause large downloads and updates while connected. Windows lets you mark the connection as metered under Settings, Network & Internet, Wi-Fi, then the network’s properties.
HP and Other Laptops
Most laptops use the standard Windows network panel, but some have extra controls:
- Wireless or airplane-mode key: many HP, Dell, Lenovo and ASUS laptops have a function key with an antenna or airplane icon. Press it (with Fn if needed) if Windows cannot turn Wi-Fi on.
- Maker’s support app: HP Support Assistant and similar tools from other brands can update the wireless driver and run hardware checks.
- Hardware diagnostics: HP PC Hardware Diagnostics can test the wireless card separately from Windows, which helps tell a hardware fault from a settings problem.
If No Wi-Fi Networks Appear
- Check that Airplane mode is off and any wireless key or switch is on.
- Right-click Start, open Device Manager and expand Network adapters. If the wireless adapter shows a down arrow, right-click it and choose Enable device. See enabling the Wi-Fi adapter in Windows 10.
- If the adapter has a yellow warning, update the driver from Windows Update or the laptop maker’s support page.
- Move closer to the router, and check that other devices can see the network.
If Wi-Fi Connects but There Is No Internet
- Restart the PC and the router or modem.
- Check whether other devices are online; if not, the problem is the internet service, not Windows.
- Open Settings, Update & Security, Troubleshoot, Additional troubleshooters and run Internet Connections.
- If the password recently changed, click the network in Settings, Network & Internet, Wi-Fi, Manage known networks, choose Forget, then connect again with the new password.
- On a public network, open a browser; hotels and cafes often require you to accept terms on a sign-in page first.
- As a last resort, use Network reset under Settings, Network & Internet, Status. It removes and reinstalls network adapters, so you will need to re-enter Wi-Fi passwords.
Stay Safe While Troubleshooting
Avoid quick fixes that weaken security, such as turning off Windows Defender Firewall, connecting to unknown open networks, or installing “driver updater” tools from ads. Use drivers from Windows Update or your PC maker, and only connect to networks you are authorised to use.
Summary
- Click the network icon and turn Wi-Fi on.
- Pick your network, click Connect and enter the password.
- Or plug in an Ethernet cable for a wired connection.
- Use your laptop’s wireless key or maker’s app if Wi-Fi will not turn on.
- Run the troubleshooter or forget and rejoin the network if there is no internet.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.