To turn on Wi-Fi in Windows 10, select the network icon on the right side of the taskbar, then select the Wi-Fi button so it turns blue. Pick your network from the list, select Connect, and type the password. You can also turn it on in Start > Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi.
If there’s no Wi-Fi button at all, the adapter may be turned off. The fixes are below.
Applies to: Windows 10 laptops and desktops, including HP, Dell, Lenovo, ASUS, Toshiba, and Gateway. Microsoft ended Windows 10 support on October 14, 2025, so a PC without Extended Security Updates no longer receives security fixes; that program runs until October 12, 2027.
Turn on Wi-Fi from the taskbar
- Select the network icon on the taskbar. It looks like a globe or a small screen when you’re offline.
- Select Wi-Fi so the button turns blue.
- If Airplane mode is blue, select it to turn it off.
Turn on Wi-Fi in Settings
- Select Start > Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi.
- Turn Wi-Fi on.
- Select Show available networks to connect.
Connect to a Wi-Fi network
- Select the network icon on the taskbar.
- Select your network and check Connect automatically if you want.
- Select Connect, type the network password, and select Next.
Turn on Wi-Fi with a key or switch on a laptop
Many laptops have a Wi-Fi key or switch, often a key with an antenna or airplane symbol on the top row. Press it, or press Fn with it. Some older laptops have a small slider on the side or front.
Turn on the Wi-Fi adapter
If Wi-Fi is missing from the taskbar and Settings, the adapter may be disabled.
- Press Windows key + R, type
ncpa.cpl, and press Enter. - Right-click Wi-Fi and select Enable.
If Wi-Fi isn’t listed, right-click Start, open Device Manager, expand Network adapters, right-click your wireless adapter, and select Enable device.
If Wi-Fi still won’t turn on
- Restart your PC.
- Update or reinstall the Wi-Fi driver in Device Manager.
- Reset your network settings in Windows 10.
- On a desktop, check that it has a wireless adapter. Many desktops only have Ethernet.
Frequently asked questions
Why is there no Wi-Fi option in Windows 10?
The adapter is turned off, its driver is missing, or the PC has no Wi-Fi hardware. Check Network adapters in Device Manager.
How do I turn off Wi-Fi?
Select the Wi-Fi button on the taskbar again so it’s no longer blue, or turn on Airplane mode.
How do I check that I’m connected?
The network list shows Connected under your network. You can also find your IP address in Windows 10. Seeing two names for the same router, one ending in 5G? Here’s how to pick and confirm the 5GHz network on Windows 10.
Why does Wi-Fi turn off by itself?
Windows may be turning off the adapter to save power. In Device Manager, open the Wi-Fi adapter’s Properties, select Power Management, and clear Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power.
How do I connect to a hidden network?
Select the network icon, choose Hidden Network at the bottom of the list, and type the network name (SSID) and password exactly. Forgot the key for a network another PC already uses? Here’s how to look up a saved Wi-Fi password in Windows 10.
Can I turn Wi-Fi back on automatically?
Yes. When you turn Wi-Fi off from the taskbar, Windows lets you choose to turn it back on after 1 hour, 4 hours or 1 day.
Connected but slow? Try these ways to increase internet speed in Windows 10.
When Wi-Fi is on but won’t connect, work through these fixes for Wi-Fi and network problems in Windows 10.
No Wi-Fi hardware, or an adapter that has died? You can install a USB Wi-Fi adapter on Windows 10.
Microsoft covers the same steps in Connect to a Wi-Fi network in Windows.
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.