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Wi-Fi & internet

How to reconnect to Wi-Fi on Windows 11

A dropped connection does not always need advanced repairs. Start with these simple checks.

1 min read·Windows 11· 6 steps
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Before you start

  • Have your Wi-Fi password ready before forgetting the network.
  • Use a network you recognize.

Step 1 of 6: Check Wi-Fi is on

Select the network, sound, or battery area on the taskbar. Turn Wi-Fi on if it is off.

Step 2 of 6: Turn off Airplane mode

Open Settings, then Network & internet, then Airplane mode. Make sure Airplane mode is off.

Step 3 of 6: Try your network again

Choose your usual network from the available networks and connect.

Step 4 of 6: Forget the saved connection

If reconnecting fails, open Settings, Network & internet, Wi-Fi, then Manage known networks. Select your network and choose Forget.

Forgetting removes its saved connection details. You will need its password again.

Step 5 of 6: Reconnect with the password

Select the same network from available networks and enter its password.

Step 6 of 6: Check another device

Try the network on another phone or computer. If needed, run the Windows 11 Network and Internet troubleshooter in Get Help.

Try it for yourself

Your small practice task.

Try the task with something you are comfortable changing. Stop if a message asks you to erase data or spend money.

Completing the guide records your progress here; it does not check your device settings.

A common question.

Why does Wi-Fi show Connected but browsing still fail?

The internet service, website, app, or firewall may be the cause.

Are these menus the same on a Mac?

This guide uses Windows 11 menus.

Official help, if you need it.

These links provide the product’s own instructions or relevant public guidance. Settings can differ by model and software version.