How to add Wi-Fi network connection on Windows 11

Windows 11 allows you to add Wi-Fi networks in advance manually to connect automatically when the network is in the range – here's how.

Avatar for Mauro Huculak
@Pureinfotech
Pureinfotech Logo
Windows 11 add new Wi-Fi network
Windows 11 add new Wi-Fi network

On Windows 11, you can create and prevision a Wi-Fi network connection in advance to connect automatically when the wireless access point is in range.

The option to prevision network connections is a handy feature to set up one or multiple devices with various profiles in advance without waiting until the network is in range to connect.

Regardless of the reason, Windows 11 includes a couple of settings to add multiple wireless network profiles with their security type, password, and other settings to make connections easier.

In this guide, you will learn the steps to add a new wireless connection on Windows 11 manually.

Add Wi-Fi connection using Settings on Windows 11

To add a new wireless network profile to Windows 11, use these steps:

  1. Open Settings on Windows 11.

  2. Click on Network & internet.

  3. Click the Wi-Fi page on the right side.

  4. Click the Manage known networks setting.

    Manage known networks

  5. Click the Add network button for the “Add a new network” setting.

    Add a new wireless network

  6. Confirm the wireless network name.

  7. Use the Security type drop-down menu and select the security option – for example, WPA2-Personal AES.

    Wi-Fi configuration

  8. Confirm the security key (usually known as the wireless password).

  9. Check the Connect automatically option.

  10. (Optional) Check the “Connect even if this network is not broadcasting” option.

  11. Click the Save button.

Once you complete the steps, it will connect automatically without additional steps when the device is near the wireless network. You can always repeat the instructions to prevision more networks.

Add Wi-Fi connection using Control Panel on Windows 11

To create a new Wi-Fi connection manually through Control Panel, use these steps:

  1. Open Control Panel.

  2. Click on Network and Internet.

  3. Click on Network and Sharing Center.

  4. Under the “Change your networking settings” section, click the “Set up a new connection or network” option.

    Set up a new connection on network

  5. Select the “Manually connect to a wireless network” option.

    Manually connect to a wireless network

  6. Click the Next button.

  7. Confirm the Wi-Fi name.

  8. Select the security type configured in the network.

    Wireless settings in Control Panel

  9. Confirm the security key (password).

  10. (Optional) Check the “Start this connection automatically” option.

  11. (Optional) Check the “Connect even if the network is not broadcasting” option.

  12. Click the Next button.

  13. Click the Close button.

After you complete the steps, the laptop will connect automatically when the network is in range in the same way as using the Settings app.

About the author
Avatar for Mauro Huculak

Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 14 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 20 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me. Email him at [email protected].