Not applicable.
In order to connect to the Internet wirelessly certain hardware and services are needed which are listed below. Without any one of these items, connection to the Internet is not possible. The range from the router typically is limited to fewer than 60 meters or 200 feet.
Your Broadband Internet Service Provider (ISP) either comes to your residence or business and set up the Broadband Modem or send you a do-it-yourself kit.
Once the Broadband Modem is set up and working, remove the network or USB cable that is connecting the computer to the Modem.
Turn off the Broadband Modem for at least three or more minutes (this is necessary to make the Broadband Modem find the wireless router later).
After the three or more minutes are up, attach the wireless router with the supplied network cable and turn the Broadband Modem back on.
See the documentation that comes with your wireless router for installation instructions.
Table 1: Common Wireless Router Websites
During the initial setup of the wireless router the network name (SSID) and Wi-Fi Security (network) key should be changed for security reasons, for additional information see the Securing Your Wireless Network section.
Move the computer to within 1-3 meters (3-9 ft) of the router (if possible).
Touch or click the network icon , either in the taskbar or in the hidden icons area (Figure 1).
Figure 1: Hidden Icon Location
Look for a listing that has the most white bars next to it (it may be necessary to scroll up or down to find it).
Touch or click the network with the most white bars (), and then touch or click Connect.
Enter the network security key if prompted, and then click Next.
Move the computer to within 1-3 meters (3-9 ft) of the router (if possible).
Touch or click the network icon , either in the taskbar or in the hidden icons area (Figure 1).
Figure 1: Hidden Icon Location
Select the tab below that matches the icon on your computer:
This icon means that your computer is connected to the wireless network. When you cannot get to the Internet, see the Resolving Not Able to Get to the Internet tab.
This icon means that the wireless antenna is on, but you are not connected to a wireless network. For information about connecting to your wireless network, see the I want to connect my computer or tablet to my existing wireless network section.
This icon means that the wireless antenna is off.
To turn the wireless antenna back on:
Touch or click the Network icon ().
Touch or click the panel that is labeled Wi-Fi (the panel should turn from gray to blue and should look like Figure 2).
Figure 2: Wireless Icons Example Settings
When your network icon does not change to , see the I want to connect my computer or tablet to my existing wireless network section.
This icon means that the computer is in Airplane mode and that all the wireless communication devices including Wi-Fi, Mobile Broadband, Bluetooth, GPS, near field communication (NFC) and any other type of wireless communication are turn off.
To turn the communication devices back on:
When the panel labeled Wi-Fi is still gray, touch or click the Wi-Fi panel (the panel should turn from gray to blue, and should look like Figure 2).
Figure 2: Wireless Icons Example Settings
When your network icon does not change to , see the I want to connect my computer or tablet to my existing wireless network section.
Run the Network Troubleshooter:
Press and hold the Windows () key, and then press the q key.
In the search box type, internet connections.
Touch or click Find and fix network problems (Control panel).
Touch or click Next and follow the prompts.
Turn off and then turn on all the devices on the network to reboot and synchronize them, for more information see the Turn Off and Then Turn on All the Devices on the Network tab.
Run the Dell SupportAssist Optimize Network application:
Press and hold the Windows () key, and then press the q key.
In the search box type, supportassist.
Touch or click SupportAssist (Desktop app).
Touch or click the down arrow.
Touch or click Run under Optimize Network.
After the Optimize Network is finished (the status indicator reads 100%) touch or click the History tab.
Touch or click the latest listing of Optimize Network (Manual) to review the results.
Ensure that the most current wireless drivers, computer BIOS, and router firmware are installed:
For more information about downloading and installing the most current BIOS version, see the Dell Knowledge Base article What is BIOS and How to Download and Install the latest BIOS?
For more information about downloading and installing the most current wireless drivers, see How to Download and Install the Latest Dell Wireless Network Adapter Driver section.
Update the wireless router's firmware to the latest available, see the wireless router documentation, or contact the wireless router manufacturer, links are provided in Table 1.
Manufacturer | User Name | Password |
---|---|---|
Linksys ![]()
|
leave blank | admin |
D-Link ![]()
|
admin | leave blank |
Netgear ![]()
|
admin | password |
2Wire ![]()
|
None unless one was set up. | None unless one was set up. |
Belkin ![]()
|
None | leave blank |
Apple ![]()
|
Use the AirPort utility | |
SMC
|
Admin | smcadmin |
Table 1: Wireless Manufacture Links, Router Default User Names, and Passwords
Ensure that the wireless adapter is transmitting at its highest level. For more information, see the Configure the Wireless Adapter Settings for Optimal Performance tab.
Run the Dell SupportAssist Troubleshooting application:
Press and hold the Windows () key, and then press the q key.
In the search box type, supportassist.
Touch or click SupportAssist (Desktop app).
Touch or click the Troubleshooting tab.
Touch or click I'm having Internet issues.
Touch or click the wanted option.
Touch or click Run Now and follow the instructions.
Run the Network Adapter Diagnostics available on the Dell Support site.
See the following articles corresponding to the browser installed on your computer:
For more information about resolving issues getting to the Internet, see the following resources:
Disconnect the power from the broadband modem and leave the broadband modem disconnected for at least 3 minutes.
Shut down all the computers that are connected to the network.
Disconnect the power from the wireless router.
Verify that a network cable is connected from the Broadband Modem into the Internet or WAN port on the wireless router.
Verify that no USB cables or serial cables are connected to the Broadband Modem.
Connect the power to the broadband modem. Wait for at least 2 minutes for the Broadband Modem to initialize.
(If the Modem does not establish an Internet connection successfully, unplug the Modem. Wait for at least 5 minutes, then plug in the Modem.)
Connect the power to the wireless router. Wait for at least 2 minutes for the wireless router to initialize.
Turn on the computer and try connecting to the Internet.
When your computer still cannot connect to the Internet, see the Resolving Not Able to Get to the Internet tab, and proceed with Step 3.
To determine which wireless adapter is installed in your computer, perform the following steps.
In the Search box, type change wi-fi settings.
Touch or click Change Wi-Fi settings (System settings).
Touch or click Hardware properties.
Look at the Manufacture: listing to see the brand of the wireless adapter installed in your computer, and then see the section below that matches your wireless adapter.
In the Search box, type device manager.
Touch or click Device Manager (Control Panel).
In the Device Manager window, touch or click the arrow sign next to Network Adapters.
Double-tap or double-click the wireless adapter with the same Description as noted on the Change Wi-Fi Settings page.
Click the Advanced tab.
In the Property: box, touch, or click 802.11n Channel Width for 2.4 GHz and select Auto from the drop-down menu under Value:
In the Property: box, touch, or click 802.11n Channel Width for 5.2 GHz and select Auto from the drop-down menu under Value:
In the Property: box, touch, or click 802.11n Mode and select Enabled from the drop-down menu under Value:
In the Property: box, touch, or click Fat Channel Intolerant and select Disabled from the drop-down menu under Value:
In the Property: box, touch, or click Roaming Aggressiveness and select 1. Lowest from the drop-down menu under Value:
In the Property: box, touch, or click Intel® Throughput Enhancement or Throughput Booster and select Disabled from the drop-down menu under Value:
In the Property: box, touch, or click Transmit Power and select 5. Highest from the drop-down menu under Value:
In the Property: box, touch, or click Wireless Mode, select the wireless networking standard that best matches your router.
In the Property: box, touch, or click Wireless Mode and select the highest number available from the drop-down menu under Value:
Touch or click the Power Management tab.
Ensure the check box to the left of Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power, is cleared.
Click OK.
Bookmark this article as a restart of the affected computer is needed now, and additional troubleshooting may be needed.
Save any data, close any open programs and, restart the computer.
When your computer still cannot connect to the Internet, see the Resolving Not Able to Get to the Internet tab, and proceed with Step 5.
In the Search box, type Device Manager.
Touch or click Device Manager (Control Panel).
In the Device Manager window, click the arrow sign next to Network Adapters.
Double-tap or double-click the wireless adapter with the same Description as noted on the Change Wi-Fi Settings page.
Click the Advanced tab.
In the Property: box, click to select AP Compatibility Mode, select Broader Compatibility under Value: from the drop-down menu.
In the Property: box, click to select Minimum Power Consumption, select Disabled under Value: from the drop-down menu.
Touch or click the Power Management tab.
Ensure the check box to the left of Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power, is cleared.
Click OK.
Bookmark this article as a restart of the affected computer is needed now, and additional troubleshooting may be needed.
Save any data, close any open programs and, restart the computer.
When your computer still cannot connect to the Internet, see the Resolving Not Able to Get to the Internet tab, and proceed with Step 5.
Description is listed as Qualcomm or Dell:
In the Search box, type Device Manager.
Touch or click Device Manager (Control Panel).
In the Device Manager window, touch or click the arrow sign next to Network Adapters.
Double-tap or double-click the wireless adapter with the same Description as noted on the Change Wi-Fi Settings page.
Touch or click the Advanced tab.
In the Property: box, touch, or click to select Roaming Policy, select Very Low under Value: from the drop-down menu.
Touch or click the Power Management tab.
Ensure the check box to the left of Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power, is cleared.
Click OK.
Bookmark this article as a restart of the affected computer is needed now, and additional troubleshooting may be needed.
Save any data, close any open programs and, restart the computer.
When your computer still cannot connect to the Internet, see the Resolving Not Able to Get to the Internet tab, and proceed with Step 5.
Description is listed as Killer Wireless:
In the Search box, type Device Manager.
Touch or click Device Manager (Control Panel).
In the Device Manager window, touch or click the arrow sign next to Network Adapters.
Double-tap or double-click the wireless adapter with the same Description as noted on the Change Wi-Fi Settings page.
Touch or click the Advanced tab.
In the Property: box, touch, or click to select Preferred Band:
Select either:
In the Property: box, touch, or click Roaming Aggressiveness and select 1. Lowest from the drop-down menu under Value:
In the Property: box, touch, or click to Wireless Mode, select the wireless networking standard that best matches your router.
Touch or click the Power Management tab.
Ensure the check box to the left of Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power, is cleared.
Click OK.
Bookmark this article as a restart of the affected computer is needed now, and additional troubleshooting may be needed.
Save any data, close any open programs and, restart the computer.
When your computer still cannot connect to the Internet, see the Resolving Not Able to Get to the Internet tab, and proceed with Step 5.
In the Search box, type Device Manager.
Touch or click Device Manager (Control Panel).
In the Device Manager window, click the arrow sign next to Network Adapters.
Double-tap or double-click the wireless adapter with the same Description as noted on the Change Wi-Fi Settings page.
Click the Advanced tab.
In the Property: box, click to select AP Compatibility Mode, select Broader Compatibility under Value: from the drop-down menu.
In the Property: box, click to select Minimum Power Consumption, select Disabled under Value: from the drop-down menu.
Touch or click the Power Management tab.
Ensure the check box to the left of Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power, is cleared.
Click OK.
Bookmark this article as a restart of the affected computer is needed now, and additional troubleshooting may be needed.
Save any data, close any open programs and, restart the computer.
When your computer still cannot connect to the Internet, see the Resolving Not Able to Get to the Internet tab, and proceed with Step 5.
In the Run box, type devmgmt.msc, and then press Enter.
Touch or click the arrow to the left of Human Interface Devices.
Touch and hold or right-click Airplane Mode Switch Collection, and then select Disable.
Touch and hold or right-click Airplane Mode Switch Collection, and then select Enable.
Touch or click the arrow to the left of Network adapters.
Touch and hold or right-click your wireless network adapter (the description should include the word wireless), and then select Properties.
Touch or click the Select Power Management tab, and clear the box next to Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power.
Touch or click OK to save the changes.
Restart the computer and check if Airplane mode can be turned off.
Figure 1: Wireless Icons Example Settings
Run the Network Troubleshooter.
In the search box type, troubleshoot
Touch or click Troubleshooting (Control panel).
Touch or click Network and Internet.
Touch or click Network Adapter.
Touch or click Next and follow the prompts.
Ensure that the BIOS is updated to the latest version. For more information, see Dell Knowledge Base article What is BIOS and How to Download and Install the latest BIOS?
Ensure that the most current wireless drivers are installed. For more information, see How to Download and Install the Latest Dell Wireless Network Adapter Driver section.
Press and hold the Windows key (), and then press the r key.
In the Run box, type devmgmt.msc, and then press Enter (the User Account window may appear, if so, touch or click YES).
Touch or click the arrow to the left of Network adapters.
Touch and hold or right-click your wireless network adapter (the description should include the word wireless), and then select Uninstall (do not check the box next to Delete the driver software for this device).
Touch or click OK.
Save any data, close any open programs, and restart the computer (during the booting process the driver for the wireless adapter will be automatically installed).
A Wi-Fi network name (SSID) is the name that your wireless router broadcast (like a radio station) that allows you to identify your wireless router from your neighbors.
The SSID that your wireless router has when you take it out of the box must be changed during the initial setup using the CD that came with the wireless router, it must be between 1 to 32 characters long. It is case-sensitive, which means when you decide on the SSID you have to put it in each computer exactly as it was put in the router.
It should not include your address, name, or anything else that will identify who you are.
A Wi-Fi security (network) key is similar to a door key, it protects yourself from unknown people getting on your wireless network.
Below is a list of the three types of wireless security that is offered for home and small business users and their strength in relation to the others.
It is recommended that the wireless network is configured with the highest level of security that the wireless devices have in common.
Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP)
Low protection
WEP is one of the original security types. Every home-wireless router supports WEP even the latest models to make it compatible with every wireless network adapter. While WEP is better than no security the network key used to encrypt the wireless data can be broken in as little as a few minutes.
Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA)
Medium protection
WPA was developed to close the security holes that WEP has. It uses several mechanisms to prevent the network key from being broken but still uses the same encryption method as WEP.
Wi-Fi Protected Access 2 (WPA2)
Highest protection
WPA2 has been implemented as the highest form of security for home and small businesses. It takes the mechanisms that are used by WPA and uses a more secure encryption method.
WPA and WPA2
WPA and WPA2 use letters (a-z, A-Z, 0-9) that is between 8 and 63 characters long. The key can be made up from any upper and lower case letters, numbers, and the special characters (~!@#$%^&*()_+:;'"<>).
It is recommended that all three types of characters be used in the key and that they are used in a random order. This makes it difficult for someone to guess the key.
WEP
WEP comes in two lengths 64 and 128 bit and in two forms ASCII and Hexadecimal. The key that you create will include an additional 24-bit header so the key you create is only 40 or 104 bits long. That is why a 64bit WEP key is also known as 40bit. ASCII is the numbers and letters that we use every day, a - z, A - Z and the numbers 0 - 9. Hexadecimal is also known as machine code, when a computer is running a program that it is being told what to do by Hexadecimal numbers. Hexadecimal uses the numbers 0 - 9 and the letters a - f.
See (Table 1) for the number and type of characters that you must use create a WEP key.
Key Length | ASCII | Hexadecimal |
---|---|---|
64 bit | 5 case-sensitive characters (a-z, A-Z, 0-9) |
10 characters (0-9, a-f) |
128 bit | 13 case-sensitive characters (a-z, A-Z, 0-9) |
26 characters (0-9, a-f) |
Table 1: WEP Key Creation
(There are free WEP and WPA key generators available on the Internet.)
The easiest way to find your wireless network name (SSID) is to put the computer and the wireless router 1-3 meters (3-9 ft) away from each other.
Do one of the following tasks:
For a laptop:
Move the computer to within 1-3 meters (3-9 ft) of the wireless router.
Touch or click the network icon ( or
), either in the taskbar or in the hidden icons area (Figure 1).
Figure 1: Hidden Icon Location
Look for a listing that has the most white bars next to it (it may be necessary to scroll up or down to find it) and write it down exactly as you see it.
For a desktop computer:
It may be necessary to move the wireless router within 1-3 meters (3-9 ft) of the desktop (you do not need to move or turn off the broadband modem because Internet access is not needed now, but any other computers that are connected to the wireless router cannot access the Internet during this process). Ensure that the wireless router is turned on after moving it.
Touch or click the network icon ( or
), either in the taskbar or in the hidden icons area (Figure 1).
Figure 1: Hidden Icon Location
Look for a listing that has the most white bars next to it (it may be necessary to scroll up or down to find it) and write it down exactly as you see it.
After finding your wireless network name, you must move the wireless router back to its original location and reconnect it to the Broadband Modem.
Write down the 10-digit key, exactly as you see it.
For this process to work, a network cable has to be connected between one of the LAN ports on the back of the wireless router and the LAN port on the computer.
Touch and hold or right-click the network icon ( or
), either in the taskbar or in the hidden icons area (Figure 1).
Touch or click Open Network and Sharing Center.
Touch or click Ethernet.
Click Details.
Locate and write down the IP address to the right of IPv4 Default Gateway.
Open an Internet browser.
In the address bar, type https://[Default_Gateway_ip_address], where [Default_Gateway_ip_address] is the IPv4 Default Gateway IP address (do not include the brackets).
Log in to the router. For some of the most common router username and passwords, see Table 3.
Wireless router manufacturers typically keep the wireless Network Name or SSID under a page listed as Wireless, the method for getting to that page varies (see the wireless router documentation or contact the wireless router manufacturer, links are provided in Table 3).
Be sure to write the wireless network name down, exactly as you see it.
When the common defaults do not work, it means that either someone has changed the default, or your model of wireless router has a unique username or password. Ask whoever may have set up the wireless router what is the username and password, see the wireless router documentation or contact the wireless router manufacturer (links are provided in Table 3).
Manufacturer | User Name | Password |
---|---|---|
Linksys ![]()
|
leave blank |
admin |
D-Link ![]()
|
admin |
leave blank |
Netgear ![]()
|
admin |
password |
2Wire ![]()
|
None unless one was set up. |
None unless one was set up. |
Belkin ![]()
|
None |
leave blank |
Apple ![]()
|
Use the AirPort utility |
|
SMC
|
Admin |
smcadmin |
Table 3: Common Wireless Router User Name and Passwords
For this process to work a network cable has to be connected between one of the LAN ports on the back of the wireless router and the LAN port on the computer.
Touch and hold or right-click the network icon ( or
), either in the taskbar or in the hidden icons area (Figure 1).
Figure 1: Hidden Icon Location
Touch or click Open Network and Sharing Center.
Touch or click Ethernet.
Click Details.
Locate and write down the IP address to the right of IPv4 Default Gateway.
Open an Internet browser.
In the address bar, type https://[Default_Gateway_ip_address], where [Default_Gateway_ip_address] is the IPv4 Default Gateway IP address (do not include the brackets).
Log in to the router. For some of the most common router username and passwords, see Table 4.
Wireless router manufacturers typically keep the wireless Network Name or SSID under a page listed as Wireless, the method for getting to that page varies (see the wireless router documentation or contact the wireless router manufacturer, links are provided in Table 4).
Be sure to write the wireless network name down, exactly as you see it.
When the common defaults do not work, it means that either someone has changed the default, or your model of wireless router has a unique username or password. Ask whoever may have set up the wireless router what is the username and password, see the wireless router documentation or contact the wireless router manufacturer (links are provided in Table 4).
Before you reset the wireless router, note:
Manufacturer | User Name | Password |
---|---|---|
Linksys ![]()
|
leave blank |
admin |
D-Link ![]()
|
admin |
leave blank |
Netgear ![]()
|
admin |
password |
2Wire ![]()
|
None unless one was set up. |
None unless one was set up. |
Belkin ![]()
|
None |
leave blank |
Apple ![]()
|
Use the AirPort utility |
|
SMC
|
Admin |
smcadmin |
Table 4: Common Wireless Router User Name and Passwords
HomeGroup has been removed from Windows 10 (Version 1803). See the Microsoft Knowledge Base article HomeGroup removed from Windows 10 (Version 1803) for more information and alternate means to share files and printers.
See the Microsoft Knowledge Base article Changes to file sharing over a network in Windows 10 for more information.
In the Search box, type troubleshoot.
Touch or click Troubleshoot (System settings).
Scroll down the page until you see Share Folders under Find and fix other problems.
Touch or click Share Folders.
Touch or click Run the troubleshooter and follow the prompts.
OneDrive is free online storage that comes with your Microsoft account. Save your files there and you can get to them from any personal computer, tablet, or phone.
For more information, see Microsoft Knowledge Base article OneDrive on your PC.
When at a public location (coffee shop, library, airport, hotel so forth) you should set your network location to Public, this helps protect you from intruders. On the other hand in order to be able to browse other computers or printers on your local network, the network location has to be set to Private. Perform the following steps to change the network location.
Ensure you are connected wirelessly before performing the steps.
Touch or click the network icon , either in the taskbar or in the hidden icons area (Figure 1).
Figure 1: Hidden Icon Location
Find the wireless network listing that reads as connected.
Touch or click Properties.
Touch or click Public, or Private as wanted.
Close the window.
For the latest drivers, browse to the Dell Drivers & Downloads website.
For more information, see the Dell Knowledge Base article Drivers and Downloads FAQs (see the How do I download and install device driver? section), which provides information about how to download drivers for the wireless network adapter installed in your computer.
Our Network and Wireless support page provides additional information and resources.
For guidance and information about initial set-up, troubleshooting, and general information, see the Windows 11 Support page The articles, videos, and links to important Microsoft support pages ensure that you have all the resources that are needed to guide you through any queries or issues with Windows 11.
Here are some recommended articles related to this topic that might be of interest to you.
Out of warranty? No problem. Browse to the Dell.com/support website and enter your Dell Service Tag and view our offers.