If you have a
wireless access point in your home or office, and you have a wireless
network adapter installed on your computer, you can connect to the
access point to access your network. If your wireless access point is
connected to the Internet, then connecting to the wireless network
gives your computer Internet access, as well.
Most wireless networks
are protected with a security key, which is a kind of password. If your
wireless network requires a security key, be sure you know the key
before attempting to connect.
Connect to a Wireless Network
1 Click the Network icon (
) in the taskbar's notification area.
2 Click your network.
3 To have Windows 7 connect to your network automatically in the future, click to activate the Connect automatically check box (
changes to 
).
4 Click Connect.
If the network is protected by a security key, Windows 7 asks you to enter it.
5 Type the security key.
• If you are worried that someone nearby might see the security key, you can click Hide characters ( changes to ) to display the characters you type as dots.
6 Click OK.
Windows 7 connects to the network.
• The network icon changes from to 
to indicate that you now have a wireless network connection.
How do I disconnect from my wireless network?
To disconnect from the network, follow these steps:
1 Click the Network icon ().
2 Click your network.
3 Click Disconnect.
Windows 7 disconnects from the wireless network.
