How to use WPS in Windows 10 to connect to Wi-Fi networks

Did you know that, if you have a Windows 10 laptop, tablet, or 2-in-1 device such as a Surface Pro, you can use the WPS standard to make quick connections to Wi-Fi networks without having to type in the passwords of wireless networks? Here's a complete guide for how to connect to Wi-Fi through WPS in Windows 10, on any PC, laptop, or device with a wireless network card:

Contents

1. Step 1: Select the Wi-Fi network to which you want to connect through WPS in Windows 10
2. Step 2: Connect through WPS instead of typing the Wi-Fi password (using the WPS button on the router)
3. Can I connect through WPS in Windows 10 using a client PIN code?
4. Did you manage to successfully connect through WPS in Windows 10?

NOTE: If you need a refresh on what WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) is, we recommend that you read: What is WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup)?. For this procedure to work, you need WPS enabled on the wireless router or access point that broadcasts the Wi-Fi signal in your area. Both the device emitting the wireless signal and the one receiving it must have support for WPS.

Step 1: Select the Wi-Fi network to which you want to connect through WPS in Windows 10

First of all, on your Windows 10 device, open the list of available wireless networks. One easy way is to click or tap the wireless icon from the system tray.

The Network icon from the notification area in Windows 10

The list that pops up shows all the Wi-Fi networks available near you. Find the wireless network that you want to connect through WPS and click or tap on its name. Then, press Connect.

The Connect button is shown for an available wireless network

NOTE: Before you press Connect, you can also select whether you want to connect automatically to the selected network each time you are in its coverage area. Choose the behavior that you prefer.

Step 2: Connect through WPS instead of typing the Wi-Fi password (using the WPS button on the router)

Windows 10 asks you to enter the password for the Wi-Fi to which you want to connect. Don't do it just yet! If WPS is enabled on the router that broadcasts the Wi-Fi network, right under the password field, Windows 10 tells you that "You can also connect by pushing the button on the router."

You can also connect by pushing the button on the router

Walk to the wireless router or access point. On it, push the WPS button for a couple of seconds. You should find this button on the back of the router or one of its sides.

The WPS button found on a router

On some wireless routers and access points, such as those made by Linksys, the WPS button is not labeled, but it has a WPS symbol like the one highlighted below.

The WPS button on a Linksys router

After a couple of seconds, Windows 10 automatically receives the wireless settings from the router (or access point) and connects to the Wi-Fi network by itself, without you entering the password.

Windows 10 uses WPS for Getting settings from the router

You are now connected to the wireless network using WPS in Windows 10. The next time you connect to this network from the same Windows 10 computer or device, you shouldn't have to push the WPS button again.

That's because the router has already transferred all the required settings to Windows 10, including the security password. Windows 10 stores these details and uses them automatically each time it has to make future connections to the same network.

The Wi-Fi network connection is established and working

If you want to share files, folders, and devices with the other users and devices connected to the same network, you might have to change the network profile settings in Windows 10. To learn more, read this guide: How to change the Windows 10 network location to private (or public).

Can I connect through WPS in Windows 10 using a client PIN code?

The WPS standard also allows devices to connect using a PIN code. One eight-digit PIN code is generated by the wireless router (or access point) and another by the client that wants to connect to the Wi-Fi network using WPS. Unfortunately, Windows 10 does not generate a client PIN code that you can use for WPS connections. You can get the client PIN only if your wireless network card has a specialized application that generates it for you. Unfortunately, on the systems that we are using, we do not have such apps, so we cannot demonstrate how this method works.

Did you manage to successfully connect through WPS in Windows 10?

As you can see from this guide, using WPS in Windows 10 to connect to wireless networks is both easy and fast. Anyone can do it, and you only need to read this guide the first time you do it. If you have any questions or problems, don't hesitate to leave a comment in the section below.