Internet Connectivity

Windows 11 supports Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and cellular data connections along with Airplane mode and Mobile hotspot capabilities.

New to 2026, it also lets you perform a quick network speed test if it's not clear whether you're connected to the Internet or you want to make sure you're using the fastest connection type. The network speed test is available from Quick settings in the Taskbar in the following places:

Right-click. If you right-click the "Network" system tray icon, you will see a "Perform speed test" option in the context menu that appears.

Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and Cellular quick settings. If you click the right side of the "Wi-Fi," "Ethernet," or "Cellular" quick setting buttons, you will see a "Test internet speed" button (with no label) at the bottom of the window.

When you click either of these items, your default web browser will open a new tab and display a Bing search for "Internet speed test" that displays a graphical speed test above the results so you can perform the test immediately. Just click "Start" to see your download and upload speeds.

Wi-Fi
Windows 11 supports Wi-Fi ("wireless fidelity") networks, allowing you to wirelessly connect to the Internet, access connected PCs, printers, and other devices, and share your Internet connection with other PCs and devices.

Because Windows 11 requires you to be connected to the Internet when you first set up your PC, it's likely that you have already configured your PC to work with at least one Wi-Fi network. But if you own a laptop or other portable PC and use it in different locations, you will need to connect to, and potentially configure, Windows 11 to use other Wi-Fi networks as well.
Find and connect to a Wi-Fi network
If you bring your PC to a hotel, airport, coffee shop, or another place with a Wi-Fi network for the first time, the "Network" icon in the notification area of the Taskbar will resemble a globe with a strikethrough symbol overlay to indicate you're offline.

You can find and connect to any available Wi-Fi networks with Quick settings, which is accessed by clicking the "Network," "Sound," or "Battery" icons in the system tray on the right side of the Taskbar.

Keyboard shortcut: You can more quickly open Quick settings by typing Windows key + A.
If Wi-Fi is enabled, the "Wi-Fi" quick settings button will display in an enabled state (using your configured accent color) and will note that Wi-Fi networks are "Available." To see which networks are in range, click "Manage Wi-Fi connections"--the right half of the Wi-Fi quick settings split button that's marked with the ">" label--to display the list of available Wi-Fi networks.

Private Wi-Fi networks, like those you might access at home or at work, display an icon with a lock overlay, indicating that you have to enter a password before you can connect. Public Wi-Fi networks, like those you might access at a hotel, airport, or coffee shop, will not have a lock...