Microsoft’s Surface Pro series is known for its versatility and portability, making it an ideal choice for those who need a reliable device on the go. However, like any other electronic device, the Surface Pro requires a stable internet connection to perform its best. In this article, we will show you how to turn on Wi-Fi on your Surface Pro and troubleshoot any connectivity issues you might encounter.
Prerequisites
Before we dive into the steps to turn on Wi-Fi on your Surface Pro, let’s make sure your device is properly set up. Ensure that you have:
- A Surface Pro device
- A power source (battery or power adapter)
- A active internet connection (router or modem)
- A Wi-Fi network established and broadcasting its SSID (network name)
Additionally, make sure your Surface Pro is running the latest version of Windows. You can check for updates by going to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
Turning On Wi-Fi On Surface Pro
Turning on Wi-Fi on your Surface Pro is a straightforward process. Follow these steps:
Method 1: Using The Wi-Fi Toggle
The easiest way to turn on Wi-Fi on your Surface Pro is by using the Wi-Fi toggle in the Action Center.
- Click on the Action Center icon in the system tray (located in the bottom-right corner of the screen).
- In the Action Center, click on the Wi-Fi toggle button.
- If you don’t see the Wi-Fi toggle button, click on the Expand link to view all available options.
- The Wi-Fi toggle button should now be enabled, and you should see a list of available Wi-Fi networks in your area.
Method 2: Using Settings
Alternatively, you can turn on Wi-Fi on your Surface Pro by using the Settings app.
- Open the Settings app on your Surface Pro.
- Click on the Network & Internet option.
- In the Network & Internet settings, click on the Wi-Fi option from the left menu.
- Toggle the Wi-Fi switch to the On position.
Method 3: Using The Keyboard Shortcut
If you prefer using keyboard shortcuts, you can turn on Wi-Fi on your Surface Pro by pressing the Windows key + A to open the Action Center and then pressing the Wi-Fi toggle button.
Troubleshooting Wi-Fi Connectivity Issues
If you’re experiencing issues with your Surface Pro’s Wi-Fi connectivity, don’t worry. We’ve got you covered. Here are some troubleshooting steps to help you resolve common Wi-Fi issues:
Wi-Fi Network Not Visible
If you’re unable to see your Wi-Fi network in the list of available networks, try the following:
- Restart your router to ensure it’s broadcasting its SSID.
- Move your Surface Pro closer to the router to improve signal strength.
- Check if your Wi-Fi network is set to broadcast its SSID. You can do this by checking your router’s settings.
Wi-Fi Connection Keeps Dropping
If your Surface Pro’s Wi-Fi connection keeps dropping, try the following:
- Restart your Surface Pro to refresh its Wi-Fi adapter.
- Move your Surface Pro closer to the router to improve signal strength.
- Update your Surface Pro’s Wi-Fi drivers to the latest version.
Wi-Fi Connection Not Secure
If you’re experiencing issues with your Surface Pro’s Wi-Fi connection security, try the following:
- Ensure your Wi-Fi network is using WPA2 encryption (or WPA3 if available).
- Check if your Surface Pro is using the correct Wi-Fi network credentials.
- Restart your Surface Pro and router to ensure a secure connection.
Wi-Fi Settings On Surface Pro
In this section, we’ll cover some additional Wi-Fi settings on your Surface Pro that you might find useful:
Wi-Fi Network Priority
You can set a priority for your Wi-Fi networks on your Surface Pro. This ensures that your device connects to the preferred network when multiple networks are available.
- Open the Settings app on your Surface Pro.
- Click on the Network & Internet option.
- In the Network & Internet settings, click on the Wi-Fi option from the left menu.
- Click on the Manage Wi-Fi settings link.
- In the Manage Wi-Fi settings page, click on the Wi-Fi network priority link.
- Set the priority for your Wi-Fi networks as desired.
Wi-Fi Sense
Wi-Fi Sense is a feature on Windows that allows your Surface Pro to automatically connect to open Wi-Fi hotspots and networks shared by your contacts. To enable or disable Wi-Fi Sense:
- Open the Settings app on your Surface Pro.
- Click on the Network & Internet option.
- In the Network & Internet settings, click on the Wi-Fi option from the left menu.
- Click on the Manage Wi-Fi settings link.
- In the Manage Wi-Fi settings page, toggle the Wi-Fi Sense switch to the On or Off position as desired.
Conclusion
In this article, we’ve shown you how to turn on Wi-Fi on your Surface Pro and troubleshoot common Wi-Fi connectivity issues. We’ve also covered some additional Wi-Fi settings on your Surface Pro that you might find useful. By following these steps and tips, you’ll be able to enjoy a stable and secure Wi-Fi connection on your Surface Pro.
| Surface Pro Model | Wi-Fi Connectivity |
|---|---|
| Surface Pro (2012) | Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) |
| Surface Pro 2 | Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) |
| Surface Pro 3 | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) |
| Surface Pro 4 | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) |
| Surface Pro (2017) | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) |
| Surface Pro 6 | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) |
| Surface Pro 7 | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) |
Note: The above table lists the Wi-Fi connectivity features for different Surface Pro models.
How Do I Enable Wi-Fi On My Surface Pro If I Don’t See The Wi-Fi Switch In The Action Center?
To enable Wi-Fi on your Surface Pro if you don’t see the Wi-Fi switch in the Action Center, start by going to the Start menu and clicking on the ‘Settings’ icon. Once the Settings window is open, click on ‘Network & internet’ and select ‘Wi-Fi’ from the left menu. Now, toggle on the ‘Wi-Fi’ switch.
After enabling the Wi-Fi, you can connect to your network by click on the ‘Show available networks’ option and choosing your desired network from the list. You may be prompted to enter a password to complete the connection. Make sure you enter the correct password for your network to establish a connection. If you still face issues, consider restarting your Surface Pro or checking the physical Wi-Fi switch (if your model has one).
Why Is My Surface Pro Not Showing Any Available Wi-Fi Networks?
If your Surface Pro is not showing any available Wi-Fi networks, the first step is to ensure that your device’s Wi-Fi is turned on. Go to the Start menu, click on the ‘Settings’ icon, and open the ‘Network & internet’ section. Check if the ‘Wi-Fi’ switch is toggled on. If the switch is already on, try restarting your Surface Pro or moving to a different location to see if that resolves the issue.
Another reason you may not see available Wi-Fi networks is if your Surface Pro is set to airplane mode. To check this, open the Action Center by clicking on the notification icon at the bottom-right corner of the screen. If airplane mode is enabled, click the toggle button to disable it. After disabling airplane mode, try searching for available Wi-Fi networks again.
How Do I Forget A Wi-Fi Network On My Surface Pro?
To forget a Wi-Fi network on your Surface Pro, go to the Start menu and click on the ‘Settings’ icon. Open the ‘Network & internet’ section and select ‘Wi-Fi’ from the left menu. Scroll down and click on ‘Manage known networks’. You will see a list of all the connected networks on your device.
Find the network you want to forget, click on it, and then click on the ‘Forget’ button. A confirmation window will appear asking if you are sure you want to forget the network. Click ‘Forget’ again to confirm. Once you’ve forgotten a network, you will need to reconnect to it using the network’s password.
How Do I Check If My Surface Pro Has Wi-Fi Capabilities?
To check if your Surface Pro has Wi-Fi capabilities, go to the Start menu and click on the ‘Settings’ icon. Open the ‘Network & internet’ section and select ‘Status’ from the left menu. Scroll down and click on ‘Device specifications’. Now, look for ‘Physical Wireless’ under the ‘Network’ section.
If your device has Wi-Fi capabilities, you should see options like ‘Wi-Fi’, ‘Bluetooth’, etc. listed under ‘Physical Wireless’. You can also check your Surface Pro’s user manual or the manufacturer’s website for more information on your device’s features.
Why Is My Surface Pro’s Wi-Fi Disconnecting Frequently?
If your Surface Pro’s Wi-Fi is disconnecting frequently, it may be due to various reasons. The most common reason is a weak or unstable internet connection. Make sure you are within range of your router and that the Wi-Fi signal is strong.
To troubleshoot the issue, you can try restarting your Surface Pro, checking for software updates, and disabling and re-enabling the Wi-Fi switch. You can also try moving your router to a more central location or upgrading your router’s firmware to improve the Wi-Fi connection.
Can I Use My Surface Pro As A Wi-Fi Hotspot?
Yes, you can use your Surface Pro as a Wi-Fi hotspot. To do this, go to the Start menu and click on the ‘Settings’ icon. Open the ‘Network & internet’ section and select ‘Mobile hotspot’ from the left menu. Toggle on the ‘Mobile hotspot’ switch.
To set up your Surface Pro as a Wi-Fi hotspot, you will need to create a network name and password. You can also set a data limit to prevent excessive data usage. Keep in mind that using your Surface Pro as a Wi-Fi hotspot may consume your device’s battery life and data plan (if applicable).
How Do I Check The Wi-Fi Speed On My Surface Pro?
To check the Wi-Fi speed on your Surface Pro, you can use the built-in ‘Network & Sharing Center’ tool. To access this tool, go to the Start menu, click on the ‘Settings’ icon, and open the ‘Network & internet’ section. Select ‘Status’ from the left menu and click on ‘Network and Sharing Center’ under the ‘Related settings’ section.
Once you’re in the Network and Sharing Center, click on ‘Change adapter settings’ and right-click on the Wi-Fi adapter. Select ‘Status’ and click on the ‘Details’ button. Now, you’ll see the Wi-Fi speed listed under the ‘IPv4 DNS Servers’ section or ‘IPv6 DNS Servers’ section. Alternatively, you can use a third-party Wi-Fi analyzer app to check the Wi-Fi speed on your Surface Pro.