Connect to a wireless network
Surface has built-in Wi-Fi that you can use to get online. Once you connect to a wireless network, you can browse the Internet, get apps from the Windows Store, send email, and access other computers and devices on your network.
To connect to a wireless network:
- Swipe in from the right-edge of the screen, tap or click Settings, and then tap or click the wireless network icon. A list of available wireless networks appears.
- Tap or click a wireless network.
- Tap or click Connect.
- Type your network security key (network password) or push the Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) button on your router (if there is one). If you need help finding your wireless network password, see How to find your wireless network password.
- Choose whether you want to share with other computers and devices on the network. Choose No if you’re connecting to a network in a public place like a café.
- To see if you’re online, go to the Start screen and tap or click Internet Explorer. Some wireless networks, such as ones you find in coffee shops, may require you to enter a password in a browser window.
Can’t connect to a wireless network?
If you can’t connect or your wireless network isn’t listed, see Can’t connect to a wireless network?
Notes
- Surface supports standard Wi-Fi protocols (802.11a/b/g/n) and Bluetooth 4.0.
- If a wireless network isn’t available, you might be able to use your mobile phone’s Internet connection. For more info about this, see Tethering: Use your phone’s data connection.
- You can turn network sharing on or off at any time. To find out how, see Turn sharing on or off.
- Surface Pro: You can use a USB Ethernet adapter (sold separately) to connect Surface Pro to a wired network. For more info about this, see Connect to a wired network.
Remove wireless network connection info
You can remove wireless network connection info, such as a password, for networks you’ve connected to in the past. Here’s how:
- Open the Settings charm, then tap or click the wireless network icon.
- Under Wi-Fi, tap and hold or right-click on a network and then choose Forget this network.
Disconnect from a wireless network
- Open the Settings charm, then tap or click the wireless network icon.
If you’re connected to a network, the network name appears below the wireless bars. - Tap or click the network with a Connected status.
- Tap or click Disconnect.
Airplane mode
If you’re traveling on an airplane or if you don’t need to use Wi-Fi or Bluetooth® devices for a while, you can turn on Airplane mode. Airplane mode also extends the time you have between recharges.
To turn Airplane mode on and off
- Open the Settings charm, then tap or click the wireless network icon.
- Slide Airplane mode to On or Off.
Find your MAC address
To find the media access control (MAC) address of your Surface, follow these steps:
- Open the Settings charm, enter cmd in the search box, and then tap or click Command Prompt in the search results.
- At the command prompt, type ipconfig /all and then press Enter.
- Under the Wireless LAN adapter Wi-Fi heading, find the Physical address (for example, 00-00-00-00-00-E0). This is the MAC address for your Surface.
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