How to Configure My Other Laptop to Access the Internet Through My Secured Router

Adding a second laptop to your network only takes a few clicks.

A home or office network allows many different people to access your Internet connection, but in some cases you may not want just anyone to connect to the network. Using a network password secures your router and prevents unauthorized users from using your Internet connection. Adding another laptop to your existing network only takes a few moments when you use the built-in network connection settings in the Windows 7 operating system.

Things You'll Need

• Router
• Ethernet cable

Instructions

1. Set your laptop anywhere within range of your wireless router. Connect an Ethernet cable between your laptop's Ethernet port and one of the numbered ports on the back of the router if you are using a wired router.

2. Locate the network icon in the lower right end of your screen. Right-click the icon to bring up a list of detected networks.

3. Select the name of your network and then click "Connect." Type the password for your secured router in the text field and then click "Connect" again to add your laptop to the network.

Tips & Warnings

• The process is slightly different if you are running Windows Vista. Bring up the Start menu and click "Connect To." Click "Show" and choose "All." Click the name of the network and choose "Connect." Type the router's password and choose "Connect."

• With some router models, you may need to set the password directly through the router's menu screen. Navigate your Web browser to "http://192.68.1.1," or whichever address your router uses for its menu. Access the "Security" tab and scroll down to the option labeled "Encryption" or something similar. Type a password in the corresponding text field and then choose "Apply."

• The name of your network will only appear in the list if you have already setup a wireless network. Bring up the Start menu if you haven't created the network already on a different computer. Click "Control Panel" and then "Network and Sharing Center." Choose "Set up a new connection or network" and then "Setup a network." Type in the name for your network and the password you want to use in the corresponding text fields and then click "Next."

References

• Microsoft: View and connect to available wireless networks
• Microsoft: How to connect to a wireless network in Windows Vista

Resources

• Microsoft: 10 Tips For Improving Your Wireless Network