How to Connect a Microsoft Surface Pro to WiFi
- Wireless Network Name (SSID)
- Wireless Network Key (Password)
Finding Network Credentials
Most wireless routers/gateways have a label with the default credentials. If the credentials aren't there, look in the devices documentation.
If your Internet Service Provider (ISP) installed the wireless router or gateway, they might have left you a setup sheet which may have the credentials.
? Do you know your Wireless Network name (SSID) and Key?
- Wireless Network Name (SSID)
- Wireless Network Key (Password)
Finding Network Credentials
Most wireless routers/gateways have a label with the default credentials. If the credentials aren't there, look in the devices documentation.
If your Internet Service Provider (ISP) installed the wireless router or gateway, they might have left you a setup sheet which may have the credentials.
- Click on the Notifications icon and then click on Network.
- Click the network you wish to connect to.
- Choose if you wish to automatically connect to your network, and then click on Connect.
- Enter in your security key and click Next.
- Choose whether or not you want to be visible to the network.
It is recommended to allow your PC to be discovered on private home networks because that allows you to see other wireless devices on the Network. If you're at a public location it is suggested to select "No".
- You can verify your connection by checking to see if it now says "Connected" next to the network.
If other wireless devices are connected to the network and functioning properly, chances are the router is OK. It's possible there is an environmental issue. Do you have a portable wireless device (Smart Phone, Tablet, Laptop, etc.) that you can put in the same area to test and see if that device's wireless connection still functions as intended in that location?
At this time, Microsoft has not indicated that there are any compatibility issues with specific models of networking equipment on the market. To ensure that your specific networking equipment and all settings will work properly with your Surface, please reach out to the manufacturer directly for further assistance.
Each Surface model supports a slightly different set of Wireless standards. While your router most likely does support your Microsoft Surface, you may need to ensure the proper settings are enabled. Refer to the list below to determine what your model of Surface does, and does not support.
| Model | 2.4GHz Wi-Fi | 5Ghz Wi-Fi | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 802.11 b | 802.11 g | 802.11n | 802.11 a | 802.11 ac | ||
| Surface (June 2012) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | |
| Surface 2 (October 2013) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | |
| Surface 3 (March 2015) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | |
| Surface Go (July 2018) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | |
| Surface Pro (February 2013) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | |
| Surface Pro 2 (October 2013) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | |
| Surface Pro 3 (June 2014) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| Surface Pro 4 (October 2015) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| Surface Pro 2017 (May 2017) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| Surface Book (October 2015) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| Surface Book 2 (October 2017) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| Surface Studio (October 2016) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
The device needs to be within a reasonable range of the router in order to connect and have the best connection speeds.
- In general, in most homes, you can be up to 30 feet from your router for a decent connection.
- From 30' to 50' away, the speeds will be slower, and may drop occasionally, but it should be usable.
- Greater than 50' away, and the signal will most likely be too weak to overcome interference. The speeds will be slow, and the connection may be sporadic.
The above numbers are approximates only. Optimal range may vary based on router make and model.
Your router may need to be relocated to a more centralized location in order to provide better coverage for all your devices.
Good Placement
Bad Placement
