Windows 10: Connect to WiFi network using keyboard only

What is the quickest way to connect to a WiFi network (one that my computer knows already but is not connected to at the moment) in Windows 10 using keyboard only?

What I tried:

Hit Win+B to focus taskbar, then use arrows to get to "WiFi Popup". In the "WiFi Popup", use the TAB to cycle focus. However the TAB is completely skipping the part of window in which individual WiFi networks are listed. So, it doesn't work.
Going through settings. Very long and annoying process using keyboard only.

Questions:

What is the quickest way of doing this in Windows 10 without any 3rd party app?
What 3rd party app can help me with this?

urza.cc

Posted 2017-02-22T09:46:34.670

Reputation: 183

1About not being able to choose the WiFi entry with keyboard: I tried; you are right; it sucks. Be sure to send a feedback about it to Microsoft using the Feedback Hub app. – None – 2017-02-22T10:10:21.180

If you literally do not have access to a mouse, you can do Roman Ludwig's solution by opening a Command Prompt by doing Windows Key + R then typing cmd and then hitting Enter. Alternatively, you can do Windows Key + X and then pressing C. Either of these methods opens the command line.. – Mr Public – 2017-02-23T00:21:05.380

Answers

To connect to a Wifi network with known name xyz you can use the command-line:

netsh wlan connect name="xyz"

and to disconnect use:

netsh wlan disconnect

Roman Ludwig

Posted 2017-02-22T09:46:34.670

Reputation: 96

You can create a shortcut on the desktop then assign that shortcut to a specific key combination.

Step 1: Right click on desktop and click New > Shortcut
Step 2: Type "%windir%\explorer.exe %LocalAppData%\Packages\windows.immersivecontrolpanel_cw5n1h2txyewy\LocalState\Indexed\Settings\en-US\AAA_SettingsPageNetworkWiFi.settingcontent-ms"
Step 3: Name the shortcut and close
Step 4: Right click the shortcut and go properties > Shortcut > Advanced and tick run as admin
Step 5: In the shortcut properties, add a shortcut Key

This will open the window showing all the networks. It's close (not sure if close enough)

DavePenn

Posted 2017-02-22T09:46:34.670

Reputation: 328

On Version 1803 (build 17134.345) the string in "Step 2" does not open WiFi settings. I think making a shortcut to a script using "netsh wlan" would be a more reliable solution. kr – Maksym Kryshtalov – 2018-10-24T11:17:56.390

The fastest way is to place WiFi tile in the top left corner in action center and then press:

+A to open action center

Tab, Tab - to cycle to WiFi tile

Space - to enable/disable

Alex

Posted 2017-02-22T09:46:34.670

Reputation: 21

Hit Win+B to focus taskbar, then use arrows to get to "WiFi Popup".

Use down arrow to select one of the available wifi networks. Press enter to get details of wifi network selected, then use tab to select connect and hit enter.

BaTycoon

Posted 2017-02-22T09:46:34.670

Reputation: 11

This is the right answer for me, no add ons, no shell required.... except it doesn't work for me. Win+B focuses the taskbar and I can choose between the tasks.... but WIFI and many others won't bring up the larger menu with Enter on them (or Space... can't think of anything else that might work). Sigh Microsoft. – nic ferrier – 2018-08-21T06:22:33.220

You can create 2 desktop shortcuts with the following commands to toggle Wifi.

Right-click on the desktop.
Go to New > Shortcut.
For the location, enter "netsh wlan disconnect."
Click Next and then click Finish. This creates a link on the desktop.
Right-click the link and go to the Shortcut tab.
Create a keyboard shortcut using the keys.
(Optional) Go to the General tab and select the Hidden checkbox to hide the shortcut.

You can do the same with the "netsh wlan connect name="Wifi network name" command to turn wifi on.

Scruffy

Posted 2017-02-22T09:46:34.670

Reputation: 11