If you have a Windows 8.1 laptop, tablet or hybrid that you can connect to wireless networks, you may need or want to use the WPS standard to make quicker connections to some networks. If that is the case for you, here's how to connect any Windows 8.1 device to a wireless network by using the WPS feature on any router.

NOTE: If you need a refresher on what WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) is, we recommend that you read this article: What is WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup)?.

Step 1. Open the Charms & View the Networks List

First, open the charms and select Settings. If you don't know how, here's a brief reminder for you: press Windows + C on your keyboard or flick to the left on the right side of the screen, when using a device with touch.

Look at the bottom half of the Settings charm. There you will find the wireless network icon. Click or tap on it.

Step 2. Connect to the Wireless Network via WPS

In the networks list, click or tap the wireless network you want to connect to.

Check the box that says "Connect automatically" if you want Windows 8 to connect automatically to this network each time it is in range. Then, press Connect.

You are asked to enter the password for the selected wireless network.

At this step, go to the router and press and hold the WPS button for a couple of seconds. You will find this button on the back of the router or on one side.

You will notice that Windows 8.1 automatically receives the wireless settings from the router and connects to the wireless network, without you entering the password.

Now you are asked whether you want to find PCs, devices and content on this network. If this is a trusted network, select Yes. Otherwise, select No. Depending on what you choose at this step, the location assigned to your network connection will be changed. To learn more about network locations and their role in network sharing, read this guide: What are Network Locations in Windows 7 & Windows 8?.

Now you are connected to the wireless network via WPS. The next time you connect to this network from the same computer or device, you won't need to use the WPS button because the router has transferred all the required settings to Windows 8.1, including the security password. Windows stores these details and will use them automatically, when making future connections to the same network.

Conclusion

As you can see, connecting to a wireless network via WPS is quick and easy. If you have any questions about this procedure, don't hesitate to ask using the comments form below.