How to See Which Devices Are Connected to Your Network from Windows
Task Manager gives an instant list of what's actively transmitting; the router's own admin panel gives the complete list, including idle devices — both free, both built in, no extra app needed.
You want to know which devices are using your Wi-Fi right now — to check no one unauthorised is connected, or simply out of curiosity. Windows has a built-in way to see this, with no extra application needed.
The fastest way: Task Manager
Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc → "Performance" tab →
"Network" users (in the left panel). You will see a list of devices
currently connected to your network, along with how much bandwidth
each one is using right now.
Note: this view shows devices that are actively transmitting data at this moment — a phone connected but not using the internet right then may not appear. For a complete list of EVERYTHING connected, even idle, the router's panel (next section) is more reliable.
The most complete way: the router's panel
Type your router's address into your browser (usually
192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 — check the
router's own label if unsure) and log in. Look for a section called
"Connected devices", "DHCP clients" or similar depending on the
manufacturer. Here you will see absolutely everything connected,
whether it is transmitting data or not.
Tip: the names shown are not always clear ("android-a1b2c3" instead of "John's phone") — if you are unsure about a device, switch off one of your own (your phone, for example) and see which one disappears from the list to identify it with certainty.
If you find something you don't recognise
Before alarming yourself, keep in mind that smart TVs, smart speakers, connected light bulbs and other home devices also show up in this list, and it is easy to forget they exist. If after ruling out all your own devices there is still something you don't recognise, changing your Wi-Fi password (from the router's panel) disconnects everyone at once, including the intruder.
Worth keeping in mind: both methods in this guide are free and already available with nothing to install — no third-party application is needed for this basic check.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to install any program to see this?
No. Both Windows' Task Manager and your own router's admin panel show this information with no need to install any extra application.
Why do some devices not show up in Task Manager but do show up on the router?
Task Manager shows devices actively transmitting data at that moment. The router's panel shows everything connected, including idle devices that are not using bandwidth right then.
How do I block a device I don't recognise?
From the router's panel, not from Windows — look for the option to block by MAC address in the connected devices section. Changing the Wi-Fi password is the fastest alternative if you want to disconnect everyone at once.