We’ve noticed that by default, MX Linux (KDE) doesn’t reconnect to your WiFi automatically. I suspect that’s a security decision because there are people who don’t always want to be connected to the internet.

If you’re one of the people who do want to automatically connect to your WiFi at home, then this guide is for you! If you want a little more control over each of the WiFi connections that you use, then this guide is also for you!

1. In your Networks menu, where you can see all the wireless networks accessible to you in your area, you can sign into your WiFi. Then, right click on it to get this menu, and you can select Configure...

1. The Connections window will come up. You’ll likely be on the Wi-Fi tab as a default, and you’ll want to click on the General configuration tab, where that green arrow is in the image below.

1. In the image above, I’ve marked two spots with numbers. The first, where it says All users may connect to this network, is what you want to select if you want your computer to log into this network automatically whenever you’re in range.

The first option marked with a 2, where it says Connect automatically with priority is where you can fine tune a little more control if you happen to have a few connections at your disposal.

Once you’re finished making your changes, be sure to select OK or Apply at the bottom of this window to save your preferences.

<aside> ❓ A Little About WiFi Connections

In the image above, you can see that one of my available connection has a - 5G at the end and the one below it doesn’t. They’re named the same otherwise.

With our wireless router, and possibly your own, there are two signals that are broadcasted.

5G, as in gigahertz, is a stronger signal if you’re relatively close to your modem/router. Preferably with line of sight, or not too many walls between you. 5 gigahertz signal can give you a faster connection, but it does get soaked up by walls and furniture and such a lot more.

The other option is often left without a tag at the end, but is a 2.4 gigahertz signal which is a longer wavelength that excels at giving you connectivity at a longer range, and pierces through walls, and flooring and other things a lot more effectively. It is however a bit slower.

If you don’t have really fast internet to begin with, you might not see much of a difference in speed either way.

</aside>

1. (continued...) in the image above, you can see that I have multiple connections available that I’ve logged into before.

With the connection priority, I can instruct my computer to always prefer my 5G connection when I’m in range.

If I’m getting poor signal or it completely cuts out, I can let my computer use my 2.4 gigahertz connection for if I’m too far away, and maybe outside. I’ve given this connection a priority of 2.

Lastly, I have BaldFi, which is my personal hotspot from my cell phone that I’ve prioritized as a 1, which means that if my local WiFi completely cuts out, my laptop can look for my cell phone hotspot connection as a last resort to connect to.

Important: if you don’t have unlimited internet on your phone, you may not want to set things up this way so that your computer doesn’t connect to your cell phone without you knowing. I provided this information as an example only. Cell phone data is often a lot more expensive than with your home or business internet provider.

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