Connecting a PC to a wifi router without a cable. How to properly configure a wireless Wi-Fi adapter

Today, almost every apartment, and even more so in the office, has desktop PCs, tablets, laptops and smartphones. And thanks to Wi-Fi technology and the installation of a router, we have access to the Internet from all these devices. In this case, even a desktop computer is no exception. From the router to the PC, Internet access can be provided using a twisted pair cable crimped at both ends.

But a computer can already have a lot of cables and wires connected to it. And if you bought a router and don’t want to add another cable to that number, then it makes sense to figure out how you can connect Wi-Fi on your computer.

Equipment selection

All modern devices already have built-in adapters with which they connect to wireless networks. But most desktop PCs do not have this option. That is why you need to purchase an additional Wi-Fi receiver for it, install it and configure it.

Wi-Fi receivers for computers come in two types: external and internal. Choose the one that will be more convenient for you. If you are not eager to disassemble the system unit and tinker around there, then choose an external receiver; besides, you can easily connect it to another PC. If hardware is your element, and you are not afraid of breaking anything in the system unit, feel free to buy an internal one.

External receiver

External wi-fi receivers are more common and easier to use. In appearance they resemble a regular flash drive. Sometimes there may be a small antenna attached to it, which increases the wireless signal. They can also take the form of a small device with an antenna that connects to the PC via a USB cable.

Installation

There is nothing complicated about installing an internal Wi-Fi adapter. Just plug it into an available USB port. If you have it in the form of a small device, place it in a place convenient for you and connect it to the computer using a cable.

Internal receiver

Internal Wi-Fi receivers are installed inside the computer system unit in a special PCI slot on the motherboard. If you are well versed in the internals of the system unit, then the whole process will not take much time.

Installation

First you need to unscrew the antenna from the internal receiver; there can be two or three of them.

Turn off the computer and disconnect all cables from the system unit, including the power cable. Then remove the side cover of the system unit and select one of the free PCI slots.

For the selected slot, unscrew the plug and take it out.

Now we install the internal adapter in the PCI slot. At the same time, we hold it by the bent edge for fastening and by the right edge of the board itself. Make sure that the adapter fits into the slot correctly. For complete installation, lightly push the adapter between the edge of the mount and the right edge of the board.

We screw the internal receiver to the system unit case using a screw.

We close the cover of the system unit and on its back wall, screw the antennas back.

This completes the installation of the internal Wi-Fi adapter for the computer.

Setting up adapters

After installing the Wi-Fi adapter and turning on the computer, a message will appear on the screen that the drivers for the device have been successfully installed. We ignore such messages and install drivers manually.

To install the drivers yourself, use the special disk that came with the adapter. I also advise you to read the following article: how to install a driver on Windows 7 or .

An icon representing wireless networks should now appear on the taskbar.

Click on it, select the appropriate network and click the “Connect” button.

If you have a Wi-Fi password, enter it and click OK.

This completes all installations and settings. As you can see, connecting Wi-Fi on a computer is not so difficult - the main thing is to purchase the necessary receiver for a wireless network.

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Today, full-fledged work on a computer is only possible if you have access to the Internet. Outdated wired connections have lost their ground - just connect to the nearest access point. And if adapters on laptops, as a rule, are already installed by the manufacturer, then for a desktop PC you will need to install a Wi-Fi adapter. Let's figure out how to choose the best model for different requirements.

Types of adapters

First of all, you need to decide on the type of wifi adapter for your computer. Based on the characteristics of the installation, two large groups are distinguished. The first includes external models that are connected from outside the computer. The second group includes internal options that are mounted in the device body. Standing apart are adapters on the CardBus bus that are going out of fashion, but are still found, and are installed in a special connector.

External Wi-Fi adapters

External models are the most popular and easiest to install, since they do not require special knowledge of computer design. They can be installed outside the PC without opening the case. It is only necessary that the corresponding port, most often USB, be free.

Sizes may vary: compact models practically do not protrude beyond the port, larger ones look like flash drives. For ease of placement or improved reception (for example, to physically bring the adapter closer to the access point), it is possible to connect via an extension cable.

Since USB is a universal port, external models can be connected to almost any computer – be it a desktop or a laptop. Modern operating systems can recognize most of these models. This USB adapter for a computer is automatically activated after installation.

Please note that the transfer speed of the latest models may exceed the capabilities of older connectors. For example, USB 2.0 will not be enough to use the entire channel of 802.11ac adapters - they must be connected to high-speed USB 3.0 ports.

Occasionally you come across models with an Ethernet connector. In this case, communication is established between the adapter and the computer via a regular network cable.

Internal wifi adapters

Internal options provide for installation in the system unit. From the outside they may not be visible at all - of course, if the model does not have a special external antenna to improve the quality of reception. But even in this case, it is located on the rear end of the PC and is practically not noticeable. So if the appearance of the computer is critical, and it is also undesirable to take up USB ports, then it is better to go with this option.

Please note that if installed completely internally, the signal may not be transmitted as the metal parts of the housing will block the signal. Models with an external antenna almost never have such difficulties. Some adapters also provide for replacing the external part with a more powerful antenna.

A typical installation option is inside the system unit in a PCI Express slot, like for a regular network card. The PCI standard is less common because it is becoming obsolete. At the same time, portability suffers, since you cannot quickly move the adapter to another PC, nor can you easily move it to improve the quality of reception.

Wi Fi Card Bus adapters

The rarest type of adapter, which has practically ceased to be produced. To install it you need a special connector. The advantages include compact dimensions and very simple setup; the disadvantages (along with low prevalence) are low power. Most often, such models are used in laptops - for example, when the main adapter fails.

Wi-Fi adapter D-Link DWA 525

An available internal model for connecting a PC to a network is DWA 525 from the company. To connect to a Wi-Fi router, it can use 802.11 b/g/n protocols, which gives a maximum speed of 150 Mbit/s. In most cases, this is enough for reliable operation in an apartment. The model supports WEP/WPA/WPA2 encryption. For installation, you need a free PCI Express or PCI slot - both modifications are available, so you need to check which model you are purchasing.

The antenna on the adapter is removed. The manufacturer guarantees that the device will work in OS from Windows XP to version 8 inclusive.

WiFi adapter ASUS PCI N10

Another internal adapter. The characteristics are similar to the previous model: installation in a PCI port, transmission speeds up to the same 150 Mbit/s thanks to an external antenna and the ability to work within 802.11n. To quickly set up a connection, you can use WPS, and communication will be automatically carried out over an encrypted channel. An additional plus is that the adapter can work as an access point.

Wi-Fi adapter for desktop computer PC

If the signal is weak, then the laptop can be moved closer to the access point. This trick will not work with a desktop computer. Therefore, it is necessary to immediately select a model taking into account the conditions at the site of its installation. So, in an apartment with a complex layout or thick walls, a more powerful option may be required. But you don’t have to limit yourself to an assortment of only external models or modify an existing one if the antenna cannot cope with reception.

How to choose a Wi-Fi adapter

If you have already chosen between internal and external installation options, it’s time to take a closer look at the technical characteristics of the devices. Pay attention to the following key points when choosing a Wi-Fi adapter for your PC:

compatibility with existing devices (primarily access point - router);
standards support as it determines the transfer speed;
frequency used;
transmitter power in the adapter;
the ability to encrypt the connection;
receiver range.

Don't limit yourself to the speed written on the package. This is the theoretical maximum limit for this model. The factors mentioned above also influence the actual speed.

Also pay attention to your future place of work. If the system unit is hidden in the depths of a massive table, then it would be logical to try to move the antenna higher using an extension cord.

Sometimes it is recommended to use an adapter from the same company that manufactured your router. There is a bit of common sense in this: the manufacturer can test the equipment for stability of joint operation, and the software interface will most likely be similar. In practice, popular models quite successfully connect to routers from other manufacturers. Difficulties due to different manufacturers are extremely rare, usually with older equipment.

Compatibility

First of all, check whether your computer has an appropriate free port. The PCI Express adapter cannot be placed in a USB connector, as well as in a regular PCI, and a model with an Ethernet connection cannot be placed in a Card Bus slot. As for the operating system, everything is simpler: popular models support the Windows and Mac OS lines at a decent level. A complete list is provided on the packaging or in the accompanying documentation.

If you need to connect a specific device (for example, on an old version of Windows or a rare OS), first make sure that suitable drivers are available on the manufacturer’s website or on the included disk.

Standard

Support for a particular communication standard determines the possible speed modes of communication between the adapter and the router. To operate at high speeds, support for modern 802.11n or 802.11ac is required. If you use a device that supports only g or even b standards, then the connection speed will be very, very limited - it only makes sense to do this if the router does not support faster options.

If you connect using a slow adapter, the router will automatically go into reduced performance mode. At the same time, all other connected devices will also be forced to work at a lower speed.

The minimum reasonable requirement is to support version n of the standard. It provides speeds of 150 or 300 Mbps depending on the model. This will be enough for comfortable surfing the Internet and for watching video content without long waits.

The 802.11ac standard features support for the 5 GHz frequency and is gradually gaining popularity. It provides data transfer at speeds of up to 10 Gbit/s. True, such speed may not be useful in home equipment. Unless you want to choose an adapter with an eye to the future or for professional purposes such as participating in online gaming tournaments or regularly working with large amounts of data.

Frequency

Wireless equipment uses two different frequencies to operate. Older or cheaper models usually use only the 2.4 band, newer and more expensive ones can operate in both bands or exclusively on 5 GHz. Therefore, you need to make sure that the adapter and router can “make friends” and use the same frequency for communication.

The advantages of increased frequency are increased data transfer speed between devices. In addition, more channels can be placed in this range without overlapping each other. That is, individual access points, even if located closely, will not interfere with each other’s data transmission. And since such devices are more expensive, the radio air in this range is less busy, which has a positive effect on the stability and speed of the connection.

However, this approach also has a drawback: the high-frequency signal penetrates less well through walls and other obstacles. Because of this, the radius of reliable reception, all other things being equal, may be smaller. If possible, it is recommended to test both connection options and choose the best one for your specific computer.

Transmitting module power

The transmitter power of a Wi-Fi adapter for a computer determines the range over which the radio signal will propagate. The higher it is, the more confidently the connection with the router will be maintained. This means that the data speed will be higher. On the other hand, legislation limits the maximum power.

If there are obstacles between the computer and the router, it is better to focus on values of about 20 dBm. In line-of-sight conditions (for example, if the access point is in the same room), less powerful models can be used.

Access encryption

Due to the use of radio waves, a wireless connection has a significant drawback: if you have the equipment and are close to the transmitter, anyone can receive the signal. That is, the data is actually transmitted in an unprotected environment. So it is necessary to take care of encrypting access so that no one else can connect to the channel and view what is being transmitted on the radio.

The modern WPA2 standard is a whole set of technologies aimed at protecting data. A strengthened version of the WPA3 standard has just been announced. But it is better to immediately abandon the outdated WEP, since hacking technologies have already been developed for it.

Range

An important parameter is the signal reception range. After all, Wi-Fi is of little use if you have to spend all your time near the access point. The more powerful the transmitter, the better the antenna, the greater the distance you can confidently maintain radio communication. However, it is worth keeping in mind that the manufacturer indicates this parameter for ideal conditions with numerous reservations. The fact is that the range is affected by the presence and material of the walls between the router and the adapter, the degree of radio noise (the number of routers or other radio equipment nearby), the frequency range used, etc.

Other parameters

Please note that it supports MIMO technology. Despite the ridiculous abbreviation, it allows you to improve the signal: instead of using one, you can use several antennas, both on the router side and on the adapter. In the standard version n, 4 pieces are allowed, and ac - 8 at once. Since in this case they all work in parallel, the speed increases several times. This also has a positive effect on the stability of the connection. True, such adapters are somewhat more expensive.

If you also need to distribute Wi-Fi to devices nearby, check SoftAP support - this mode allows you to use the adapter as an additional signal transmitter. Then you can install one powerful module in your PC, and connect your smartphone or tablet to it.

If an adapter is purchased to connect devices directly, make sure it supports the appropriate technology. For example, it could be Wi-Fi Direct or Miracast. Otherwise, the adapter will be of no use.

Setting up and connecting a Wi-Fi adapter

Next, we’ll look at how to configure the purchased adapter. First you need to connect it to the appropriate connector. To connect via PCI or PCI Express, you will need to open the system unit. Then you need to carefully, without excessive pressure, place the adapter in the slot and make sure that it is fixed there. If the module has an external antenna, you need to remove the plug from the rear wall and replace it with the bracket that comes with the adapter. With external models everything is much simpler: you just need to connect it to a free USB.

Popular models are well recognized by modern operating systems. The OS can independently install all the necessary drivers and activate the new device. In this case, additional configuration may not be required - the computer will simply be able to connect to wireless networks using standard methods.

If the system cannot cope with the installation automatically, you need to help it. Drivers can be found on the disk (if it was included with the device) or the manufacturer's website. To activate additional functions, such as Wi-Fi distribution from a computer or fine-tuning transmission parameters, a special proprietary utility may be required.

First actions

After installing the software, check for connectivity. If the drivers are installed correctly, the computer will be able to connect to your router. Please provide the correct access point name and password. If necessary, configure interaction with the router - select the desired frequency range and the required standard, optimize communication using proprietary utilities.

Network problems

Sometimes after installation the network is unstable. The reasons may be different: incorrect configuration of the router or the computer itself, problems with the software, or even a malfunction of the adapter. This manifests itself in the fact that the connection is interrupted some time after connection or the computer does not see Wi-Fi.

The reason why this happens may be trivial: the power saving mode for the adapter is activated. This is often found on laptops; the OS optimizes energy consumption by turning off everything “unnecessary”. To check, you need to open the settings in the properties of the wireless connection. Then on the power management tab you need to uncheck the box that allows you to turn off the device.

Problems with the router

You also need to check whether other devices can connect to the router. For example, using a smartphone or tablet. If another device successfully establishes a connection and maintains it stably, it means that the router itself is working correctly. Also try rebooting your router.

Otherwise, you need to check the configuration of the access point: is it using a compatible standard, is the same radio channel selected (if automatic configuration is disabled), is the correct password specified. As a last resort, you can reset the router to factory settings and then configure it again, checking each step.

It is also possible that the router firmware needs to be updated. In this case, you will need to download it from the manufacturer’s website and then update it through the router control panel. Detailed instructions for your specific model are usually found in your owner's manual.

If all of the above measures do not help, check that the device is operating normally. For example, contact the manufacturer's service center to check.

Software

The problem may also lie in an outdated wireless connection profile - if the router settings have changed, but the operating system “does not know” about it. Then you need to delete the profile, after which it will be created again. First, launch the Command Prompt (CMD), then run the following command, specifying the profile name instead:

netsh wlan delete profile name=

After this, you will need to re-enter the password when connecting to the router.

If you see a message that your connection is restricted, you can reset your TCP/IP settings to their default values. To do this, use the following technique on the command line:

netsh int ip reset c:\resetlog.txt

After reboot, check the connection.

If this does not help, check that the driver is installed correctly. In the OS control panel, select Device Manager, then check yours in the list of network adapters. Open its settings and try reinstalling the driver (uninstall and reinstall). Use drivers from the official website. You can also try installing an older version of the driver (with a lower index).

Adapter failure

When the above measures do not help or the adapter is not even detected by the system, perhaps the problem is in the device itself. To be on the safe side, you can try installing it on another computer. If it works there, you need to check your computer settings. If the adapter refuses to function on another machine, you need to replace it (if the warranty is still valid) or repair it.

Happy Internet to you!

Nowadays it is difficult to find a high-tech gadget, in particular a smartphone, laptop, etc., without support Wi-Fi technology. It is convenient, practical and has proven itself well. However, despite its increasing prevalence, support for Wi-Fi networks in desktop PCs has not yet become a default option: many computers are sold without it, not to mention older models. However install Wi-Fi on your computer It’s very simple, and there are several ways:

- purchasing a new motherboard with built-in Wi-Fi;
- installation of PCI Wi-Fi card;
- connecting a USB Wi-Fi adapter.

Do you need Wi-Fi on your desktop computer?

Before installing a Wi-Fi module on your computer, you need to decide whether we need it at all?

Let's say the Internet is connected to your PC via Ethernet cable. If some kind of rearrangement is not planned in the foreseeable future, which may entail the need to move the computer and the occurrence of problems with the cable, then the rationale for switching to a Wi-Fi connection looks very doubtful. Still, so far familiar to everyone the cable provides a more stable and speedy connection. Not least because of the reduced susceptibility to various interferences. Therefore, it is still too early to categorically refuse an Ethernet cable, even if it looks somewhat archaic. In addition, such a connection can be useful if you want to turn your desktop PC or laptop into a wireless access point.

The procedure is quite simple. The main thing is that the computer has a Wi-Fi module, and it itself, of course, is connected to the Internet via an Ethernet cable. All that remains is to configure the wireless access point. Sometimes the built-in resources of the operating system are sufficient for this, but sometimes you will have to install specialized software. However, as a rule, no difficulties arise with this. Why turn your desktop into a hotspot at all? ? For convenience, because you can easily connect smartphones, tablets, laptops and other high-tech gadgets to the Internet without the need to purchase a separate Wi-Fi router. The role of the latter in this case is assigned to the computer. Well, now, let me tell you in detail how you can install Wi-Fi on your computer.

Methods for connecting Wi-Fi to a desktop PC

Buying a modern motherboard

As mentioned above, the simplest, but also most expensive, solution to the problem is computer upgrade. Currently, it is not difficult to find motherboards on sale that have the default Wi-Fi support. If you still plan to purchase a new PC in the foreseeable future, then you should not waste your time on small things by buying USB adapters or PCI cards, but immediately take everything ready-made.

Buying a PCI card or USB adapter

In the case when a desktop upgrade is postponed indefinitely, there are two options left: USB adapter or appropriate PCI card. Both methods are about equally good, but each has its own nuances. For example, an internal Wi-Fi card means reliability and a stable, fast signal. On the other hand, to install it you need a free PCI Express slot, as well as the ability to easily get inside the system unit. Considering the common practice of PC sellers installing a warranty seal on the cover of the system unit in order to prevent unauthorized access, the option with a PCI card is sometimes automatically eliminated. Or you will have to sacrifice the guarantee, which is clearly not a far-sighted decision.

USB adapter is more practical and convenient, as it allows you to easily connect Wi-Fi to any desktop PC. Outwardly, it resembles a regular flash drive, although some models are slightly more bulky due to built-in antennas. The connection speed will most likely be slightly lower than in the two previously listed options. Let's add that sometimes for the USB Wi-Fi adapter to work correctly you need

Many users are probably familiar with a device called a “router”. This small installation helps people get a wireless Internet connection, which is very beneficial for free space and aesthetics - there are practically no wires. Let's assume that you purchased a router and you want to send a wireless signal not only to mobile devices, but also to a stationary personal computer. What to do in this case, how to install Wi-Fi on a computer? If there is a question, then there is an answer to it. Therefore, today we will look at ways to connect the Internet wirelessly on a PC.

Wi-Fi network on PC without cable

As soon as the router is installed, many are immediately puzzled by the question, how to install Wi-Fi on a computer? Previously, a cable was used to transmit data, but what to do now? What's the point of laying a new cable from the router if the router was installed in order to get rid of all the wires?

Of course, the overwhelming number of devices in the room (tablets, smartphones and other laptops) are able to work with a Wi-Fi network without any tricks, since such gadgets are equipped with a wireless communication module. But if you also have a stationary personal computer, then only two scenarios emerge:

We connect the cable from the router to the desktop PC and connect to the Internet. Unfortunately, not all users like this option, since few people like to tinker with wires, and not everyone has the opportunity to connect the coveted wire to the computer.
The second option is to use a Wi-Fi module (adapter), which we are going to talk about today. Using such a device, a stationary device can be connected to a wireless network.

The topic is relevant because today every second person faces a similar problem. After installation and configuration, all mobile gadgets had connections, but the electronic “head of the family” was always left without the Internet. You can try using a special Wi-Fi receiver that connects to the computer using a USB cable. It is about these devices that most words will be said today.

Important! If you have an unnecessary router that you haven’t used for a long time, you can try using it as a signal receiver. It will independently receive and transmit data to the device. Models from the manufacturer ZyXel cope best with this task.

Using an adapter, you can distribute the Internet throughout the space. For example, you have cable Internet connected to your PC. You can simply install the adapter on your device and distribute data to all other devices.

Connecting a network without using a cable

For standard PCs that do not have built-in modules in their design, there are countless different models on sale. Such devices can be classified into the following two types:

Internal.
External.

If we are talking about price, then such a purchase will not hit your pocket particularly hard. Of course, you can find models on the market that will cost exorbitant amounts of money, but buying such equipment does not make any sense.

If you are willing to spend no more than ten dollars, you can pay attention to the following manufacturers:

Tenda.
TP-Link.

These components work without interruption and provide fairly high-quality communication. Many devices in this area are made in the form of familiar USB flash drives, which are very convenient to use.

How to choose equipment for working with Wi-Fi?

We have already mentioned that modules come in two types. To install Wi-Fi on a computer, you need to decide on the type.

External adapters

These components use the USB input on the PC for connection. In order to install such a device, you do not need to remove the computer cover, and this is a definite plus. Externally, such models look like the simplest memory media. There are small, medium, large, in general - for every taste and color. Some types of gadgets are equipped with antennas for better communication quality.

Important! If you are not very good with modern technologies, then it is best to give preference to the external type. Almost any model will suit you.

The “installation” itself is intuitive and looks like this:

We insert the device into a free entrance.
We are waiting for the automatic installation of drivers to complete.
Connecting with your network.

How to install Wi-Fi on a desktop computer inside a structure? Let's outline the main nuances.

Internal adapters

Modules of this type use a PCI slot for connection, which is located on the device’s motherboard. It’s immediately clear that to carry out the installation you will need to remove the cover of your PC, but even here “installation” will not bring you any particular difficulties:

Remove the system cover.
We insert the gadget into the PCI input.
Reboot the Windows operating system.
We wait for the drivers to be installed and enjoy the wireless connection.

Important! Before carrying out work, be sure to turn off the power to all electronic devices you will be handling.

conclusions

Which of these two types is a priority to purchase? In fact, there is practically no difference. The only difference is that in the first case you will take up one USB input, and in the second you will have to tinker with the installation for a couple of minutes more. The cost of this equipment also does not differ much.

In this article I will tell you how you can connect your computer to the Internet via Wi-Fi. We will be talking about stationary PCs, which, for the most part, do not have this capability by default. However, their connection to a wireless network is accessible even to a novice user.

Today, when almost every home has one, using a cable to connect a PC to the Internet may be impractical: it is inconvenient, the location of the router on the system unit or table (as is usually the case) is far from optimal, and Internet access speeds are not such that The wireless connection couldn't handle them.

What is required to connect your computer to Wi-Fi

All you need to connect your computer to a wireless network is to equip it with a Wi-Fi adapter. Immediately after this, just like your phone, tablet or laptop, it will be able to work online wirelessly. At the same time, the price of such a device is not at all high and the simplest models cost from 300 rubles, excellent ones - about 1000, and very cool ones - 3-4 thousand. Sold in literally any computer store.

Wi-Fi adapters for computers come in two main types:

USB Wi-Fi adapters, which are a device similar to a flash drive.
A separate computer board that is installed in a PCI or PCI-E port; one or more antennas can be connected to the board.

Even though the first option is cheaper and easier to use, I would recommend the second - especially if you need better signal reception and good Internet connection speeds. However, this does not mean that a USB adapter is bad: in most cases it will be quite sufficient to connect a computer to Wi-Fi in an ordinary apartment.

Most simple adapters support 802.11 b/g/n 2.4 GHz modes (if you are using a 5 GHz wireless network, take this into account when choosing an adapter); there are also those on sale that provide 802.11 ac, but few have routers that work in this mode, and if there is, these people know what’s what even without my instructions.

Connecting a Wi-Fi adapter to a PC

The connection of the Wi-Fi adapter to the computer itself is not complicated: if it is a USB adapter, you can simply install it in the appropriate port of the computer; if it is an internal one, then open the system unit of the computer that is turned off and put the board in the appropriate connector, you won’t be able to make a mistake.

The device comes with a disk with drivers, and even if Windows automatically detected and enabled access to the wireless network, I recommend that you still install the supplied drivers, as they can prevent possible problems. Please note: if you are still using Windows XP, then before purchasing an adapter, make sure that this operating system is supported.

After the installation of the adapter is completed, you will be able to see wireless networks on Windows by clicking on the Wi-Fi icon in the taskbar and connect to them by entering the password.

Modern people are faced with the need to connect to Wi-Fi everywhere: wireless networks are much more practical and convenient than their cable “brothers”.

It’s just that similar WiFi privileges are mainly used by all kinds of mobile gadgets: phones, tablets, smartphones and most modern laptops. Accordingly, the question arises: why is a “classical” personal computer worse? After all, working on a desktop computer is much more convenient, but connecting to cable Internet often causes a lot of trouble.

And in this article we will look at how to connect a desktop computer to wifi, and what needs to be done for the computer to “catch” invisible Wi-Fi.

By the way, the age of the device is not directly related to the creation of a wireless network, and you can connect WiFi even to a relatively old computer.

Some difficulties with connecting Wi-Fi on a personal computer are not at all related to the “prejudice” of the developers or the unfortunate fate of this device, full of hardships.

The fact is that mobile devices and modern laptops are initially equipped with a built-in Wi-Fi adapter for connecting to a wireless network (which is not available on a desktop computer). However, such devices are mostly designed for short-term access to the network, and have a rather meager set of functionality.

While a desktop computer is designed for long-term work with both serious offline software and any resources of the global information network. Accordingly, the connection to all peripheral devices and external networks (Internet, power supply, etc.) is carried out here in a more reliable cable way.

A cable Internet connection for a desktop computer is more stable than a wireless Wi-Fi connection. Thus, with a WiFi connection, the reliability and speed of the network directly depend on the number of active connections, channel congestion, room architecture and many other third-party factors.

Therefore, it’s still not worth deciding to connect your home computer to wifi solely for aesthetic reasons. “Standard” cable connection is more reliable, more efficient ( Not), and causes much less damage to the health of the Internet user.

However, if a hard connection to the Internet source is unavailable for some reason, then you can connect Wi-Fi on your home computer in a matter of minutes.

How to connect your home computer to wifi?

To connect wifi to a desktop PC, first of all, you need to purchase a special removable Wi-Fi adapter - a miniature antenna that will “catch” the Internet signal transmitted by the router and return the data processed by the user to the router.

The most popular and inexpensive solution here would be to choose a removable USB adapter for your computer.

In order not to get a “pig in a poke”, it is better to buy a device from well-known and time-tested manufacturers: TP-Link, D-Link, etc.

If you purchased the adapter from an official distributor, the device comes with a disk with a special program for installing drivers.

How to install Wi-Fi on a computer running Windows 7?

1. Connect your adapter to any USB port on your computer.

2. Insert the disk into the drive, run the auto-configuration utility and, when prompted by the program, click the “Next” button.

3. After installing the driver, in the “Network Center” folder for Windows 7 (or “Network Connections” for Windows XP), you will see a new shortcut (in addition to the usual “Local Area Connection”). The name of the label will contain the brand name of the manufacturer of your adapter.

4. Now you can connect your desktop computer to wifi. To do this, right-click on the shortcut once -> “Connection” -> Select the name of your Wi-Fi network and enter the password.

How to set up Wi-Fi if there is no installation disk?

In addition to the “classic” purchase of a brand new licensed adapter, there are cases when the user needed Wi-Fi on the computer “here and now”, and he borrowed/purchased an old used WiFi adapter from friends.

Naturally, the disk with the driver for such an adapter has long been lost.

In such a situation, you need to download the archive with the driver from the Internet.

“But there is no Internet!” - you say - “What to do?”

Here To connect your desktop computer to wifi you should:

Connect the computer you are setting up to the router using a cable (if possible).

Go to the official website of the manufacturer of this adapter (or the specialized resource ddriver.ru), find the driver you need by the name of the USB-Wi-Fi adapter and download the software to your computer.

If a cable connection to the router is not possible, download the driver you need onto any computer connected to the Internet, and using removable media (flash drive) copy the archive to your wired computer.

2. Next, right-click once on the “My Computer” shortcut, then “Manage” and select “Device Manager” here. In the “Network adapters” section, find the name of our USB adapter, right-click on it and select the “Update driver” menu item. Next, specify the folder into which the archive with the necessary drivers was copied and click “OK”.

3. Once the installation is complete, you will be able to connect your desktop computer to wifi. To do this, in “Network Connections”:

Select a new shortcut;

Right-click on it;

Select the menu item “Connection”;

Select the name of your Wi-Fi network (which you specified in the SSID when setting up the router);

Enter your password and you can use the Internet.

Most currently produced devices have the function of connecting to the Internet via Wi-Fi. Thanks to the adapter already built into the gadget by the manufacturer, the user has access to the Internet literally immediately as soon as he takes the purchased device out of the package, for example, a laptop, camera, smartphone, tablet, etc.

You only need to enable the necessary function and you can enjoy Internet surfing. But what to do when you need to provide access to the World Wide Web through a desktop computer? In this article, owners of such PCs will find solutions to this pressing issue in the modern world.

What additional components are needed?

If your computer is not equipped with the necessary equipment to connect to the Internet via WiFi, you can equip it with one. Below we will consider the types of devices that can allow a desktop PC to recognize wireless networks.

Outdoor WiFi adapter

Adapters that provide connection to Wi-Fi, classified as external devices, have the ability to connect to a computer via USB connectors.

Sometimes such devices are equipped with a special antenna that enhances the received Wi-Fi. The device is easy to use and connect, since you only need to insert its USB plug into the computer system unit and install the drivers for the adapter. The software on CD is always included with the device. Below you will find step-by-step instructions for performing subsequent settings if you select an adapter in the form of an external Wi-Fi receiver.

Internal type WiFi adapter

Connecting to a wireless network on a desktop PC is often achieved using another method. You can use a built-in Wi-Fi receiver by connecting it through the computer's motherboard.

Distinctive advantages and disadvantages of external and internal adapters

The cost of these devices is almost the same. Software installation and configuration are also not very difficult. For owners of several computers, it is advisable to purchase an external type of device, since it can be quickly disconnected from one PC and immediately easily connected to another computer to access the Internet. However, the external device takes up valuable desktop space, so for those who favor aesthetics and lack space, it is recommended to purchase a built-in adapter, the advantages of which also include the absence of the risk of breakage as a result of external influences.

Wireless Source

It is obvious that without the presence, near the location of a computer with an installed Wi-Fi network receiver, its source, and more specifically a router, it will be impossible to connect to the Internet.

In turn, the WiFi router itself must be connected to the global network via an Internet cable. Next, you can turn on the router to distribute Wi-Fi to your PC and other gadgets.

The procedure for installing an outdoor WiFi adapter and subsequent configuration

The procedure will be described for “TP-LINK TL-WN721N”, but all steps are similarly applicable for other devices of this type.

Stage 1

Remove all the following components from the packaging:

Adapter;
USB cable;
User guide;
CD with software.

Stage 2

Connect the PC system unit to the Wi-Fi receiver via a USB cable. It is recommended not to pay attention to notifications displayed on the PC monitor indicating that software has been found and installed on the equipment, since drivers must be installed manually from the CD.

Stage 3

Insert the CD into the drive and activate the installation procedure. In the installation wizard window that appears, find and specify the model of the WiFi receiver and click “Install driver and utility.”

After this, the installation wizard will guide you through intuitive menus, where the user will only need to follow the sequential instructions of the pop-up windows.

When the procedure is completed, an icon will appear in the system tray indicating that the Wi-Fi device has started operating.

Stage 4

In the next menu that appears, type the WiFi access code and click “Ok”.

Ready! Now you can turn on your browser on your PC and start actively surfing the Internet.

The procedure for installing the built-in WiFi adapter and subsequent configuration

The procedure will be described for “TP-Link TL-WN751ND”, but all steps are similar and applicable for other devices of this type.

Stage 1

Remove the device from the packaging and disconnect the antenna from it.

Stage 2

Turn off the PC and open the system unit. Insert the device into the PCI slot.

Install the antenna back to the standard location of the wireless Internet receiver.

Stage 3

The process of setting up the built-in receiver is completely similar to the procedure described above for the external device.

- purchasing a new motherboard with built-in Wi-Fi;
- installation of PCI Wi-Fi card;
- connecting a USB Wi-Fi adapter.

Do you need Wi-Fi on your desktop computer?

Before installing a Wi-Fi module on your computer, you need to decide whether we need it at all?

The procedure is quite simple. The main thing is that the computer has a Wi-Fi module, and it itself, of course, is connected to the Internet via an Ethernet cable. All that remains is to configure the wireless access point. Sometimes the built-in resources of the operating system are enough for this, but sometimes you will have to install specialized software. However, as a rule, no difficulties arise with this. Why turn your desktop into a hotspot at all? ? For convenience, because you can easily connect smartphones, tablets, laptops and other high-tech gadgets to the Internet without the need to purchase a separate Wi-Fi router. The role of the latter in this case is assigned to the computer. Well, now, let me tell you in detail how you can install Wi-Fi on your computer.

Methods for connecting Wi-Fi to a desktop PC

Buying a modern motherboard

Buying a PCI card or USB adapter

In the case when a desktop upgrade is postponed indefinitely, there are two options left: USB adapter or appropriate PCI card. Both methods are about equally good, but each has its own nuances. For example, an internal Wi-Fi card means reliability and a stable, fast signal. On the other hand, to install it you need a free PCI Express slot, as well as the ability to easily get inside the system unit. Considering the common practice of PC sellers installing a warranty seal on the cover to prevent unauthorized access, the option with a PCI card is sometimes automatically eliminated. Or you will have to sacrifice the guarantee, which is clearly not a far-sighted decision.

USB adapter is more practical and convenient, as it allows you to easily connect Wi-Fi to any desktop PC. Outwardly, it resembles a regular flash drive, although some models are slightly more bulky due to built-in antennas. The connection speed will most likely be slightly lower than in the two previously listed options. Let's add that sometimes Wi-Fi is needed for the USB adapter to work correctly.

It is difficult to select a clear favorite among the three described methods for connecting Wi-Fi to a desktop computer. It is best to choose based on the needs of a particular user. For example, when I needed to install Wi-FI on my computer, I immediately bought a USB adapter and inserted it into a free USB port on the computer. Well, I later bought it PCI card, because I realized that The connection there is more stable and the speed is higher.

In order to connect the computer to the required wireless network and the World Wide Web, we will need 2 devices that will:

Distribute the Internet, thereby creating this network at the place of its installation
P use the internet on your home computer

Connecting and installing the router

The main center that distributes the Internet is the router. First of all, it must be configured correctly; without this step, sites will not open. So what we do:

We place the router in the apartment so that our network is accessible from anywhere in the apartment. In an ordinary apartment, almost any convenient place will do (so as not to interfere), but if later the signal is weak, you will have to rearrange the device.
We plug it into a regular 220 volt outlet and turn it on by pressing the special button. (Look at the instructions for a specific model if necessary)
We connect the network cable from your Internet provider to a special socket. Also make sure that you have a login and password from your operator, because without this our router will not be able to access the Internet and distribute it to everyone. It is usually given when concluding a contract for Internet services.

The first stage has been completed, upon completion we have the router turned on, which automatically creates a network and you can connect to it, but in order for access to the Internet to become possible, in its settings you at least need to specify the same login and password from the provider (for example, Beeline, Dom.ru, etc.) about which was written above.

Connecting a Wi-Fi adapter to a PC

Although there are now motherboards on sale with a built-in Wi-Fi adapter to which an antenna is connected, nevertheless, a desktop computer usually does not have any built-in wireless network signal receiver. Therefore, we need a special gadget - a Wi-Fi adapter with a USB connector. Typically, it can operate on IEEE 802.11 b/g/n networks with a speed limit of up to 300 Mbps. New adapter models are designed for speeds up to 1300 Mbit/s (802.11ac technology).

Like any other peripheral device, a Wi-Fi adapter needs to install special software and a driver, which should come with it. They must be installed and then in Windows in a special program - Device Manager, our receiver should appear in the “Network adapters” section.

When it becomes possible to access the Internet through a computer, it would be a good idea to check on the manufacturer’s website for driver updates. And if it is, then download it and install it. It may also be necessary to right-click on the corresponding adapter in the list and update manually.

Entering settings for the router

In the next step, we need to set special settings for our router. For different models, this procedure is somewhat different, and in order to do everything correctly, you need to find the instructions from your router, which will tell you how to log into it for configuration. The following option is possible:

Open the browser
In the field for entering the site address, enter something like “192.168.0.1” without quotes, there may be other options “tplinklogin.net”, “192.168.1.1” and press Enter
A page will open asking you to enter your username and password. This is the username and password to log into the router. They are usually indicated either in the same instructions or on the box from the router. Attention! Do not confuse them with the password and login for Internet access. For example, it could be login: admin, passwod: admin or 1234. Enter ours and press enter.
Following the instructions, indicate the login and password for Internet access in the required place in the settings
Specify settings for the wireless network. At this stage, you need to come up with your own password, which will be used to connect your PC and other devices to Wi-Fi

For example, for Zyxel models, go to the “Internet” tab, find the “PPPoE/VPN” parameter and click on the “Add connection” button.

In the “Connection Settings” window, make sure that this connection is activated and used to access the Internet. You must specify PPPoE as the protocol type. The “Username” and “Password” fields indicate the data provided by the provider in the contract for connecting to the Internet. Typically, the IP address from the provider is issued automatically.

If everything is done correctly, the corresponding web space access profile will be added to the “Connections” tab. After this, the network web can be used by any device connected to the network access point.

After setting up the adapter in Windows, the corresponding wireless network icon will appear at the bottom right. By clicking on it, you can find our network and connect to it by entering the password created in the previous step.

It should also be noted that the setup can also be performed wired by connecting the router to the PC using the network cable included in the kit. The process itself, described above, will not differ.

Most routers support the WPS function - quick wireless connection setup. There is a special button on the adapter itself for this.

Using proprietary software for the Wi-Fi adapter, you can easily connect to the Internet center by activating the WPS function. To do this, you just need to press a button on the adapter, and then immediately press a similar WPS button on the access point.

Some problems connecting your computer to Wi-Fi

Sometimes there are problems connecting the computer to the router. We find the list of connected devices in the corresponding parameters of the router, for example, in “System Monitor”. Here we pay attention to the current connection speed.

If the connection speed differs significantly from that stated in the instructions, then it is advisable to increase it. This is done in the submenu, which is responsible for the Wi-Fi network.

Other devices, such as a keyboard or wireless headphones, may interfere with WiFi operation. Therefore, you can try to change the channel number over which data is transmitted. If the computer is located far from the access point, then it is necessary to increase the signal strength to 75 - 100%.

You can also bring the WiFi adapter as close as possible to the router using a USB extension cable, which is usually included in the kit.

To increase the speed of your Wi-Fi network, you need to constantly monitor software updates for the Internet center itself; fortunately, it is now available directly through the dashboard, without going to the manufacturer’s website.

Mobile technologies have completely changed our lives. With their introduction, the need for wireless networks arose. By strictly following the instructions for the Internet center and adapter, you can achieve comfortable operation from any phone, tablet or computer. A personal computer is a stationary device, therefore, for maximum connection speed, it is necessary that the Wi-Fi receiver connected to it has a sufficient level of reception from the Internet center.