How to connect a wireless adapter to a computer. How to connect your computer to Wi-Fi? Installing a Wi-Fi adapter

In order to connect the computer to the required wireless network And world wide web, we will need 2 devices that will be:

  1. Distribute the Internet, thereby creating this network at the place of its installation
  2. 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 anything will do. comfortable spot(so as not to interfere), but if later the signal is weak, you will have to rearrange the device.
  • We include it in regular socket 220 volts and turn it on by pressing a special button. (See instructions on 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 to become possible exit on the Internet, in its settings, at a minimum, you 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 special gadget- Wi-Fi adapter with USB connector. Generally, it can work in networks IEEE standard 802.11 b/g/n with speed limit up to 300 Mbps. New adapter models are designed for speeds up to 1300 Mbit/s (802.11ac technology).

Like any other peripheral device, The Wi-Fi adapter requires the installation of 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 your 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 instructions from your router, which will tell you how to log into it to configure it. 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 in in the right place settings login and password for Internet access
  • 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 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 configuration can be performed wired way connecting the router to the PC network cable included in the kit. The process itself, described above, will not differ.

Most routers support WPS functionquick setup wireless connection. On the adapter itself there is special button for this.

Using proprietary software for 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 one 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 zoom in as close as possible WiFi adapter to the router when USB help extension cord, which usually comes with the kit.

To improve the speed of your Wi-Fi network, you need to constantly monitor updates software 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 on the Internet center and adapter, you can achieve comfortable work 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.

First, let's discuss why we actually need this WiFi? Is it worth connecting it at all? And I will answer you that it’s worth it! WiFi currently solves several problems at once. The first is, of course, getting rid of long and always tangled wires that get in the way under your feet. Agree, it’s nice not to have a bunch of wires under your feet that constantly get in the way of you and your children. Honestly, I don’t know what I would do without Wi-Fi, now my daughter, at 9 months old, is trying to tear something off.

Secondly, only thanks to WiFi in one apartment you can now connect to the Internet simultaneously from several devices. So, for example, my wife is reading a book via the Internet on a laptop, when I turned on YouTube on mine and happily watch videos, and at the same time another computer is downloading necessary files. I also use WiFi very often to access the Internet via tablet and cell phones. Agree, it’s convenient!

Everyone is always comfortable, and this is definitely a plus! Today I want to touch on a topic that is of interest to many users, because by default, when purchasing a computer, a Wi-Fi adapter is not included. The question arises, what to do then? It doesn’t have a built-in WiFi adapter, which all modern devices can boast of. mobile devices and laptops.

In this situation, you will need to buy a Wi-Fi adapter. They come in two types, which are presented below:

ExternalWiFiadapters. In appearance they look like regular USB flash drive(commonly known as a flash drive), but, as I said earlier, they can receive a WiFi signal. You can even buy such a thing for 300-400 rubles if you look hard enough. It is connected to the computer via a regular USB connector, or using a USB cable (if you want to place it in a specific place), the end of which is inserted into the above connector, and the other end is intended for inserting flash drives, or in our case, WiFi receivers .

DomesticWiFiadapters. To connect such a device to a computer, you will have to disassemble the computer a little, but it connects very easily, I’ll tell you more below.

We'll have to open system unit and place it there. This type of receiver is much larger in size than the ones we discussed just above.

By the way, many people asked that they wanted to switch to Wi-Fi, but were afraid that there would be problems with the Internet or the speed would be lower when downloading files. Answer - No. On Wi-Fi adapters it is written throughput. For example, your Internet speed is 1 MB per second, but Wi-Fi says up to 54 MB per second. From these figures it follows that your Internet will not slow down, because the adapter’s throughput is much higher.

Let's first go from easy to more complex, namely, let's figure out how to connect WiFi to a computer using an external receiver as an example. To go directly to the connection procedure itself, let’s first decide what we need for this, a signal receiver, as well as a little attentiveness and a maximum of 20 minutes of free time.

How to connect Wi-Fi

First of all, we connect our receiver WiFi signal to a computer via USB. We remember that I use an external one, if you have an internal one, then it must be connected directly to the mother’s chamber into the appropriate connector.

As you can see, it is not quite large as some may think when purchasing online. A little larger than a regular flash drive, although there are even smaller ones.

Next, install the drivers from the disk that came with the kit. I won't focus on this. Simply follow the installation wizard instructions that will appear on your monitor screen. Usually, you need to select your adapter, since the disk may contain drivers not only for your Wi-Fi. During driver installation, a warning may appear in which you select “Install this driver anyway.”

Follow the next steps using the installation wizard. Further, further and so on ;).

To get around various incidents that can happen when connecting to the Internet, go to “Change adapter settings” and disconnect all active connections.

In the screenshot below, you can see that I am using Wi-Fi, which is built into the laptop.

I click on the only thing active connection"Wireless network connection" right click mouse and select “Disable”.

Now I don’t have Internet, but we will fix it using an external wi-fi adapter. By the way, my wi-fi adapter does not require a disk, I just plug it in and it immediately starts working.

So, I connect it to the USB connector.

Now I have to wait a little, after which I will be notified in the tray that it is installed and ready to use. To make sure that the driver has been installed, right-click on “Computer” and select “Properties”.

Select Device Manager.

In the window that opens, click “Network adapters”, after which a list of devices will appear. As you can see, my Wi-Fi is here, model D-lick Wirelless G DWA-110 USB. This means the installation was successful and you can now use the Internet.

Connecting your computer to Wi-Fi using an external adapter

To connect your computer to Wi-Fi, you can use external Wi-Fi adapters. Such adapters are connected using. Thanks to using USB To connect such a Wi-Fi adapter, there is no need to disassemble the system unit. In addition, external Wi-Fi adapters with a USB connection can also be used with laptops. For example, in order to provide higher connection speed or replace a faulty one.

For example, consider a Wi-Fi adapter ASUS USB-AC56. This adapter is very similar to a regular flash drive. On one side of the adapter there is a USB, and on the other there is a socket for connecting a Wi-Fi antenna.

This Wi-Fi The adapter supports connection according to the 802.11ac standard. Manufacturer states maximum speed connections up to 867 Mbit/s. IN real tests this adapter shows data transfer speeds of up to 25 MB/s, that is, up to 200 Mbit/s.

Connecting your computer to Wi-Fi using an internal adapter

In addition to external Wi-Fi adapters, you can also use internal adapters to connect your computer to a Wi-Fi network. Internal Wi-Fi adapters have several advantages over their external counterparts:

  • Internal adapters do not occupy a USB port;
  • At the same price, internal adapters provide higher connection speeds;

PCI or x1 interfaces are used to connect to. Therefore, when purchasing an internal Wi-Fi adapter, you need to make sure that your motherboard supports the interface that the adapter you choose uses. Otherwise you won't be able to connect it.

For example, consider internal Wi-Fi adapter ASUS PCE-AC68. This Wi-Fi adapter connects to the interface PCI Express x1. All of it top part covers a large heatsink that protects components from overheating.


On external panel The adapter has three connectors for connecting Wi-Fi antennas. This Wi-Fi adapter supports connection according to the 802.11ac standard. The manufacturer claims a maximum connection speed of up to 1900 Mbit/s. IN real testing The data transfer speed when using this adapter reaches 93 MB/s (or 744 Mbit/s).

Connecting your computer to Wi-Fi by replacing the motherboard

There are also motherboards with a Wi-Fi adapter. So, if you don’t know how to connect your computer to Wi-Fi, then the problem can be solved by replacing the motherboard.


Unfortunately, built-in Wi-Fi adapters are now only available on compact boards, as well as on expensive top-level motherboards. Therefore, replacement will be your most expensive option for connecting your computer to Wi-Fi. In addition, replacement motherboard this is quite a troublesome matter. That's why this option looks completely uninteresting.

How to set up a wireless WiFi adapter is a fairly frequently asked question. This is due to the fact that this technology for transmitting data over the air is very widespread throughout the world. This distribution is explained by the extremely simple setup and easy using WiFi networks anywhere, for example, in a cafe, at home, at work, in mall and so on.

Typically, to connect to the network, the user just needs to turn on wireless adapter on a laptop or smartphone. After this, the device will begin searching for available connections and offer a list. All you have to do is choose the desired network and connect to it. But before the adapter starts working normally, it must be configured. And this is where many may encounter certain difficulties.

How to easily and easily set up a WiFi adapter: Video

Preliminary equipment setup

Pre-setting wireless WiFi adapter is a software installation. In other words, installing drivers and necessary utilities for working with networks and equipment.

So, if we are talking about a laptop, then everything necessary drivers are available on the disk that was included with the computer when purchased. If this disk is lost and you cannot find it, then you can download everything you need on the manufacturer’s official website, indicating the full name of the laptop model.

If you bought a WiFi adapter separately, then a disk must be included with it. Also, knowing the exact name of the module, you can easily find the necessary software on the Internet. After installing the drivers, new hardware will appear in Device Manager. The computer will determine its name and exact model.

How to install WiFi driver: Video

Setting up the wireless module

After installing drivers and utilities for working with the device, it is recommended to restart the computer. After this, you can proceed with further settings. Everything is just as simple here. All available settings that you can change are located in the Network and Sharing Center. It is this service that should be launched first to configure network adapters. You can open the service by simply right-clicking on the network icon in the tray (the area in the lower right corner of the desktop).

So, how to set up wireless network WiFi adapter? In the Network and Sharing Center, select “Change adapter settings.” Here you will find the wireless shortcut. Depending on the version of the operating system, it may be called differently. In seven there is a wireless network connection, in eight there is a wireless network. If you right-click on this shortcut, a preliminary menu will appear. Here you can disable the adapter, run troubleshooting, and also enter its properties.

Diagnostics allows you to automatically find problems and fix them. Users only need to pay close attention to the on-screen prompts. As a result of the diagnostics, the system will provide a report on the work performed, from which you can find out what errors were detected and what was corrected.

WiFi adapter properties

How to configure a Wi-Fi network adapter at a deeper level? To do this, you should enter its properties. Here you can select the components and protocols that will be used by the device. In addition, there are cases when to configure the network you need to enter the connection IP address manually. To do this, you need to select Internet Protocol version 4 (TCPIPv4) and enter its properties. Here you should move the marker to the “Use the following IP address” item and enter the network data manually. You will find this information in your agreement with the provider. You can also simply call your provider’s customer support service and find out all the data.

  • Are common.
  • Additional.
  • Driver.
  • Intelligence.
  • Power management.

The first tab displays information about the device. If an error occurs, its code will be displayed here and general information. If no errors are found, you will see the message “The device is working normally.” In the second tab you will see all the available functions and properties of your WiFi adapter. Here you can turn on and off certain functions, as well as set their values.

In the vast majority of cases, there is no need to configure anything in this menu, since all parameters are specified when installing the driver. However, if necessary, here you can change the MAC address of the adapter, assigning absolutely any values. This is done only in extreme cases, when a change of physical address is necessary to connect to the network.

The Driver tab displays all information about the software and its version. Here you can remove or update the driver. The next tab “Information” allows you to find out detailed information about the device. It is worth noting that here you can find out absolutely all the information regarding your WiFi adapter. In the “Property” line, you select the function or service you want to learn about. Below, in the “Value” line, detailed information about the support of the function and its properties will be displayed.

The last tab, “Power Management,” is where you configure the power supply for the Wi-Fi adapter. Here you can enable or disable automatic shutdown energy saving devices.

We return to the adapter properties again. Now go to the “Access” tab. Here we can allow or deny sharing of the internet connection with other users connected to the network. This option is used when you are creating virtual network using a laptop or computer as an access point or server.

Setting up an external Wi-Fi adapter

We figured out the settings wireless module on a laptop. But what if it is a USB module that is used in a desktop computer? How to setup wireless usb WiFi adapter? Here you should understand that it works exactly the same as the built-in models in laptops. Therefore, it supports the same properties and protocols and has similar settings.

I work as a specialist at the Techno-Master company.

Wi-Fi is especially convenient due to the complete absence of wires and the ability to connect any device to it. But, unfortunately, not all computers can receive the signal wireless router. Let's figure out how to connect Wi-Fi to a computer and what you need for this.

Computer adapters

Despite the fact that most smartphones and laptops are equipped with a built-in module for receiving Wi-Fi signal, desktop computers cannot always be connected to wireless internet without accompanying devices. That is why the PC can be connected either using a network cable or using a special adapter.

External

The external version is compact and can be used for several desktop computers at once. The device resembles a small flash drive and is inserted into a USB port. The price of adapters varies: from 12 dollars (700 rubles) and above.

To connect, just install the necessary software. You can download it from the equipment manufacturer’s website. It is important to ensure that the drivers support the purchased device.

Domestic

Analogue of this device receivers are considered internal type, connected directly to PCI interface. The installation process will also not waste much of the PC owner’s time - just open the system unit and place the part in it. In addition, you will need to download the software (drivers) and install it. The price is not much different from external type receivers.

As mentioned above, the lack of a Wi-Fi module on a PC is not a problem, you just need to purchase optional equipment. Moreover, network cable will not interfere with the desktop or floor. Also, some users find that the speed of a wireless connection is slightly higher than that of a wired connection. Of course, this directly depends on the provider, the device itself and the PC.

How to connect Wi-Fi using an adapter?

Connection methods different types adapters have common features, but still differs. Key Process Differences direct installation devices. To connect external adapter There is no need to open the system unit; just place it in the appropriate slot. A screwdriver is required to connect the internal adapter.

Connecting an external adapter

Let's take a closer look at how to connect a Wi-Fi adapter to a computer. To use a wireless connection, having only a desktop PC at hand, you will need:

  • the equipment itself;
  • extension cable (optional);
  • drivers;
  • router

Connecting the device is quite simple, and the operation does not raise any questions. It is important to pay attention to installing the software, because without it the equipment simply will not function correctly. The adapter is connected in the following order:

  1. Remove the device from the factory box. You will need to connect the adapter to your PC. This can be done either directly (via USB) or via special cable. Plus last method connection is that the extension cord amplifies the signal.
  2. Open the folder with the drivers and install them. Even if the system reports that some software is already installed.
  3. When opening the software, you will need to select the device model, then select “Install driver and utility.” Click "OK".
  4. In all dialog boxes agree to the terms of use by clicking “Next” or “Yes”. Wait for the installation to complete and close the dialog box. Reboot your personal computer.
  5. Once the process is complete, the icon should appear on the taskbar demon wired connection. If it does not occur, check whether the drivers are installed, and whether the external adapter is inserted correctly.

This completes the process and the user can connect to WI-FI. Now let's take a closer look at installing the internal adapter.

Connecting the internal adapter

If with installation external version everything is extremely simple, then with internal even experienced users PC may experience difficulties. The process of connecting the internal adapter is quite simple, but will require skills in working with computer hardware. The operation is performed in several steps.

To quickly connect internal adapter, you will need the following tools:

  1. screwdriver;
  2. the device itself;
  3. system unit;
  4. pre-downloaded drivers;
  5. router

Let's move on to the procedure itself. For installation you will need:

  1. Unscrew the antenna from the device, if it is attached to it.
  2. Open the system unit, find the slot for WI-Fi module. It is usually located on the motherboard, under sound card PC. Align the contacts of the adapter and the motherboard.
  3. After connecting, screw the antenna back on. Now you need to close the cover of the system unit.
  4. Install pre-downloaded drivers, agreeing to all the requirements of the program. To do this, use the “OK”, “Next”, “Agree” buttons. After installation, close the window. Reboot your personal computer.
  5. Check to see if the wireless connection icon appears on the taskbar. If it is missing, open the cover again and make sure that the contacts of the parts are in contact and the adapter is installed correctly.

How to connect Wi-Fi to PC?

This completes the adapter installation process. Now you can start using the wireless network using your PC. You need to consider how to connect your computer to a Wi-Fi network.

First, you need to find the Internet connection icon in the notification panel. If it displays a star pattern, then the PC sees available secure (or unsecured) networks and can connect.

When you click on the icon, all you have to do is select the network, then click the “Connect” button.

If your wireless network is protected with a password, you will be prompted to enter it. After entering the combination, click on the “OK” button. The notification panel will display the incoming signal strength.

When disabled wireless connection or the software is missing, it is impossible to connect. You need to check your settings (Network and Sharing Center) shared access"), if the wireless network connection is enabled, check the adapter. After configuration, the panel will display the connection status “Yes” available connections" You can select a network and connect to it.

You will also need to reinstall the driver. It is enough to download the software from the official website of the router manufacturer. Then unpack the saved archive and run the program with “exe” permission. After installing the driver, you will need to restart your PC. Now you need to try connecting to the wireless network again.

Summary

Now you know how to connect your computer to a Wi-Fi network. Even a beginner can connect a PC to a wireless network using an adapter. The main thing is to pay special attention to the nuances of installing hardware and software. After all, an incorrectly inserted internal module can even lead to breakdown.
Of course, the main method is still considered to be connecting the router using an inconvenient cable. That is why buying a compact adapter is a fairly profitable option for the computer owner.

Today we will talk about how you can connect Wi-Fi to a computer via a network cable. After you have an Internet cable and a Wi-Fi router connected to it, you can start creating your own little local network. Surely you have not only desktop computer(or maybe more than one), but also a tablet, a laptop, a smartphone, and plasma TV. And all this can be combined into one network with each device connected to the Internet.

This way, your entire family can enjoy the Internet at their own discretion without disturbing each other. Someone will play on the computer Online Games, someone will watch their favorite films or videos from YouTube on TV, someone will work or communicate via the Internet on a laptop, and someone at this time can communicate via WhatsApp or Viber via mobile phone or smartphone. And all these pleasures can be configured with one access point via a Wi-Fi router.

And in order to create (deploy) such a grid, you must use one of two connection options:

  1. Lay a network cable from the router to a desktop computer and TV.
  2. Connect a desktop computer via an external or internal Wi-Fi adapter. Moreover, laptops, tablets and smartphones already have this adapter built-in.

In this article we will look at the first connection option.

ConnectionWiFito a computer via a network cable

Previously, the Internet could only be connected via telephone line. Now this can be done using a network cable (twisted pair). For this:

  • Connect the provider's wire to the wi-fi router into the socket labeled WAN(or Internet);


  • Network cable twisted pair insert into one of the connectors LAN. Which one doesn’t matter;
  • Connect the second end of the cord to the computer (or laptop) into the connector RJ 45. If the computer is turned on, the light next to the connector should blink.

The network cable can be connected both when the router is turned on and when the computer is turned on. It is safe.

If the Internet does not connect

Typically a computer with an operating system Windows system 7/8/10 automatically receives an IP address and immediately connects to the Internet. But you may have to make some adjustments yourself.

If there is no connection to the Internet in automatic mode, then perform the following manipulations:

  1. Check if your Wi-Fi router is turned on;
  2. Check whether the network cable is well connected to the connectors of the router and computer;
  3. Check visibility network card V Device Manager. If there is no entry in Device Manager " Network adapters", this means you need to install or reinstall the network card driver.
  1. Turn off the router for 30-40 seconds and turn it on again. This usually helps.

Configuring your computer's network card to connect viaWiFirouter

If, after the above manipulations, the Internet still does not connect, then you need to manually register the IP address for your network card.

For this:

  • right click on the icon network connection on the taskbar. It is located near the clock), and select " Network Sharing Center».

  • If this icon is not on the taskbar, then open Control Panel.

IN Windows 7 The control panel is located in the menu " Start».

Select in view " Small icons", and click on the item " Network and Sharing Center».

Right-click on the network card icon and select “ Properties».

Highlight " Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)" and click the " Properties».

Set the switch to " Use the following address" and below write the following:

IP address 192.168.1.5 (last digit can be anything from 1 to 255)

Subnet mask 255.255.255.0

Default gateway 192.168.1.1

Preferred DNS server 192.168.1.1

An alternative DNS server is not needed

Check the box next to " Confirm settings on exit».

If a small window pops up with some kind of warning, press the “ Yes».

Now it would be good to restart your computer.

Desktop computers are usually connected to the Internet using a wired connection. But sometimes it’s not very convenient to pull wires and you want to organize everything using a wireless connection. If you are also interested in how to connect a desktop computer to a Wi-Fi network, then we suggest you read this article.

Equipment for connecting a desktop computer to Wi-Fi

In order to connect your computer to a Wi-Fi network, you need to have a Wi-Fi adapter installed on it. Such adapters are available on any laptop, but with desktop computers it’s not so simple.

Motherboards for desktop computers are very rarely equipped with built-in Wi-Fi adapters. Such adapters can only be found in the most expensive models or models designed for HTPC. Other motherboards are produced only with the usual network adapter, designed for connection to wired Ethernet networks.

If you don't know if your motherboard has a Wi-Fi adapter, then just look at back computer, where the motherboard connectors go. If the motherboard has a built-in Wi-Fi adapter, then there will be two connectors for connecting antennas.

Connectors for Wi-Fi antennas

But, most likely, you will not find such connectors, which means that to connect your desktop computer you will need to purchase a separate Wi-Fi adapter. There are two types of such adapters: external and internal. External ones are connected to the computer via USB, like a regular flash drive, while internal ones need to be installed in the PCI Express x1 slot.

The speed that Wi-Fi adapters can provide depends on the standards wireless communication, which they support, and the class of the device itself. Models from the lower and mid-price range usually support the 802.11n standard and in practice provide speeds from 50 to 100 Mbps. More expensive adapters support the 802.11ac standard and real use can provide 200 Mbit/s or more.

At choosing Wi-Fi adapter, you need to take into account not only what speed you need, but also what kind of router you have. If your router only supports 802.11n Wi-Fi, and you do not plan to change it to more modern model, then overpay for the expensive and fast wifi the adapter makes no sense. Because without support from the router, the Wi-Fi adapter will not be able to show everything that it is capable of.

Connecting a desktop computer to Wi-Fi

Connecting a desktop computer to Wi-Fi is not much different from connecting a laptop. First you need to install the drivers for the Wi-Fi adapter. If your motherboard has a built-in Wi-Fi adapter, then you need to look for drivers for it on the website of the manufacturer of such a board. If you use a separate Wi-Fi adapter, then you need to look for drivers on the website of the manufacturer of the adapter itself. Installing drivers is not difficult; they are installed into the system in the same way as regular programs. After installation, you may need to restart your computer.

After installing the drivers, a Wi-Fi icon should appear on the taskbar, next to the system clock. Depending on version Windows given the icon may look different. The screenshots below show how this icon looks in Windows 7 and Windows 10.

Wi-Fi icon on the taskbar

To connect your computer to Wi-Fi, you need to click on this icon and select one of the available networks. Below is shown how this happens in Windows 7 and Windows 10.

Connecting a computer to a Wi-Fi network

After selecting a network, you may be asked for a password, or the Wi-Fi connection will occur automatically. If you have any connection difficulties, we recommend that you read our articles on how to connect Wi-Fi to and. The entire connection process is described in more detail there.