Network adapters do not have wireless connectivity. Important notes when choosing a driver for a laptop

Introduction

Usage various devices with WiFi is rapidly bursting into our lives, now not only complex equipment such as laptops and communicators are equipped with WiFi, but even such simple gadgets like a photo frame. Setting them up to connect to wireless networks is becoming a challenge, so it's not surprising that technologies are emerging that can greatly simplify the setup procedure.

Creating a new wireless network begins directly with the configuration of the access point ( wireless router) connecting computers and other wireless equipment to it.

Technology

The traditional way of setting up in terms of regular user looks very complicated: you need to perform difficult steps with connecting to an access point for the first setup, you need to manually create a wireless network name, specify a complex and difficult to reproduce security key. And this entire setup process requires the user to have basic knowledge about WiFi. It will be much easier for him to simply press a button or enter a PIN so that everything is configured and connected.
Wireless Protected Setup (WiFi Protected Setup - WPS) was just invented to quickly, easily and safely configure network devices and computers. For example, one way to connect a game console with WiFi to a wireless network is to simply press the WPS buttons on the wireless router and on the game console.

WiFi Protected Setup is now the standard for creating a wireless network easily and securely. In Microsoft terminology this is Windows Connect Now (WCN).

The configuration environment for wireless devices may vary: Ethernet, WiFi,USB cable or USB flash disk. The wireless device can be configured via Pin (PIN - Personal Identification Number), through pressing configuration buttons (PBC - Push Button Configuration, short Push Button) or via importing network settings.

Setting up a wireless router

The device is unpacked and connected to the power supply. You can configure it via Ethernet using a patch cord (which is included in the package) or via WiFi, but the setup process itself does not depend on this. On a laptop or desktop you need to go to Control Panel - - Setting up a new connection or network where to choose Creating and setting up a new network.

Wireless devices with WCN support will be visible in the list of devices. We select our access point (wireless router) (not the neighbor’s if we are setting up via WiFi).

The next step is to enter the PIN code from the label on the router.

Or set your own, if necessary: the name of the wireless network, the password for accessing the network, the security level and the type of encryption.

Once the settings are complete, you can print detailed instructions to connect other computers to the access point (wireless router), and also prepare a flash drive with settings for importing the network profile to other wireless devices. If in this moment This is not necessary, it can be done later, in the properties of the wireless network.

Connecting to an access point via Push Button

When connecting to our wireless network from a computer running Windows control 7, You can not enter the security key, but press the WCN button on the router. The connection to the wireless network will occur automatically.

On wireless devices that support the PBC method, just press WPS button on the router, and then on the wireless device, after which the device will connect to the wireless network.

On computers running older operating systems Windows systems, as well as on wireless devices that do not support the Push Button method, you must use profile import network connection to a wireless network.

Connecting to an access point by importing a network connection profile

If a USB flash drive with network profile settings was not created after completing the setup of the access point (wireless router), then you need to create it. To do this, you need to connect a USB flash drive to connection center call properties wireless network and select Copy this network profile to USB Device flash memory. You can also open properties wireless network via Control Panel- Network Control Center and shared access - Wireless network management.

After completing the wizard, the USB flash drive can be used to connect various wireless devices, as well as computers equipped with a wireless adapter and running Windows XP/Vista/Windows 7.

For devices with a wireless adapter such as photo frames, printers, game consoles, you need to connect a USB flash drive with network profile and agree to import settings. Once setup is complete, the device will automatically connect to the wireless network. Similar actions and for Windows operating systems: connect a USB flash drive with a network profile,

in the window Autostart choose Connect to a wireless network using Windows Connect Now,

agree to import settings.

If the autorun function is disabled on a Windows computer, you need to open the USB flash drive and run the file SetupSNK.Exe and agree to import settings for connecting to a wireless network.

Windows Connect Now makes setting up a wireless network much easier, so you don't have to remember network credentials or spend a lot of time connecting new PCs.

Installing a router (router) is the first step to creating home network, but how to choose it correctly? How to configure the router after purchase? Follow these instructions to select a router and set up a secure wireless network (Wi-Fi) in your home.

Steps

Router installation

Buy wireless router. To determine which one is best for you, take a number of factors into account. Distance, amount of interference, transmission speed, and security level of the wireless network must be taken into account.

Connect the router to the modem. After purchasing a router, you need to connect it to a modem. There is a port on the back of the router labeled WAN/WLAN/Internet. Using standard Ethernet cable connect this port to your modem.

Make sure the router is connected to power and turned on.

Connect it to your computer using an Ethernet cable. This is not always necessary, but can be useful if you want to configure your wireless router before connecting any wireless devices to it. Connecting your computer via a physical cable will allow you to tinker with your wireless network settings without losing your connection to the router.
- For maximum efficient setup router, connect it next to the computer. Once setup is complete, you can move the router to its permanent location.
Enter your information to connect to the Internet. This includes the IP address and DNS from your ISP. Most routers fill in these fields automatically. Otherwise, contact your Internet service provider and find out the information you need to enter.

Set up your wireless network. For most routers, the wireless network settings section is located in the main menu. There you can turn the wireless network on or off, change its name and select the encryption type.
- In the SSID field, enter the name of the network. This name will be displayed on any device that detects your network. If you live in a densely populated area, do not use your personal information as the network name, as anyone with a device wireless communication recognizes them.
- Make sure you choose the most new type encryption available for your router. In most cases, this is WPA2. WPA2 uses only a password. You can choose any one you like. Complex passwords consist of capitals and lowercase letters, numbers and symbols.
Save your settings. After completing the settings on the router configuration page, click “Apply” or “Save settings”. After a few seconds, your settings will take effect. In some cases, you may need to reboot the router.

Place the router. To get the best signal, try placing your router in the center. Remember, any obstacles - walls or doors - worsen the signal. If your house consists of several floors, you may need several routers to organize a stable wireless network.
- The only thing that may limit you in choosing a location for your router is physical connection to the modem.

Connecting to a router

Connect wireless device to the network. As soon as the router started transmitting wireless signal, you can check your connection by scanning for available wireless networks using another computer, smartphone, or tablet.
- Scan for new networks. On Windows, click on the network icon in the system tray in the lower right corner of the screen. Select "Connect to a network" and find your network name in the list. On a Mac, click on the AirPort icon in the menu bar, which looks like 3 curved lines. Select your name from the list of available networks.
Enter password. If you chose the WPA2 encryption method, then you need to enter a password to connect. If you are using personal computer, you can turn it off hidden characters, which will make entering the password easier.

Check the connection. Once you are connected to the network, wait a moment to receive an IP address. Open your web browser and try going to a site you don't normally visit (this will ensure you're not loading the site from memory).

This article will talk about what to do if Window 7 does not connect to WiFi networks. The fact is that even though this operating system is more stable than its predecessors, problems can still occur. various errors, which must be corrected manually.

Before moving on to connection problems and their solutions, you need to understand what WiFi is and how the technology works. This will allow you to fix some problems faster.

The fact is that to connect to such a network you need an access point. Its functions are usually performed by a wireless router. And so first of all, if not available connections to a WiFi network in Windows 7, you should pay attention to the router.

As a rule, this is the reason. But of course, there are other problems. So, let's take it in order.

Checking the router

Everything is very simple here. If the laptop does not see available connections, then you should go to the menu WiFi settings router and check if the wireless network is turned on. To do this, you need to connect to the router using a regular Internet cable. After that, open a browser (any) and in address bar we register 192.168.0.1. Press "Enter". Next, a window will appear asking you to enter your password and login. As a rule, the default key and login are admin, admin, respectively.

How to easily find out the IP address of a WiFi router: Video

If you changed this data, then enter your values. Next we get to the settings menu. We are interested in NetworkWireless settings. In the wireless network settings, you need to check the box next to “Enable Wireless Router Radio”. That's it, setting up the router is complete. And if your laptop with Windows 7 still has problems with WiFi, then you should proceed to setup operating system.

Why doesn't my computer see available wireless networks?

There can be many reasons for this, as well as solutions. Fortunately, Windows 7 is user-friendly and has many options for diagnosing and fixing problems. But we will consider only the most common ones.

First of all, you should check the condition wireless connection WiFi. To do this, you need to open the Network Control Center. To do this, click on the network icon in the tray and select “Network and Sharing Center” in the window that appears.

A menu will open in which all network-related settings are made. Here we are interested in the “Change adapter settings” item. In the window that opens, you need to find a shortcut called “Wireless Network Connection”. If this connection It has grey colour, this indicates that it is turned off. To turn it on you need to click on it right click mouse and select “Enable”.

Windows 7 won't connect to Wi-Fi: Video

The wireless network icon does not appear in the tray

Users often ask what to do if the tray is not displayed WiFi icon in Windows 7? This can only mean one thing - the wireless module is turned off or not working. occurs, as a rule, using the key combination Fn + adapter power button. On different laptops This button can be located in different places.

For example, on Asus laptops– this is the combination Fn+F2, on Lenovo – Fn+F5. The key itself turning on WiFi indicated by the corresponding image. In addition, on some models there is a separate button to activate the wireless connection module. In this case, just press it.

So, after turning on the wireless adapter Windows communications 7 should automatically start searching for available networks. If this does not happen and the tray icon does not appear, then you should check that the drivers are working correctly.

What to do if a laptop with Windows 7 does not see Wi-Fi: Video

Checking drivers

You can check the software in Windows 7 in the task manager.

You can launch it by clicking on the “My Computer” shortcut, which can be found on the desktop, in the start menu or in Windows Explorer, right mouse button. In the window that appears, click “Properties”. Next, a menu will open in which you need to open “Device Manager”.

In the window that appears, we are interested in network adapters. If you do not find this, then there are no drivers for the device and you need to install the driver for of this module. If there is such an item, then open it. Typically, the wireless adapter is called Wireless Network Adapter. The device may also be designated exclamation point. This indicates that the driver is not working properly and needs to be updated or reinstalled.

It's very easy to do. As a rule, the laptop comes with special disk, which contains everything necessary programs and drivers. If there is no such disk, do not rush to get upset. The necessary software can always be downloaded from the Internet, since manufacturers have taken care of supporting their customers.

To do this, find the official website of your laptop manufacturer and write the exact name of the laptop in the search ( exact model). Next download necessary drivers and install them. It is worth noting that it is not recommended to install software downloaded from third party sources, since such drivers can be unstable and sometimes even pose a threat to the integrity of the system.

How to reinstall the WiFi driver: Video

It is also important to know that sometimes, even when installed driver, the adapter cannot be turned on because it uses additional functions keyboards. This means that together with software For network adapter You should also download the driver for the keyboard, as well as the recommended utility for managing the wireless module.

A fairly common problem, especially common after some changes: reinstalling the operating system, replacing a router, updating firmware, etc. Sometimes, finding the cause is quite difficult, even for an experienced technician.

In this short article I would like to dwell on a couple of cases due to which, most often, a laptop does not connect via Wi-Fi. I recommend that you familiarize yourself with them and try to restore the network on your own before contacting outside help. By the way, if it says “without access to the Internet” (and the yellow sign is on), then you better look.

1. Reason No. 1 - incorrect/missing drivers

A very common reason why a laptop does not connect via Wi-Fi. Most often, you will see the following picture (if you look in the lower right corner):

No connections available. The network is crossed out with a red cross.

After all, as it happens: the user downloaded a new Windows OS, burned it to disk, copied all his important data, reinstalled the OS, and installed the drivers that were installed before...

The fact is that drivers that worked in Windows XP may not work in Windows 7, those that worked in Windows 7 may refuse to work in Windows 8.

Therefore, if you are updating the OS, and in general, if Wi-Fi does not work, first of all check whether you have the correct drivers and whether they were downloaded from the official website. And in general, I recommend reinstalling them and watching the laptop’s reaction.

How can I check if the driver is in the system?

Very simple. Go to “my computer”, then right-click anywhere in the window and select “properties” in the pop-up window. Next, on the left, there will be a “device manager” link. By the way, you can open it from the control panel, through the built-in search.

Here we are most interested in the network adapters tab. Look carefully to see if you have a wireless network adapter, as in the picture below (naturally, you will have your own adapter model).

It is also worth paying attention to the fact that there should not be any exclamation marks or red crosses - which indicates problems with the driver, that it may not work correctly. If everything is good, it should be displayed as in the picture above.

Where is the best place to get a driver?

It is best to download it from the manufacturer’s official website. Also, usually the laptop comes with native drivers instead, you can use them too.

Even if you have native drivers installed, but the Wi-Fi network does not work, I recommend trying to reinstall them by downloading them from the official website of the laptop manufacturer.

Important notes when choosing a driver for a laptop

1) Their name, most likely (99.8%), should contain the word “ wireless«.
2) Correctly determine the type of network adapter, there are several of them: Broadcom, Intel, Atheros. Usually, on the manufacturer’s website, even in specific model laptop, there may be several versions of drivers. To know exactly which one you need, use the utility.

The utility perfectly determined what hardware was installed in the laptop. You don’t need to install any settings, you just need to run it.

Several websites of popular manufacturers:

Acer: http://www.acer.ru/ac/ru/RU/content/home

HP: http://www8.hp.com/ru/ru/home.html

Asus: http://www.asus.com/ru/

One more thing! The driver can be found and installed automatically. This is described in the article. I recommend checking it out.

2. Reason #2 - is Wi-Fi turned on?

Very often you have to watch how the user tries to look for the causes of breakdowns where there are none...

Most laptop models have an LED indicator on the case that signals Wi-Fi work. So, it should burn. To enable it, there are special function buttons, the purpose of which is indicated in the product passport.

For example, laptops Acer inclusion Wi-Fi is achieved using the “Fn+F3” button combination.

You can do it differently.

Go to "control Panel" your Windows OS, then the “network and internet” tab, then “ network and sharing center", and finally - " Change adapter settings«.

Here we are interested in the wireless connection icon. It should not be gray and colorless, as in the picture below. If the wireless network icon is colorless, then right-click on it and click “enable“.

You will immediately notice that even if it does not connect to the Internet, it will become colored (see below). This indicates that the laptop adapter is working and it can connect via Wi-Fi.

3. Reason No. 3 - incorrect settings

It often happens that a laptop cannot connect to the network due to a changed password or router settings. This can happen through no fault of the user. For example, the router settings may be lost if the power is turned off during intensive operation.

1) Checking settings in Windows

First, pay attention to the tray icon. If there is no red cross on it, it means there are available connections and you can try to join them.

We click on the icon and a window should appear in front of us with all the Wi-Fi networks that the laptop has found. Select your network and click “connect”. We will be asked to enter a password, if it is correct, then the laptop should connect via Wi-Fi.

2) Checking the router settings

If you cannot connect to a Wi-Fi network and Windows reports an incorrect password, go to the router settings and change the default settings.

To enter the router settings, go to " http://192.168.1.1/"(Without quotes). Typically, this address is used by default. The default password and login are most often “ admin"(in small letters without quotation marks).

Next, change the settings in accordance with your provider settings and router model (if they are lost). In this part it is difficult to give any advice; a more extensive article on creating local network Wi-Fi at home.

Important! It happens that the router does not connect to the Internet automatically. Go into its settings and check if it is trying to connect, and if not, try connecting to the network manually. This error often occurs on TrendNet brand routers (according to at least I used to be on some models, which is what I personally encountered).

4. If all else fails...

If you've tried everything and nothing helps...

I will give two pieces of advice that help me personally.

1) From time to time, for reasons unknown to me, the Wi-Fi network disconnects. The symptoms are different each time: sometimes it says no connection, sometimes the tray icon lights up as expected, but there is still no network...

A 2-step recipe helps to quickly restore a Wi-Fi network:

1. Disconnect the router’s power supply from the network for 10-15 seconds. Then I turn it on again.

2. I reboot the computer.

After this, oddly enough, the Wi-Fi network, and with it the Internet, work as expected. I don’t know why and why this happens, I don’t want to dig into it either, because... This happens quite rarely. If you can guess why, share it in the comments.

2) There was one time when it was generally not clear how to turn on Wi-Fi - a laptop on function keys does not respond (Fn+F3) - the LED is not lit, and the tray icon says that “there are no available connections” (and it doesn’t find even one). What to do?

I tried a bunch of methods, I wanted to reinstall the system with all the drivers. But I tried to diagnose wireless adapter. And guess what - he diagnosed the problem and recommended fixing it by “resetting settings and turning on the network,” which I agreed with. After a few seconds the network started working... I recommend trying it.

That's all. Good luck with your settings...