How to Add Wifi to a Desktop PC in 8 Simple Steps
Do you want to add wifi to your desktop computer but don’t know how? Fortunately, connecting your desktop PC to wifi can be easy as 1-2-3-4-5-6-7! The following eight steps will guide you through how to do it with ease, and hopefully get you back up and running in no time!
Step 1: Purchase an Ethernet Cord
The Ethernet cord is the most cost-effective option, but there are a few downsides. The cord usually plugs into a desktop PC via an ethernet port and allows you to access the internet through an Ethernet cable.
Since it connects to your desktop PC directly, you will need to make sure that it has an available ethernet port, and that this slot doesn’t already have something plugged in like a printer or external hard drive.
To use the cord as WiFi hotspot, connect it to your modem with a patch cable and turn on your desktop PC so that its hardware can detect the other devices in range.
Step 2: Open the Computer Case
Follow these steps to add Wifi to a Desktop PC in 8 Simple Steps: 1. Open the computer case and remove any existing antennas, if any. 2. Install a low-cost Ethernet adapter or card with an external antenna on the PC’s motherboard if there is an empty PCI slot. You may need to upgrade your network card driver or software after installation for full functionality with some computers. A wired connection will be faster than a wireless one so this should be your first option unless it is not possible due to distance limitations (i.e., because the router is too far away). 3.
Step 3: Locate the Network Card
Unfortunately, if you’re looking to add a wireless card to your desktop computer, it will be more complicated than installing a USB adapter. The good news is that it’s not difficult to install a wireless card into your PC. You will need:
- Locate the network card in your PC. The network card can be located in a variety of places depending on what kind of PC you have and whether or not it has been upgraded over time to support faster internet speeds. In general, the following are some locations where you may find the wireless antenna
Step 4: Connect the Network Card to the Internet
Once you’ve got your new Wi-Fi card installed in your desktop PC, it’s time to configure it so it connects to the internet. Follow these simple steps to set up a Wi-Fi connection
Step 5: Double Check Your Cables are Securely Connected
Make sure that your desktop is plugged in and the power cable is securely plugged in to the back of the monitor. Next, look for any loose cables that might be connected to your PC and make sure they are plugged into their respective ports on your PC. Once you have confirmed these are secure, start up your PC and wait for it to fully load before moving on to step 6.
#Ask a question about Wifi- what to do if my internet is too slow?
Step 6: Plug In Your Power Cord
- Plug in your power cord and turn the PC on. With newer PCs, it can be easier to add WiFi to a desktop PC via an Ethernet cable instead of using Wi-Fi connectivity because the Ethernet jack is usually closer to where you plug in your power cord. Consult your operating system’s user manual for more detailed instructions on how to add a wireless connection through an Ethernet cable or consult the support forums for that specific OS for more help. You can also access the network control panel through Control Panel (in Windows 10) and try connecting there.
Step 7: Restart Your Computer
Install Wifi to a Desktop PC in 8 Simple Steps Here are eight steps to adding wifi to a desktop computer: (1) Understand your wireless card. This is the key component that will connect to your internet and transmit a signal wirelessly through WiFi. Most laptops come with this built-in, but desktops usually need an add-on card or internal plug-in of some kind. It’s important to know what kind of card you have before you buy, so be sure and look on the back or underside of your computer case for information on that front. Once you have it written down, it’ll make shopping much easier. (2) Buy a router.
Step 8. Connect To The Internet via Wi-Fi
Plug in your wireless router to power and the PC. Turn it on. Type wireless network into the start menu and hit enter. Choose your Wi-Fi network from the list that pops up. Click Connect. Give it a password. The first time you connect, you’ll need to type in a confirmation code given by your router’s manufacturer after typing in the password, which is typically found on a sticker next to the reset button on the back of your router.