How to add a wifi card to a pc

Compared to laying cables and expanding network switches, connecting a Wi-Fi card to a computer can be an inexpensive and relatively easy way to expand your business computer network or to give a new employee access to the Internet. External Wi-Fi cards, such as those with a USB connection or older laptop PC cards can be inserted easily into the appropriate port. PCI cards, which are designed for desktop PCs, need to be installed inside the case. This is something you can do yourself with just a Phillips-head screwdriver.

Hardware Installation

1. Examine the Wi-Fi card and read the documentation to determine how it should be installed in the computer. A USB Wi-Fi adapter or a laptop PC card can be inserted in the appropriate port on the outside of a computer. A PCI card, the end of which resembles a circuit board, needs to be installed inside a computer case.

2. Turn off the computer and unplug it. If you have a USB or PC card, insert it into the appropriate port and skip to the Software Configuration section below. If you have a PCI card, continue to Step 3.

3. Remove all wires and peripherals from the computer. Read the documentation that came with the computer to determine how the case should be opened. Some require a Phillips-head screwdriver to disassemble the case, while others may be opened from the back or side without a screwdriver. Typically, the side of the case will slide toward the back, exposing the internal components of the computer.

4. Look for a free PCI slot near the back of the computer. The size and shape of these slots match the gold contacts of the Wi-Fi card and are positioned so the card can extend to the back of the case. If the computer has a network card, it is probably occupying a PCI slot and a free slot should be beside it.

5. Remove the plate from the back of the case to allow the Wi-Fi card to extend from the back of the case.

6. Insert the W-Fi card into the PCI slot and press it down firmly in place. Secure it to the back of the case using the screw provided. Connect the external antenna to the Wi-Fi card if it came with one. Close the case and reconnect the wires and peripherals.

Software Configuration

1. Power on the computer after physically installing the Wi-Fi card. Wait for Windows to identify the Wi-Fi card and load the appropriate drivers. Depending on the card, you may have to insert the installation CD it came with into the computer. For other cards, you may need to download drivers from the manufacturer's website. Consult the card's documentation.

2. Ensure that the computer is within range of a Wi-Fi access point. Launch a Web browser and navigate to any website to determine if your computer has automatically connected to the Internet through your Wi-Fi card.

3. If the Web browser does not connect to the Internet, select the network icon in the system tray at the right side of the taskbar. Select your Wi-Fi network and click "Connect." enter a password if prompted.

4. Enter a password, if prompted.

There are basically three ways to add wireless to a PC USB adapter, Ethernet WiFi adapter, and internal WiFi card.

Here are the top three options for installing wireless to a desktop PC.

Can WiFi Manually Be Added to a Desktop PC

Yes, WiFi can be added to a desktop computer manually when there is no built-in wireless card.

Using a USB wireless adapter is the quickest and easiest method and is commonly used to add wireless to a PC.

An internal WiFi card, while more technical, is the best method for a very good signal.

Another option is using an Ethernet to a wireless adapter that is less used than the other option but may be a good fit in some scenarios.

Below are the top three methods for adding wireless to a desktop computer.

Top 3 Ways to Add Wireless to a Desktop PC

1. USB WiFi Adapter


A USB WiFi adapter is a very good option and the most popular way to add wireless to a desktop.

There are many USB adapters available, and depending on the unit bought are very low-cost items.

Some are built for range with larger antennas, and some are small, almost hidden once plugged in.




Wireless 802.11 standards have evolved, becoming faster over the years, with new versions able to work in the 5Ghz band while older units only work in the 2.4GHz frequency.

Dual-band refers to an adapter that can work in both 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequencies and is usually the best option.

The wireless protocol also matters since new ones can transfer data faster.

Main WiFi Protocols
802.11G or Wireless-G – Speed up-to 54Mbps
802.11N or Wireless-N – Speed up-to 300Mbps
802.11AC or Wireless-AC – Speed up-to 866 Mbps

While older protocols still work, getting a Wireless-AC unit is the best option.

Basically, when looking for a USB adapter, get a Dual Band Wireless-AC unit as it will fit into almost any network.

Example Dual Band 802.11AC USB Adapter on Amazon
EDUP USB WiFi Adapter Dual Band Wireless Network Adapter 802.11 AC 2.4G/5G USB Wi-Fi Dongle with Extender Antenna Compatible with Windows XP/Vista /7/8.1/10, Mac OS X 10.7-10.15


Read Here for Our Picks of Best Wireless USB Adapters
 

2. Ethernet-to-Wireless Adapter

Ethernet-to-wireless adapters are another good option to add WiFi.

The BrosTrend AC1200 is one such unit that has many different wireless modes.

It can extend a WiFi signal, add an access point or add WiFi to non-wireless devices.

The unit adds WiFi to any Ethernet-only device such as a smart TV, gaming console, or desktop computer.

It works very well and will have a laptop or desktop computer online using Ethernet-to-WiFi.




It also uses the 802.11ac protocol, is dual band, and works in both the 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequencies.
3. Internal PCI Wireless Card


If you have some technical skills installing an internal wireless card is a very good option.

Depending on the computer, USB can sometimes bottleneck, slowing down a connection.




An easy way around this is to install a PCI wireless card into the PC.

They also are out of the way and don’t take up any USB slots.

Be sure to check that there is an open slot in your PC to use and the type of expansion slot, which is usually PCI.




Installing a card is not difficult but does require opening up the computer and inserting the card, which may not be for everyone.

Summary
Setting up WiFi on a Desktop PC is easy to do with any of the above options.

The easiest way is to simply buy a wireless USB adapter with many units available in all shapes and sizes.

If you are a technical person installing an internal WiFi card is also a good option, and you can often see the best performance since there is no bottleneck from the USB.

Both internal and external WiFi cards work well, and most setups will have no problems with either.

Keep in mind some motherboards have WiFi built-in and don’t have the option turned on in setup.

This is not common, but depending on the motherboard, your computer may already have built-in WiFi.

Check the board’s documentation to see if it has this feature.

As always, be sure to read reviews on Amazon, here, or elsewhere to be sure a unit is a right pick for you.

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