It is more convenient to use the Internet on a laptop through a wireless access point. Before connecting, you need to learn how to set up a Wi-Fi adapter on a laptop. We will tell you about the methods of turning on and configuring the device in the most popular versions of Windows. How to update drivers will be discussed.
How to find out if a Wi-Fi module is installed on a laptop
Almost every mobile gadget is equipped with a Wi-Fi module, but you should definitely check for it. Be sure to check the technical manual for your laptop first. In the characteristics opposite the "Wireless" column there should be lines Wi-Fi or IEEE 802.11. Their presence indicates that the required component is installed in the laptop.
An alternative option is to check the presence of a component in the list of devices. To do this, go to the properties of the computer and click the "Task Manager" link. In the window that opens, among all the "hardware", open the "Network adapters" tab, and then find the line with the previously described words or the inscription Wireless (Wi-Fi).
If not
The best option is to upgrade your laptop. Most likely, you have a very “ancient” model with low performance and a missing wireless module. When funds do not allow you to buy new equipment, order a USB module. It looks like a flash drive, while serving as an external Wi-Fi module. There are hundreds of models on the market with different characteristics. Driver installation is required for operation.
How to turn on the Wi-Fi adapter
To be used on laptops and standalone computers wireless Internet , you should activate the Wi-Fi module, and then connect to the required network. There are several hardware and software methods for enabling Wi-Fi, which will be discussed in detail below.
Switch on the case
For the convenience of users, many manufacturers have removed the switch with a separate button on the body of the gadget. It can be located on the front panel (on the Esc side or near the Num keys).
We also recommend inspecting the side panels on both sides for a switch. It has a diverging antenna icon. Often light indicators are located on the case, informing about the health of specific components.
In the presence of such a switch and the correct operation of the component itself, of course, all switching on is reduced to one simple action.
Keyboard shortcuts
Another way is to activate the module with a keyboard shortcut. On laptops, additional settings are made on the function buttons F1-F12. Also on the keyboard you can find a key with the letters Fn. With its help, additional functions are enabled (including Wi-Fi). You need to hold down Fn and click the button with the brand icon (on different models they will be F2, F3 or F12). The action will activate the indicator (if any) and the connection icon will appear in the start panel on the right side.
Alternative options
If the previous manipulations do not work, the problem is in the drivers or operating system settings. A rare exception is marriage. In extreme cases, after all attempts at resuscitation, contact the service center, especially if the laptop is under warranty service. Also, make sure the Wi-Fi hotspot is okay. The problem may lie in the incorrect operation of the Wi-Fi router (you need to reconfigure or update the firmware). Try connecting a mobile phone or tablet to it for testing.
Installing or updating drivers
The failure of the wifi is often associated with the driver. The latter is specialized software that ensures the correct operation of a physical device in the shell of the operating system. There are three main ways to install a new driver:
- independently through the downloaded installer;
- through standard Windows functions;
- through specialized software.
The first method is the most reliable option, since it excludes “outside” interference. The laptop owner should go to the manufacturer's website and then find the software download category. Further in the search, write the full name of your model and OS version. Be sure to find out the bitness (32 or 64 bits). A list of all drivers will be published under your request. Download the file for the Wireless network adapter.
The second method involves downloading the required driver through Microsoft databases. In the device manager, right-click on the Wi-Fi adapter and select "Update drivers". Please note that the updater does not always find the latest version.
The latter method is extremely convenient, since the program takes over all the "dirty work" of search and installation. Driver Genius is an effective tool. Follow these steps to update the driver:
"Driver Jenius" has a huge database, and at the same time regularly replenishes it, so the software can be used to update the software of any laptop hardware.
Required actions and settings in the operating system
The wireless adapter can be activated by means of the OS. The user should enable it separately in the network settings. Next, we will tell you how to set up Wi-Fi on a laptop for the most common Windows systems.
Windows XP
Full configuration for Windows XP consists of the following steps:
Wi-Fi setup under Windows XP will be completed after performing the described steps.
Windows 7
The user should perform similar settings in the "seven". The difference from the previous instructions is minimal:
The ISP often issues a static IP. In such situations, it is necessary to set the parameters according to the requirements of the service provider. In other cases, automatic acquisition of parameters allows you to use Wi-Fi without any problems.
Windows 8/10
These OS versions have similar interfaces, so the procedure will be almost identical for them. You need to perform actions similar to those given earlier for other Windows systems:
Additionally, if you have problems with access, run the Diagnostic Center. The system may detect errors due to which you cannot connect to the Wi-Fi point.
What are modern laptops?
In the modern world, there is a rapid development and improvement
computer equipment, and if a few decades ago a laptop was a heavily cut-down portable version of a computer, today it is a full-fledged device, in terms of power and functionality not inferior to it. In addition to the obvious advantage - small dimensions - it has a lot of useful things: Bluetooth and WiFi-modules, built-in powerful video cards, floppy drives, the presence of USB ports - in general, it turned out to be a worthy alternative. Therefore, the number of laptop fans is growing all the time. In this article, we will take a tour of only a small part of the capabilities of modern laptop computers and analyze such an item as the initial setup of Wi-Fi on a laptop. If you follow these instructions, you can start using the Internet wirelessly in a few minutes.
How to set up WiFi on a laptop
Modern laptop models equipped with a WiFi radio module have (in front or on the side, depending on the brand and model) a lever for switching its state (on / off). Before configuring WiFi on a laptop, make sure that this function is enabled on your device (the panel should be lit
Indicator light). If this did not happen even after turning it on, press the Fn + F key combination (for some laptop models it may be different, and you will have to refer to the description). Thus, we forcibly launched the software responsible for the operation of the WiFi module. If it works correctly, a list of available connections should appear. You just need to select the desired network and connect to it (if there is a lock icon opposite its name, you will need to enter a password). In order not to enter an IP address every time you connect, you must set it to automatically receive. To do this, in the "Network and Sharing Center" section, we find the line "Connection Properties", then select "Internet Protocol TCP / IP", where we put a "tick" in front of the line "Receive IP automatically". That's all. We figured out how to configure WiFi on a laptop. Enjoy surfing the net!
How to use WiFi on a laptop
Daily use of the wireless network is not too difficult.
The hotspot settings are saved in the laptop, and the next time you log in, the connection is automatically established. But for this you will need to make a number of additional settings. In the lower right corner we find the wireless connection icon (usually this is an image of a computer with waves emanating from it or an antenna icon). It is necessary to "click" on it with the left mouse button. In the issued list, select "Connection Properties" and tick the "Connect to the network automatically" item. If you need to change the network, you can simply disconnect from the used one, and then establish a connection with another.
User wishes
Every happy owner of a laptop wants his iron friend to help solve complex mathematical or design problems, to serve as a source of entertainment. We hope that this article has provided answers to your questions regarding how to set up WiFi on a laptop, and your assistant will work even more efficiently.
Wi-Fi is a wireless data transmission technology. Wi-Fi is by far the most popular and most used internet connection. Access points are installed in shopping centers and cafes, thanks to which you can get free Internet on a wireless basis. But often it is necessary to create a similar network at home or in the office. Let's talk about how to set up WiFi on a laptop.
Installing drivers
Before setting up WiFi distribution on a laptop, you need to install the necessary drivers for the Wi-Fi adapter. To check their availability, you need:
- go to the "Start" menu -\u003e "Control Panel" -\u003e "Hardware and Sound" -\u003e "Device Manager".
- go to the "Network adapters" section. This section should contain two items: Wi-Fi and Ethernet. If the name of one of them contains the word "Wireless" (wireless local area network), then it is a Wi-Fi adapter. If there is no information about it, then there are no drivers. You need to install them from the disk that comes with your laptop.
- drivers can also be downloaded from the official website of the laptop manufacturer. When doing so, enter the model name and download the required computer program. Otherwise, Wi-Fi will not work without drivers.
- after installing the drivers, you need to restart the laptop.
How to set up Wi-Fi on a laptop
To set up Wi-Fi on a laptop, follow these steps:
- Go to the "Start" -\u003e "Control Panel" -\u003e "Network and Internet" -\u003e "Network Connections" -\u003e "Wireless Network Connection" and select "Enable".
- In the "Manage wireless adapters" menu, select the "Add" command and press the "Create a profile manually" button.
- Fill in the required information, including the name of the wireless network and password. This information must be accurate and match the parameters of the access point to which you want to connect your laptop.
- Specify the security type (WPA, WEP) and select the encryption code (TKIP, AES).
- Check the box next to "Connect automatically" and "Connect even if SSID is not broadcasting".
- We save all the parameters and close the settings menu.
- Go to the list of network connections and right-click on the wireless adapter icon and select "Connect".
- Select the access point to which you want to connect and click on the "Connect" button.
How to turn on Wi-Fi on a laptop
- In most modern models, the Wi-Fi module is already built in. You can find out more about how to set up a Wi-Fi connection on a laptop from our article:.
- Find the Wi-Fi logo on the function keys (F1-F12). To connect the Wi-Fi module, you must simultaneously press the Fn button and one of the function keys, which is designed to turn on Wi-Fi.
- To enable the wireless network on a laptop, you must use a special key combination. Let's take a look at the main keyboard shortcuts that are often used in laptops from different manufacturers:
- Asus - Fn + F2;
- Acer - Fn + F3;
- Lenovo - Fn + F5;
- LG - Fn + F6;
- Toshiba - Fn + F8;
- Samsung - Fn + F9 (F12);
- Dell - Fn + F12 (F2);
- HP - FN + F12.
- If you use the combination of these keys correctly, the indicator with the Wi-Fi image will light up on the laptop case. Thus, each model has its own special key combination. To find out the functionality of the F1-F12 keys, you need to look at the user manual. It comes with your laptop. If there is no Fn button on the laptop panel, then there is a switch or a separate button to turn on Wi-Fi.
- The operating system usually detects available Wi-Fi networks by itself, provides information about them and prompts you to connect. Select a network from the list provided and use the installation wizard to go through several steps to connect a wireless network.
- The wireless network can be protected with a special code. When connecting, you will often be prompted for the SSID (unique name for your wireless network). If you do not know the code, then you will not get access to the network. Try to connect to other networks that may be public. You can also purchase a billable network access card with the SSID.
Now you know how to set up WiFi through a laptop, and you can use wireless communication.
Often, users who have purchased a laptop or netbook face difficulties when enabling and configuring wifi. The procedure itself is quite simple, but in some cases there are various snags and unforeseen difficulties, and sometimes you need to configure the router before proceeding to connect the wi-fi to the laptop. In this article, we will consider both standard connection and options for solving such problems.
How to turn on WiFi on a laptop
Usually, to turn on wifi, it is enough to perform 2-3 simple operations. Which one depends on the model and manufacturer of the laptop. Here are the options for enabling the wifi network on the beeches of the most popular manufacturers:
- On an ASUS laptop, you need to press a combination of FN and F2 buttons.
- On Acer and Packard bell, hold the FN button and press F3 in parallel.
- On HP notebooks, wi-fi is activated by a touch button with a symbolic antenna image, and on some models by a combination of FN and F12 keys. There are also such models on which a regular button with an antenna pattern is provided for this purpose.
- To enable wi-fi on Lenovo, hold FN and press F5. There are models that have a special connection switch for wireless networks.
- On laptops from Samsung, to turn on wi-fi, you need to hold down the FN button and press either F9 or F12, depending on the model.
To connect wi-fi on laptops of various models and different manufacturers, its own original key combination can be used. A detailed description for a specific model can be found in the article How to enable WiFi on a laptop hardware, or look in the user manual that came with the laptop. The FN button is found on almost all models of modern laptops. With its help, various functions are connected and the beech is connected with other devices. If the laptop does not have an FN button, then a special button or switch is used to turn on the wireless network. As a rule, it is indicated by one of these figures.
If not found on the keyboard, examine the ends of the laptop, perhaps the switch is on the side. Also, take a close look at the underside of your laptop. There are models with a switch located on the bottom cover. Moreover, manufacturers make this button barely noticeable. It practically merges with the body, and you may not see it at first glance. It can be signed by Wireles or Wlan. Turn on wifi with the right button or combination, but it doesn't work? You should set up Wi-Fi on your laptop.
An example of a hidden WiFi switch
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Attention: It should be said that such switches can be found in the most unexpected places, even on the back of a laptop. So if your WiFi doesn't work, take a close look at your laptop for the switch.
How to set up WiFi on Windows 10
And so let's figure out how to configure WiFi in the Windows 10 operating system. By following simple steps, you can easily do this, you just need to repeat exactly the instructions below. If they don't help, you can always ask for advice in the comments.
Connecting to WiFi on a laptop
Let's immediately look at how we can connect to a wifi network if everything is in order with the laptop settings. We do simple actions, the first thing we need to do is in the lower right corner of the screen on taskbar find the icon in the form of network divisions (Wi-Fi antennas). Don't forget that this icon may be hidden behind the up arrow. Click on it and the fields with available WiFi networks will pop up. And click on the connect button.
After that, if the network has protection, you will need to enter a password.
If the password is entered correctly, then you will see a window asking if you want your computer to be displayed on the network. I will not go into details, but if you connect to your home Wi-Fi network, then click on the button YES.
After these simple steps, you will successfully connect to the WiFi network.
Check if your WiFi adapter is enabled on the laptop
Now let's take a look at one of the most common connection problems. So you moved your look to the lower right corner to find an icon in the form of network divisions (Wi-Fi antennas) there. But it was not there instead there is an icon in the form of a monitor on which there is a red cross. This means that your Wi-Fi adapter is disabled and you need to reconnect it. To do this, click on the icon in the form of a monitor with the right mouse button, and in the pop-up menu, select the item Network and Sharing Center.In the window that opens, click on the item in the left menu Changing adapter parameters.
Then a window will open Network connections... In it if you enter the icon Wireless network,and under this inscription it is written Disabled.Then you just need to enable it for this, right-click on it and select the item Enable... And make a connection.
If, when opening the window Network connections,nothing type icons Wireless networkdid not find it may mean that your wi-fi adapter is disabled by hardware. You need to click the WiFi power button on the laptop case, as I described above.
Check if the WiFi driver is enabled and is working properly
Now let's consider the option that we checked our laptop and are 100% sure that the hardware WiFi adapter of the laptop is connected. And icons Wireless networkno, or everything is there, but there is nothing where the available wifi networks should appear, or you see that something strange is happening with the wifi adapter. Most likely there is a problem with the laptop wifi adapter drivers. You will need to go to Device Manager and check what is happening with your wifi drivers.
Click anywhere (empty) on the lower taskbar with the right mouse button, and select Options in the drop-down menu.
On the page that opens, at the very bottom, select device Manager.
Now in the window that opens, expand the tab Network adapters, the driver for the WiFi adapter should be displayed there, usually there is an inscription “Wireless” in its name.
So what could be wrong with your wifi adapter drivers? First of all, pay attention to the icon next to the name of your adapter, if there are any extraneous icons like "Exclamation mark" or "Circle with a dot" on it. This means that the driver is installed but does not work correctly; to fix the problem, you need to update or reinstall the driver. Also if in tabs Network adapters, there is no driver in which the words "Wireless" are present, which means that the driver for your adapter is not installed. If so then in the general list device Managerthere will be an inscription “ Unknown device". It will look something like this:
The solution to this problem will also be to install new drivers. If there is no inscription “ Unknown device"And there is no driver in which the words" Wireless". This may mean that your wifi adapter is disabled, out of order, or simply missing.
How to set up WiFi on a Windows 7 laptop
Before configuring, you need to check the availability and connection of drivers. Driver check Checking the driver is to find out if they exist at all on your device and whether it is currently being used. So in Control panels select item device Managerwhich may be hiding inside the item Hardware and Sound.
A window opens in which we find Network adapters... There should be two items: Ethernet and Wi-Fi. One of them should have the word "Wireless" in its name. This is your adapter.
If there is no entry about the wi-fi adapter, or there is an icon with an exclamation mark on a yellow background in front of it, this means that you have a problem with the drivers. If there is no entry, then the drivers are not installed and you have to install them from the disk that came with the laptop. Or find it on the manufacturer's website. Without them, wi-fi will not work. If there is a record, but opposite it there is a yellow exclamation mark, right-click on this item. In the window that appears, select "Engage". The reason for the difficulties in connection may lie in the fact that the power saving mode is set in the adapter. To disable it, right-click on it, then Properties - Power Management, now you need to uncheck the box "Allow this device to be turned off to save energy".
Now the driver is fine. Turning on the adapterwi— fi . For this through Control Panel → Network and Internet go to Network connections... Here we find Wireless network connection... This is the wi-fi adapter. Open the dialog with the right mouse button and select "Enable". Access point connection. It remains to connect the laptop to the access point. Make sure the access point is active. Look for the wi-fi icon in the lower right corner of the screen on the taskbar. When you click, a window for managing networks will open, select the desired network, click "Connect".
If the network is protected by a password, the system will ask you to enter it (if you forgot the password for your network, you can find it out). Only after entering the required password will you be able to use the Internet. If the network is open, it will connect automatically. That's all. Enabling and configuring Wifi on a laptop completed... If you once set up wi-fi, then you don't need to do this anymore, since they will be automatically saved in the laptop's memory. You will only need to enable it with the corresponding button or keyboard shortcut. Remember that connecting wirelessly is draining a lot of power from your device, so the battery will be used up quite intensively. Enjoyable and easy connections without adventures!
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The advantage of wireless Wi-Fi Internet is that by installing a router at home, you no longer have to buy separate SIM cards and pay for multiple connections for all your family iPhones and iPads. Savings, however.
So how to connect and configure Wi-Fi on a laptop? First, you need to make sure your computer is wireless capable. The fact that the front panel of the device seems to have indicators and buttons for turning on Wi-Fi does not yet guarantee that this unit is installed inside the case. If the unit is already installed, there will be a corresponding holographic sticker on the back cover indicating the manufacturer and version of the module.
Some models have the ability to install the unit, but are sold without it in the kit. If you are the owner of just such a device and you want to have a wireless connection, you need to take the computer to a service center so that this module can be installed and configured there. If you are familiar with the technology, you can purchase a suitable module yourself and insert it into the device. Savings again. If you save on everything in this way, you will soon become a millionaire, and you will no longer need to save. A kind of philosophical paradox. Unity of struggle and opposites. What are we talking about? Oh yeah, back to setting up Wi-Fi.
If, after installing and connecting the module, the wireless network is still not detected, it is likely that you need to update or reinstall the network card drivers. You can download the drivers either from the installation disc or from the official website of the manufacturer of your network card.
Wi-Fi module activation
Press a button or key combination to turn on the module. For different models from different manufacturers, the inclusion of Wi-Fi will be different - look in the instruction manual. For example, there may be a switch on the case, as shown in the picture:
No such switch? Then take a closer look at the function keys. If on one of the keys at the very top of the keyboard, next to the letter F, there is also the Wi-Fi logo - this is the desired button for starting the wireless network. The module is switched on on laptops by a combination of the F (c number) keys and the Fn key. This button looks something like this:
Access point connection
Move your gaze towards the system tray. There should be a Connecting to a wireless network icon. If there is an icon, the computer is detecting a wireless network. Already good. Since your access point will be the closest one, the adapter will detect it first, and then signals from neighboring routers will appear.
Only you cannot consume the Internet from them - you do not have access passwords. Alternatively, go to a neighbor's house with a bottle, have a heart-to-heart, talk about politics. At the same time, find out how he connects Wi-Fi, somewhere there will be written a password.
ATTENTION! If this is your first time setting up the Internet on a laptop and you have not even configured a router yet, then first you need to connect and configure it. For these actions, we have prepared a separate detailed one. After following the steps in that article, come back here and continue with the steps.
So, on the laptop screen, a list of available wireless networks appeared in front of you. Take a closer look. If there is at least one point in the list, next to which there is no lock - this is a free network for connection, and you can receive traffic from it without any monthly fee. If all points are locked, then find the one that is distributed by your router. When setting up the router, you entered the name of the network.
Click on your network access point. The authorization interface will open. In the specified form, you need to insert the password (key) of your connection.
Nowadays, many cafes, in order to attract visitors, arrange a free access point. If there are cafes within a radius of no more than 50 meters from your computer, try going there and finding out. Order a cup of coffee and at the same time ask the waitress for the password and login from Wi-Fi. As you can see, the cafe in your entrance is not only loud music until midnight, but also free internet.
After you have entered and confirmed the password for accessing your point, another icon should appear in the system tray and the process of connecting to the wireless Internet will begin. When the connection is made, an indicator of the network signal will appear in the system tray. That's it, Wi-Fi on your laptop is successfully connected. Try to open a website in your browser, for example, Yandex.
If you have configured everything, but the sites do not open
- Go to the Computer Control Panel.
- Open Network Connections.
- In the list of connections, find your Wi-Fi and open the Properties interface.
- In the new window, select TCP / IP protocol among the connection components.
The task is to set up automatic detection of the IP address of the wireless Internet so that there are no problems with each new connection. After selecting the protocol, click on Properties again. A new settings window will open. Select and check the Obtain an IP address automatically and Obtain DNS server address automatically checkboxes. Click OK to confirm the settings.
On other versions of Windows, the configuration scheme may be slightly different, the point is to set the automatic parameters for determining IP and DNS.
In some cases, the provider supplies the network with a fixed, rather than floating, IP address. In this case, you should have obtained credentials to manually set the IP address and DNS. Enter this information in the same wireless setup interface. Only now there is no need to set automatic detection of Internet addresses.
