How to set up wifi on a lenovo windows 7 laptop. How to set up WIFI on a laptop? The correct method

Question wi-Fi settings on Windows 7 usually interested in those who have never provided such a connection on their laptop or stationary computer. It is on the “pioneers” that this article is focused. In it we will tell you in detail (step by step) how to set up access to Wi-Fi network, we will provide explanatory images (screenshots) and this procedure will become clear to the vast majority of users who decide to get rid of one more wire going to their computer or laptop.

The first thing we need is this. IN modern laptops it is already built in by the manufacturer, but desktop computers usually use an external adapter (PCI, PCI-E or USB options). There are, of course, motherboards, the manufacturer of which has already built wireless network card in their products (for example, in boards for HTPC), but such cases are quite rare and we will consider a situation when there is a need to install an external adapter. If you are the owner of a laptop or your computer is already equipped with a Wi-Fi card, then skip the installation and configuration procedures for the hardware itself and proceed to the network setup stage.

Choosing a Wi-Fi adapter will reveal a huge selection of models from each of the manufacturers, among which the most famous are D-Link, Asus, Zyxel, TP-Link, Trendnet, ... In principle, for "normal home" use - surfing, watching online movies or broadcasts, downloading files, ... any of the adapters on the market will do, with the only proviso that it must support standardwhere works access pointto which you plan to connect. Today their choice is limited to the options "802.11a", "802.11b", "802.11g", "802.11n", "802.11ac". In the price lists of stores and on price tags, the designation of the form "802.11a / b / g / n / ac" is usually used, which means that this product allows you to connect to networks of all five standards listed above.

The choice between USB and PCI / PCI-E options is purely individual and depends on whether your computer has a free slot for installing a wireless network card, and whether you plan to use the purchased adapter on multiple computers. Let's say right away that the quality of reception / transmission, performance and other characteristics that are important for ordinary use do not depend on the version of the Wi-Fi adapter (USB or internal), but vary more from model to model. An advantageous quality of USB-performance is the ability to connect the "whistle" not directly to the port, but via a USB cable, which allows you to place the adapter in the place where more stable reception... Since the range of available devices is constantly being updated: “old” stable models go into oblivion, “new” ones take their places, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with the assortment in your city immediately before buying, read a few reviews on the Internet about specific models and buy the most proven one. adapter.

If you want specifics, then we have chosen 2 models from the well-proven adapters: TP-LINK "WN721N" (USB, 802.11b / g / n, 150Mbps) and D-Link "DWA-160" (USB, 802.11a / b / g / n, 300Mbps). Their cost today is about 260 rubles. and 570 rubles. respectively. Although the product from D-Link has the ability to connect to an access point at a speed 300Mbps (versus 150Mbps for TP-LINK), but when using it to access the Internet, this feature does not give any advantages (of course, if the connection speed to InterNet is no more than 150 megabits). We actively use 2 copies of both the first and the second adapters: both behave remarkably. The advantages of the second include both the ability to use a Wi-Fi adapter as an access point, and a more pleasant appearance (subjectively). Both options were tested via a 5m USB cable (to find a place with a more stable connection) - they work!

After physical connecting the Wi-Fi adapter to the computer it is necessary to install the drivers supplied on a CD or DVD. If possible, of course, it is better to download the most latest drivers from the wireless device manufacturer's website. Their installation usually takes place without any problems, you just should not make a mistake when specifying your operating system and its bitness (32 or 64 bit). Supplied with drivers utilities usually useless and implement all the same functions as standard tools Windows 7 (after all, it is under her control that we want to connect to a Wi-Fi network).

The last step remains - actually network configuration... All that came before is the choice, purchase, installation and configuration adapterrather than networks. To configure the network you need from the menu " Start"Go to" Control Panel". In it, select the item " Network & Internet - View network status and tasks"(View of the control panel -" category ") or item" Network and Sharing Center"(Control panel view -" small / large icons ").

In the left part of the window that appears, select the item " Change adapter settings»- a list of active network adapters will be displayed. Right-click to go to " Properties"Your Wi-Fi adapter and adjust the parameters of the component" Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP / IPv4)". The values \u200b\u200bto be set depend on how the access point, since it is the "master" in the "AP" - "WiFi adapter" link.

In the case when the wireless access point to which you need to connect gives out the IP address and addresses of DNS servers automatically (DHCP is enabled in its settings), then you need to put the switches in the position " Obtain an IP address automatically"And" Obtain DNS server address automatically". Otherwise (DHCP is not active on the access point), you need to specify all the parameters of this window: IP address, Subnet mask, Default gateway, Preferred and Alternative DNS server. In most cases, the AP still automatically assigns these parameters, but if this is not your case, then try the "classic" version: IP ¬– 192.162.0.83 (83 - can be anything in the range 0 ... 255), subnet mask – 255.255.255.0, main gate - IP access point. DNS server addresses depend on the provider that provides you with Internet access.

With the TCP / IPv4 configuration figured out. Next, you need to find in system tray (bottom right of the clock) icon network connections, click on it with the left mouse button. Your eyes will open list of available wireless networks... Click all the same LMB (left mouse button) on the access point to which you are connecting, select " Connect automatically"(If desired) and press the button" Connection". If access to the network is limited by a password, then in the next window you will need to enter security key and press OK... Networks that are not password protected are marked with an exclamation mark in the list of available connections (these networks are public, and you do not need to enter a password to connect to them).

After a successful connection, the network connections icon will turn white... If it flaunts exclamation mark - this means that access to the network has been obtained, but there is no access to the Internet: usually the reason for this lies in the settings of the AP, not your "client" WI-Fi adapter. The absence of an exclamation mark indicates that the automatic check for the presence internet access completed with a positive result and you can use the global network at your pleasure.

Wireless is more popular than ever. And this is not surprising, because it is incredibly convenient: you can use the Internet without being tied to, say, a cable. The main condition with which the use of a wireless network becomes possible is the availability of Wi-Fi coverage.

Customization

So, to begin with, I will note that there is a main computer and other computers on the network. In the first case, your PC acts as a conductor of the wireless network, and in the second, other computers use the main one in order to connect to Wi-Fi. There are also programs that make it easy to create an access point, for example, you can read how. To configure the windows 7 wireless network of the host computer, you must: turn on the wireless module, then go to "Start" and then to "Computer". Next, you should select "Properties", where, on the left side, there is an active line "Additional system parameters".

There you will see the Computer Name tab, where you should enter the name of your network (this could be, for example, your name). If you also want to change the name of the computer and the name of the workgroup, then click the "Change" button under the description, click on it and rename everything to your liking. If you don't need to do this, then after filling in the "Description" line, just click "OK".

Please note that in the tray, near the clock, there is an icon that indicates the network, click on it.

A window with current connections will appear in front of you, and at the very bottom there is an active line "Network and Sharing Center".

After going through it, on the left side, you will see a category with wireless networks management, and click the "Add" button.

To manually add a network, select the "Create a computer-to-computer network" and "Next" section.

You will see a window with a short instruction about this network, you will need to set an arbitrary network name, a password you have invented, it is also a security key, and a security type, namely WP2-Personal. Finally, turn on Internet Connection Sharing.

Wireless Security

Information on your computer should be protected from unauthorized access to it by unauthorized users, because the network signal can go far beyond your apartment or office. To do this, choose a username and password not by default, as the system suggests, but come up with your own personal one. The same applies to the network security key, it must be original so that no one can pick the right one. In addition, to increase the level of protection, it is recommended to use a firewall - a program that helps protect the system from viruses and other negative programs that negatively affect the computer.

Greetings, dear readers.

It is already rare to find laptops in use that do not have the ability to connect to the network via wireless communication. In most cases, it is enough to simply indicate the required connection in the system, and everything is registered independently. But sometimes, for various reasons, this does not happen. Therefore, today I want to share how to set up WiFi on a Windows 7 laptop, as well as the main points related to this issue.

In most cases, a plastic disk is supplied with the computer, which contains all the necessary programs, including drivers. The latter are installed simply - insert the portable memory into the appropriate slot, the application autorun will appear on the monitor, in which you need to set the full location of all the necessary software.

But sometimes such a disk may not exist - you should not be upset. Go to the official website of the developers, be it Samsung or Asus, and download the packages you need. This can be done through another device.

If the device came to you without drivers, it is better to carry out manual installation in a certain order. So, first you need to install the motherboard, and only after that everything else, including the module for the wireless network. To update the components, you must restart your computer.

Inclusion( )

After reinstalling all the necessary software, it is worth starting the Wi-Fi adapter. This is done right on the laptop keyboard. To do this, press the button on which the antenna and the waves emanating from it are drawn. Often, to start, it works only in combination with the " FN».

After that, the system will automatically start searching for available networks and display a list of found ones. We select the required line and “ Connect". We specify the password and that's it. Now you can use the network without any problems.

Step-by-step instruction( )

Often, when several computers with different versions of operating systems are connected to each other, it is necessary to manually set some settings.

Everything should start working right away.

If suddenly for some reason the situation does not change, it is worth returning the tick “ Receiving in automatic mode».

Sharing the Internet from a laptop( )

There are several ways to create a full-fledged access point from an ordinary computer without a router. But we will only consider the simplest one - using third-party software. Let's turn to.

To distribute the Internet, you just need to install the application, launch it and enter a few simple settings. Everyone can figure it out.

However, it is worth noting that for proper operation, the device must be connected via a cable. After all, the program is not able to simultaneously receive a signal and immediately send it.

It is worth noting that there is also a way to do this using the command line, but it is long and not entirely convenient. So we will not consider it.

Signal problems( )

Some users may encounter a situation where the device cannot find the signal. First, it is worth testing the system on other hardware. It can be a tablet, smartphone, or even a laptop. If the situation is exactly the same, you need to contact the access point. Perhaps it is located in a place that does not allow waves to pass through well.

An important factor is the other electrical elements that are in the distribution area. And this does not depend on the provider, be it Rostelecom or Byfly.

Often, the settings of the device itself may also be set incorrectly for receiving the Internet from the provider. Suitable ones are found directly with the service provider or in the corresponding documentation that comes with the equipment.

Many providers even provide a video that explains everything in detail.

I hope this article will help you fully enjoy using the Internet.

Today it is difficult to imagine a modern apartment, or even more so an office, not equipped with the appropriate set of office equipment: computers, laptops, tablets, mobile phones. And where all these devices are available, there should naturally be the Internet. He firmly entered our life, occupying one of the most prominent places there. On the Internet, we study, work, have fun, relax, communicate. Therefore, the comfortable provision of access to the World Wide Web for yourself and your loved ones is a problem that sooner or later each person has to solve. Fortunately, now we have a reliable assistant that allows us to carry out the most effective and simple solution to this issue without special additional intellectual and financial costs. This is, of course, about Wi-Fi technology.

But in order to use the "air" Internet, you need to know where to find and how to enable Wi-Fi on your computer. We have tried to explain the answers to these questions in the current article.

What is Wi-Fi?

Wireless internet technology has become a part of our daily routine. We habitually identify Wi-Fi with convenient, reliable and fast Internet access, which we encounter at home, at work, in public places - at airports, cafes, shopping centers.

Answer the question "what is Wi-Fi?" the simplest way is: it is a network protocol, with the participation of which communication is carried out between an "access point" and a "client", or an "access point" and several "clients", exchange of packet data in a local network or through the World Wide Web.

Currently, the abbreviation Wi-Fi does not mean anything and is not officially deciphered in any way, however, when creating this protocol, the developers "gave it a name" by analogy with Hi-Fi (High Fidelity). It stood for "Wireless Fidelity" - wireless accuracy.

Benefits of using

Of course, the "air" Internet is not an ideal technology. Several examples can be given at once of what difficulties may arise when using it. One of the most widely known is the so-called “noisy” connection. Many household appliances (e.g. microwave ovens) emit in the range used by this protocol, alternative connection devices (e.g. Bluetooth) work. Walls and floors can also create interference. All this negatively affects the speed and quality of access.

At the same time, there are no less positive aspects from using it in home and office conditions. Here are just some of the most obvious ones:

1. Low cost wireless networking and multiple access points that provide consistent coverage across the entire territory. At the same time, there are no cables, extension cords and adapters that constantly get confused and clutter up the space. "Air" connection is indispensable in premises of historical value, as well as in premises with obstructing architectural features;


2. This protocol provides full access to the Internet for any device - be it a mobile phone, tablet, laptop or desktop computer - without being tied to a specific location. Access to the global information space through this protocol is the ability to comfortably use the Internet while lying on your favorite couch;


3. Weifai allows you to synchronously use a large number of active connections. Once you've established a wireless connection, you don't have to worry about how many computers and mobile devices are simultaneously accessing the Internet.

What are the types of Wi-Fi modules for a computer?

All popular devices are now equipped with adapters by default. They can be connected to the Internet out of the box, but what about those with a stationary computer? The answer to this question is obvious - you need to purchase an additional Wi-Fi receiver, install, connect and configure it.

We'll talk more about how to install Wi-Fi on a computer below. Now we propose to determine what receivers are, what is their difference, specificity and advantages.

Air adapters are of two types: external and internal. External ones are the most commonly used and easier to operate. An external receiver is like a miniature USB drive (flash drive). It connects to the USB connector on the front or back of the computer, either directly or via a USB cable.

The internal adapter is slightly larger and requires opening the computer case to install it. Therefore, only buy an internal receiver if you are confident you can figure out how to install it on your motherboard yourself. When installing the internal module, you must first disconnect the antenna from it, insert the board into the corresponding port on the motherboard (for this, the PCI interface is most often used) and return the antenna to its place.

Further manipulations to install and enable wireless adapters do not differ and do not depend on the modification and method of connection to the computer.

How do I install the drivers?

Any Wi-Fi receiver is equipped with a disc from the manufacturer, which contains the drivers necessary for the full operation of the device. In addition to drivers for a specific device, the disk may also contain drivers for other adapter models, so during installation you need to be careful not to miss the choice of the device for which the drivers are installed.

The rest of the driver installation procedure is standardized and provided with an intuitive interface with detailed prompts from the Found New Hardware Wizard. Just carefully read the messages that will appear on the screen, and click the corresponding buttons "Next", "OK" and "Finish".

Most adapters are automatically recognized by current computers and can work even without installing drivers from the bundled CD. It is enough to connect the device to the desired connector and wait a few seconds. As a rule, after that, a message will appear in the "tray" stating that new equipment has been found, identified and installed, which is already ready for use. However, generic drivers cannot completely replace specialized software. Therefore, we advise you not to neglect the installation of drivers, even if everything works flawlessly at first glance.

The CD with drivers for your model of Wi-Fi receiver may also contain a special utility from the developers, which is designed to facilitate the process of setting up Internet access. Moreover, this utility will allow you to further control your Internet connection, monitor the speed and volume of data transfer.

How to set up Wi-Fi in WIN XP?

For this guide, we will assume that your Home Access Point and Internet Dispenser are already configured.

So, in order to establish an "air" connection on a computer with Win XP OS, you need to do the following:

1. Open the "Start" menu;


2. Select "Network Neighborhood";


3. In the "Network Connections" window, find the "Wireless Network Connection" icon;


4. Right-click on the icon and click "Properties" in the list;


5. In the "General" tab, find the item "Internet Protocol TCP / IP";


6. Click the "Properties" button.

If it is critical for your provider to use specific ip and dns addresses, then in the window that opens, check the "Use the following ip address" radio button. If these parameters are configured in automatic mode, then do not touch anything.

When manually configuring ip, you need to fill in the following fields:

• IP address: 192.168.0.2 (You should check this parameter with your ISP, the value may be different);

• Subnet mask: 255.255.255.0;

• Enter the address of your router or modem in the line "Main gateway", usually it is 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1. But in order to avoid mistakes it is better to check the documentation of your device;

• Click to activate the "Use the following DNS server addresses" radio button and fill in both the primary and secondary DNS server fields. Information about the DNS servers used by the provider can be found on the official website of the telecommunications company or by calling technical support;

• Without closing this window, select the "Wireless Networks" tab on the top and check the "Use windows to configure the network" checkbox in it. Then press the button "Wireless networks". Here you will see a list of all available connections. Select the connection that is configured on your dispenser and click the "Connect" button. Now, in order to connect to the Internet, it remains to enter the username and password you know.

How to set up WiFi in WIN7?

There are two ways to set up an "air" connection in Win7 OS: in automatic mode and manually. The second option can be useful if the network to which you plan to connect is hidden from the general list for security reasons, but you know the name and password to connect your computer to it. Let's consider both methods step by step.

Installing Wi-Fi in Win7 OS in automatic mode

When the operating system is loaded, you can see the Wireless Network Connection icon in the lower right corner of the screen. Click on it. This will open a list of air connections available to you. you need to choose from the list the one that is configured in your modem or router.

Installing Wi-Fi in Win7 OS in manual mode

To configure the connection manually, select "Network" in the system tray, then "Network and Sharing Center". Click "Setting up a new connection or network". At the next stage, we mark the parameter "Connect the wireless connection manually" and click the "Next" button.

In the next dialog, fill in all the appropriate fields: specify the network name, encryption type and security level. In most cases, the default settings can be left unchanged - use AES and WPA2. In the "Security Key" field, enter the password for the connection. For more security, check the box "Hide characters" so that the password cannot be read because of your shoulder.

The final touch - if you plan to use this connection as the main one in the future, then check the box "Start this connection automatically". Then click the "OK" button.

Installing the device in Windows 8

To connect wirelessly in Win8, do the following:

1. Click on the Wi-Fi icon in the system tree on the taskbar or call Settings Charm through the Charms Bar (similar to pressing the win + I combination). The Wi-Fi panel will appear on the right side of the screen;

1. you will see the entire list of wireless networks available for connection. Select the one that is configured for you and click the "Connect" button;

1. The next step is to check the conditions for connecting to the network. The system will check the requirements of the selected network and offer to enter the required data;

1. After checking the network requirements, the system will prompt you for a password. Enter the security key you know and click "Next";

1. If the password is entered correctly, you will see the message "Connection complete", which means that the Internet connection is established.

How do I turn off the device?

To turn off Wi-Fi or edit the previously entered data, select the wireless networks icon in the tray (relevant for Win7 and Win8) and select the one that you configured earlier in the drop-down list of all available connections. To disable, use the Disable button, and to edit - right-click and click Properties. In the "Connection" and "Security" tabs, you can either disconnect the device or make changes to the password, encryption type or security level.

For Win XP, you need to do the following:

1. Start menu;


2. Network Neighborhood icon;


3. "Wireless connection";


4. In the list that opens, select the established connection and click the "Disconnect" button.

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 enabling 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:

1. independently through the downloaded installer;
2. through standard Windows functions;
3. through specialized software.

The first method is the most reliable option, since it excludes any “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, while regularly updating it, so the software can be used to update the software of any laptop hardware.

Required actions and settings in the operating system

The activation of the wireless adapter can be carried out 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 previously given instructions is minimal:

The ISP often issues a static IP. In such situations, you must set the parameters according to the requirements of your 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.