How to Install Wireless Internet to a Laptop

If your PC laptop computer does not come with a wireless network adapter, then you must install an external one in order to connect to wireless networks. Companies like Linksys make ultra-portable wireless adapters that require just a single USB port on your laptop and are easy to set up and install. In order to install a wireless network adapter, you need to be an administrator on your laptop.

Things You'll Need

• PC laptop running Windows XP or later
• Wireless USB adapter

Instructions

1. Log on to your laptop with an administrator account.

2. Install any software that came with your wireless network adapter. Some adapters require that you run an installation CD before plugging in your adapter, while others do not.

3. Connect your wireless network adapter to a free USB port on your laptop. Windows will recognize the new device and set it up to work with your system.

4. Open the Start menu and click the "Control Panel" icon.

5. Double-click the "Network Connections" control panel icon. A new window will open detailing all of the network adapters currently installed on your computer.

6. Right-click the wireless adapter that you just installed and choose the "Enable" option. The wireless adapter will now turn on and begin searching for nearby wireless networks to connect to.

References

• Installing a Wireless Network Adapter