How Do I Hook My Xbox 360 to the Internet Without a Wireless Adapter?

You can connect to Xbox Live through a laptop.

Microsoft billed its Xbox 360 console as a video gamer's dream come true, allowing users to get online and download content as well as free games and movies. The adapter required to connect wirelessly to Xbox Live costs about $100, but there's a way around shelling out the extra cash.

Things You'll Need

• Wi-Fi enabled laptop
• Ethernet cable

Instructions

1. Ensure your computer has a wireless network card. It it doesn't, you can purchase one for roughly half the price of the Xbox wireless adapter.

2. Set your laptop near your Xbox 360.

3. Insert one end of the ethernet cable into your laptop, then insert the other end into the ethernet slot on the back of the Xbox 360.

4. Ensure you're logged on as the Administrator. Open "Control Panel," then double-click "Network Connections." Click "Advanced," then check the option labeled "Allow other network users to connect through this computer's Internet connection." Click "OK." You may need to restart your computer or the console to complete setup.

Tips & Warnings

• You can also connect an Xbox 360 directly to a modem or router with an ethernet cable. The console does not have to run through a wireless connection.

References

• Of Zen and Computing: Go Wireless with your Xbox 360