Desktop WiFi cardsmostly come in one of two forms –USB or PCIe. USB WiFi adapters are extremely straightforward; simplyplug them into a USB portand you’re good.
PCIe wireless adapters go into the PCIe slotson your motherboard (typically thePCIe x1slot at the bottom). Installing these takes a bit more effort.
After physically installing the WiFi card, you’ll need toinstall the driversbefore you may start using it. I’ll guide you through this entire process in this article.
Picking a WiFi Card
This section is for those who haven’t purchased a WiFi card yet. You’ll find three total types of wireless adapters in the market –USB, PCIe, and M.2.
USB wireless adaptersare the most common these days. They’re portable, easy to use, and work on all desktops and laptops.
M.2 modulesare mostly purchased for use on laptops. These have keying notches in theEandApositions.
PCIe cardsare just M.2 modules installed on a PCIe adapter. This is done to make them compatible with most desktop motherboards.
When picking a WiFi card, you must think aboutcompatibilityandperformance. The key things to keep in mind are:
Install the WiFi Card
Install WiFi Driver
If you have an existing internet connection (like Ethernet), Windows may detect the new WiFi card and automatically install drivers for it.
Otherwise, you’ll need tomanually install the drivers. To do this,
If required, use another device with internet access for this. Or,share your phone’s connection through tethering. Once you install the drivers, your WiFi card should be functional.
Installing a M.2 WiFi Card on Desktops
Ifyour boardhas an M.2 slot withEandAkeying notches, all you need to do is slide the module into the slot. Remember to do this while the system is powered off.
Butmost desktop motherboards don’t have such a slot. Instead, they have M.2 slots withMandBkeying notches (for SSDs). In such cases, you’ll need an appropriate M.2 adapter.
Finally, it’s also possible to replace the module on motherboards with built-in WiFi support. To do this,
Note:After physically installing the module, install the appropriate drivers with steps from theInstall WiFi Driversection.
Installing a USB WiFi Adapter
Using a USB WiFi cardis as simple as it gets. Connect it to a USB port. Then, follow the steps from theInstall WiFi Driversection above. Once that’s done, your PC should have WiFi.
How to Replace a Laptop’s WiFi Card
Some laptops have WiFi cards directly soldered to the motherboard. In such cases, you’re out of luck.
But if the WiFi module is a removable one, you may follow these steps to replace it:
