Many people confuse the WiFi adapter with the WiFi router. However, they are not the same. Your WiFi router directs the traffic to your devices from the Internet. On the contrary, the WiFi adapter enables your devices to connect to the network and receive internet data.
So, to connect your computer to your WiFi connection, your PC must own a wireless network adapter. But how to enable WiFi adapter? For that matter, read our article and learn the proper way to do it; thus, let’s get started!
How to Enable WiFi Adapter
To enable the WiFi adapter, you must open the “Settings” section on your computer. Secondly, open the “Network and Internet” section. Next, tap on the “Change Adapter Settings” option. From there, select your WiFi adapter and tap on the “Enable This Network Device” button.
After you have pressed the button, you must wait a couple of seconds for the WiFi adapter to be activated. Moreover, some Windows Internet settings allow the adapter to connect automatically to any acknowledged and closed internet connection.
In some cases, the enabling option may not be available. However, there is nothing to be worried about. This means that your WiFi adapter is already enabled. Therefore, the wireless problem you are experiencing is caused by another thing.
So, now that you know how to enable the WiFi adapter, continue reading and learn more about how to disable it. In addition, you can discover more about the different types of adapters and how to pick the best one for your computer.
Disable your WiFi adapter
To disable the WiFi adapter, you must visit the “Settings” section on your Windows. There you will be required to click on the “Network and Internet” section. As you tap on it, you will see the same option labeled “Change Adapter Settings”.
Like the enabling process, you must click and select your WiFi adapter. Lastly, you will see the “Disable This Network Device” button. Now all you have to do is tap on it, and your wireless network adapter will be deactivated.
Read more: What Is a WiFi Dongle?
The Purpose of a WiFi Adapter
The WiFi adapter is a device that connects your computer to a wireless connection. So, it is a necessary tool if you want to access the Internet through a desktop. That’s why most laptops and computers already have an installed wireless network adapter in their system.
Moreover, the WiFi adapter represents a communication bridge between your computer and the local area network. First, the adapter receives all the signals sent from the computer. Then, it transforms them into radio waves. Next, they are sent to the WiFi routers and the network.
Furthermore, some laptops and computers don’t have an installed WiFi adapter. In that case, manufacturers offer electronic cards to the users. These cards connect to the memory card of the computer. Another alternative to this is Ethernet adapters, which resemble a USB stick.
Variety of WiFi adapters
There are six types of wireless network adapters. The list includes PCI, PCMCIA, MINI PCI, USB Wireless, Ethernet Port, and Home Network Kits. Each of the adapters comes with different designs.
The PCI adapter refers to the Peripheral Component Interconnect, and it’s considered the most used type of adapter. This is because it is the easiest connector for attaching add-on controller cards to the computer’s motherboard.
The PCMCIA is short for Personal Computer Memory Card Interface Adapter. It is very small and convenient. Since it has the size of a credit card, it is perfect for small laptops. The MINI PCI is the small version of the PCI.
Next, the USB Wireless is an adapter plugged into the USB portal. This enables the wireless connection between your computer and an external WiFi device. The Home Network Kits refers to a package of two adapters. They are designed to improve your home network.
Furthermore, Ethernet Port is an electronic card. Additionally, it is plugged into a slot of the motherboard. This is how the adapter gives your computer access to an Ethernet network. However, this type of adapter was mainly used in the past.
Read more: How to Control Devices Connected to Your WiFi
How to Pick the Best WiFi Adapter
If your computer or laptop doesn’t have a built-in WiFi adapter, then you must choose the best adapter by yourself. Therefore, you must consider several factors when purchasing a wireless network adapter.
Firstly, you must consider the wireless protocols. The key is to match the wireless network adapter to your WiFi router. They must be able to transmit the same protocols. For instance, if you own an 802.11 router, you must choose an 802.11 WiFi adapter.
Besides the wireless protocols, pay attention to the wireless frequency. Typically, the market offers 2.4GHz or 5GHz. If your home has more walls, we recommend you go for the first option.
Also, take into account the quality of the adapter. Low-quality adapters don’t always mean bad performance. However, they usually last only for a month. You must invest in a high-quality adapter that will serve you for years.
Lastly, consider what WiFi adapter size you would like. Moreover, some of the adapters come with a large design. However, some are usually small, like the USB Wireless. The size shouldn’t be your final deciding factor, but consider it from a practical aspect.
Conclusion
Well, this is the end, and we hope you have learned how to enable WiFi adapter; overall, it is a simple process, as you saw above. All you have to do is open the “Network and Internet” section on your Windows. From there, you can easily enable and disable your wireless network adapter.
Also, if your computer doesn’t have a built-in WiFi adapter, you can always purchase one. Remember, before you go shopping, consider some of our mentioned factors.