A couple of decades ago, a small number of people knew about the existence of the Internet. Now the whole civilized world knows about him, moreover, everyone uses it. The first Internet connected users with a network of wires, which continues today. But technology does not stand still, and wireless data transmission has been developed . In this article, we will learn how to configure WiFi on a Windows laptop of any version.
Why configure and what is it?
If you are reading this article, it means you have an idea of how wireless networks work. However, some users do not quite understand why the technology of transmission over the "cloud" is used.
Wifi was first tested in 1998. It was a primitive technology that did not provide adequate protection, and the signal did not go beyond one small room.
At the moment, wireless technology is used in all homes, offices, schools and so on. It allows users to connect to one access point, while the wires remain in only one place. To do this, you need to know how to configure the distribution of WiFi. An ordinary user can handle this, in which we will help him.
The first action. Turn on the router
Before you start working with a wireless network and setting it up, you need to make sure the router is connected to a shared network connected by a wire system. To do this, go to the modem and follow the following algorithm:
- Look if the indicators are on, if not, they must be turned on.
- Usually on the back is a power button.
- Click on it once.
If the modem is working, the bulbs will start to light up in some color that the manufacturer has set (as a rule, this is green). If for some reason the indicators do not turn on, check the connection of the router to the outlet. Then turn on the device again.
The second action. Checking Wi-Fi on a laptop
As you know, a wireless signal receiver is built into the new laptop models. A similar device can be purchased for your computer, it is inexpensive. How to set up a Wi-Fi network? For each laptop it is individual.
For the Lenovo model, there is no function button that turns on Wi-Fi. As practice shows, the switch is located on the front of the laptop. ASUS scored a test on the Fn + F2 keys, and Acer - Fn + F3. The rest of the hot keys you can see on the website of the manufacturer of your device.
You can understand if the adapter is turned on by the glow of the indicator light. It is usually located on the left side of the laptop. But do not be discouraged if you do not have this. In the Windows 10 operating system, the inclusion of the adapter is checked through a panel where sound, language and other parameters are displayed.
"My adapter does not turn on, what should I do?"
If you asked such a question, do not worry, the problem most often is the lack of the necessary software or virus software. The Windows system is imperfect, and there are failures in it, which causes the network adapter to work incorrectly.
Follow these tips:
- Install antivirus software. For example, Doctor Web or Avast.
- Restart the laptop, for this go to the "Start" menu and select "Reboot".
- If all else fails, take the laptop to a service center.
But do not rush to give your device, perhaps the next step will help you.
The third action. Driver installation
They ensure the normal operation of all programs and the Windows operating system. And it’s quite obvious that without them we won’t be able to find out how to set up the Internet via WiFi.
They are downloaded on the manufacturer’s official website or automatically when the device is connected. It is highly recommended not to use programs that load the necessary drivers. Although convenient, they can harm your system.
To force the automatic installation of drivers, you must perform the following steps:
- Go to the Start menu.
- Click on "All Programs."
- And click on the "Command Line" item, be sure to run it as an administrator.
And write down (one after another) the commands:
- sc config Wlansvc start = auto;
- net start Wlansvc.
After that, your Wi-Fi adapter will recognize the access points and connect to them.
How to configure WiFi in a Tp-Link router?
This is one of the most popular brands of devices among users, so we will analyze the settings using its example. The manufacturer has achieved maximum optimization of price and quality. However, this is not enough for us, because the modem still needs to be configured, and the following describes how to do it:
- Connect the router to the electrical network.
- Install the cord into the WAN connector.
- Insert the wires into the appropriate connectors on the computer.
Then the setup comes into play:
- With a needle or other similar object, press the Reset key, which is located on the modem.
- Hold it for 10 seconds.
The router will restart and roll back to the default settings. Then type in any of the following addresses:
- "192.168.0.1",
- "192.168.1.1".
And follow this algorithm:
- In the "Username" column, type admin.
- Click on "Submit."
- A new window opens with the Wi-Fi interface. Before starting the rest of the steps, update the modem firmware version.
- Then enter the System Tool.
- Register in the system by writing admin in the first two paragraphs.
Direct setting
Now we will learn how to configure WiFi in the Tp-Link router, for this, read the instructions below:
- Click on Network.
- Click on WAN.
- Indicate the type of network, it is prescribed in the contract.
- Save the data.
- Click on MAC Clone.
- Click on Clone MAC Address.
- Click on Save.
Now let's deal with the distribution:
- Open the Wireless section and go to WirelessSettings.
- Fill in all the fields and create a name for your Wi-Fi.
- Click on Save.
- Next, enter Wireless (Wi-Fi) Security.
- Set the parameters as shown in the screenshot.
Then you should restart the modem, go to System Tools and then to Reboot, where click on Reboot. As soon as you click, you will be prompted to agree to a restart, click on "OK." After that, it is recommended to turn off and turn on your computer.
Setup for Windows 7, 8, and 10
The algorithm is almost the same, and it makes no sense to somehow differentiate the description. How to set up WiFi? Description below:
- Open the Start menu.
- Go to the "Control Center" tab.
- Then click on "Networks and the Internet."
- And go to the "Network and Sharing Center" item.
- Then click on "Change adapter settings".
- Click the "Wireless Connection Properties" tab and set the necessary parameters.
- Go back to step 4.
- Click on "Network Connection".
- Select an available connection and click "Connect."
This setting, as noted, varies slightly. However, the algorithm of most actions is similar, and there is no need to paint individual connection principles.
How to configure WiFi on the phone?
This is optional, the mobile device is connected directly to the existing network. And we only have to enter the Wi-Fi password or turn on the search to find a wireless connection.
Nothing complicated here, you previously set the password, use it. You only need to turn on the modem and configure it correctly, and for professionals in mobile technologies there is an instruction for connecting, which is presented below:
- Open the Settings menu.
- Go to Wi-Fi.
- From the list of networks, choose your own.
- Enter your password and click OK.
Now you know how to set up WiFi on your phone. And as you can see, this is nothing complicated. It is worth noting that a modern smartphone not only receives a signal, but also distributes it.
Windows XP Connection
Yes, yes, someone else remained on the old operating system, and they also want to know how to configure WiFi. And to do this is extremely simple, the algorithm of actions is similar to the setting in new versions.
- Launch the Start menu and go to the Control Panel.
- Select "Network Connections" and find "Wireless Connection".
- Right-click on it and open "Properties".
- In the "General" and in the "Components" column, click on "TCP / IPv4 Protocol" and select "Properties".
- Set the necessary parameters, they depend on your modem.
- Go to the "Wireless Networks".
- In the Available Networks tab, select Wireless Networks.
- Refresh the list.
- Set the desired network and click on "Connect".
No other action is required, now you are connected to the World Wide Web. If you password protected the network, you will need to enter the key and confirm the action. In general, upgrade your system to the newer Windows 10. In it, working with the settings of Wi-Fi is several times easier.