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Can I connect to WiFi without wireless adapter?

Most desktop computers come with a built-in Ethernet port for connecting to your local network and the internet via an Ethernet cable, but not all with Wi-Fi connectivity pre-installed. You can use a Wi-Fi adapter, of course, but you can also connect a desktop to Wi-Fi without an adapter.
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What to do if I don't have a wireless adapter?

  1. Fix 1: Show the hidden devices in Device Manager.
  2. Fix 2: Run the network troubleshooter.
  3. Fix 3: Update the driver for your wireless network adapter.
  4. Fix 4: Reset the Winsock settings.
  5. Fix 5: Replace your network interface controller card.
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Can you manually connect a device to WiFi?

General steps:

Find your device's wireless settings menu and select "Enable" or "On" to turn WiFi on. Select your network (SSID) from the list, then enter the network key/passphrase when prompted and select "Connect" or "Join."
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How do I connect my computer to WiFi?

Connect to a Wi-Fi network in Windows
  1. Select the Network, Sound, or Battery icons ( ) on the far right side of the taskbar to open quick settings. ...
  2. On the Wi-Fi quick setting, select Manage Wi-Fi connections .
  3. Choose the Wi-Fi network you want, then select Connect.
  4. Type the network password, and then select Next.
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Why won't my PC connect to the Wi-Fi?

Select the Start button > Settings > Network & Internet > Status. Under Change your network settings, select Network troubleshooter. Follow the steps in the troubleshooter, and see if that fixes the problem.
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WIFI Adaptor Not Showing in Device Manager Windows 10/ 11/ 7 [Fixed Easily!]

Why do I need a wireless adapter?

A WiFi adapter allows your wired device to pick up WiFi signals. So if you have a desktop computer, you can connect it to a network wirelessly. A WiFi adapter can also serve as a hardware upgrade to your laptop, strengthening its wireless reception or updating it to the latest WiFi generation.
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Can you use an USB as a wireless adapter?

A USB WiFi adapter overrides the computer's built-in wireless functionality, giving you a faster, more reliable connection to your available network signals through the USB port instead. Since most computers have at least one USB port, you'll typically be able to use it on both laptops and desktops.
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Does a wireless adapter matter?

Yes, the type of WiFi adapter does matter, especially for gaming, but you don't necessarily need to go for the most expensive option.
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What is the difference between wireless adapter and router?

Well, a wireless adaptor is allows a computer to get on a wireless network. A wireless router is a router with wireless capabilities - in addition to being, well, wireless, it also handles routing, DHCP and other things. SOME wireless adaptors have 'AP mode' which allows them to act as an access point or router.
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Do you need both WiFi adapters?

To answer your query: Yes, you can use two wireless adaptor on the same computer, one to access internet and other to connect a wireless device. However, you might have to download some third party software, which may help you to connect to multiple hosts.
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What is the difference between a wired and wireless adapter?

Even though, the purpose of both adapter types is similar, they are different in the makeup and the way they transfer data. Wired network adapter requires cable to transfer data between computers, whereas wireless adapter do not necessarily need a cable.
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How can I use my iPhone as a WIFI adapter?

Connect iPad, iPod touch, or another iPhone to your Personal Hotspot. On the other device, go to Settings > Wi-Fi, then choose your iPhone from the list of available networks. If asked for a password on the other device, enter the password shown in Settings > Personal Hotspot on your iPhone.
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Should I buy Wi-Fi adapter for laptop?

Purchasing a WiFi adapter will be of no use to you unless your internal adapter for some reason breaks. Your internal adapter will be quicker and more reliable, and since you said it already supports the 802.11n standard, you already have the latest and greatest - no need to buy an adapter for that reason, either.
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How do I use a wireless adapter instead of a built in Wi-Fi?

What to Know
  1. Open Settings: Network & Internet > Change Adapter Settings, select your Wi-Fi adapter > click Enable this network device.
  2. You can also right-click the Windows 10 Wi-Fi adapter name and select Enable.
  3. Repeat these steps and select Disable this network device or Disable to turn off your Wi-Fi adapter.
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How can I tether my iPhone to my computer without Wi-Fi adapter?

Setting it up
  1. Go to your iPhone's on-screen Settings.
  2. Look for Personal Hotspot; or General, followed by Network, and finally Personal Hotspot.
  3. Tap on Personal Hotspot and then slide the switch to On.
  4. Then connect the iPhone to your laptop or tablet using a USB cable or Bluetooth.
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Can I use my phone as a Wi-Fi connector?

You can use your phone's mobile data to connect another phone, tablet, or computer to the internet. Sharing a connection this way is called tethering or using a hotspot. Some phones can share Wi-Fi connection by tethering. Most Android phones can share mobile data by Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or USB.
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Should I use Ethernet or Wi-Fi adapter?

Ethernet gives you better speed, lower latency, and a more reliable connection. Wi-Fi is more convenient for mobile devices, but is prone to interference.
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Can I use an Ethernet cable instead of Wi-Fi?

The strength of a wireless signal depends on how close your device is to your router, but you can use anything from a 75 foot Ethernet cable to a 328 foot Ethernet cable to ensure you're always connected and experiencing the same quality of speed throughout your home.
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What are 3 types of wireless adapters?

There are a six types of wireless network adapters:
  • PCI.
  • PCMCIA.
  • MINI PCI.
  • USB Wireless.
  • Ethernet Port.
  • Home Network Kits.
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How do I know if I need a new Wi-Fi adapter?

If you notice any of the five following signs, your computer's Wi-Fi adapter may need replacing.
  • #1) Not Showing Available Networks. One telltale sign of a bad Wi-Fi adapter is failure to show available networks. ...
  • #2) Dropped Connections. ...
  • #3) Slow Speeds. ...
  • #4) Not Lighting Up. ...
  • #5) Pop-Up Error Messages.
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How do I know which Wi-Fi adapter I need?

If you know what router you're going to be using, you should pair the two together. If your router is 802.11ac, you need your USB adapter to be 802.11ac. If you're shopping for them both together, you should look for 802.11n or 802.11ac.
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How do I know if my Wi-Fi adapter is connected?

On the Device Manager window, click Network adapters then look for the name of your wireless adapter. To check its status, right-click your computer's network adapter then select Properties. Once the adapter is enabled, there would be a This device is working properly notification if the adapter is working properly.
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Can I use my router as a Wi-Fi adapter?

Basically, the only thing you need to turn your router into a wireless adapter is to integrate firmware software. However, most official firmware is not compatible with this feature, so you'll have to download and install some decent third-party software that allows for this feature.
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