In this article, we will take a closer look at the process of connecting a laptop or Windows 7 computer to the Internet via Wi-Fi. I think the article will be useful to many, since when you first connect to Wi-Fi, there are always a lot of questions. As a rule, they are associated with installing the necessary drivers, enabling wireless adapter on a laptop, etc. More on that later.
The laptop is a great thing. I do not really understand people who are now buying stationary computers. Except for serious games. Well, you must admit, with a laptop it is much more convenient. If you want to big screen, then you can connect it to a monitor or TV. It does not make noise, and if necessary, you can take it with you. And yet, all modern (and not so) laptops have a built-in Wi-Fi module. A receiver that allows you to connect your laptop to the Internet via wireless wifi networks. In the case of a desktop computer, you will need to buy .
All you need is to buy and install (if you don't already have it), it will distribute Wi-Fi to which you connect your laptop. You can connect your computer to free wifi networks in cafes, shops, etc. Or, to your neighbor's unsecured network š This is much more convenient than laying a network cable. If for ordinary desktop computer this is still normal, but for a laptop this is no longer the case. And itās not convenient to move around the house all the time with this wire.
Connecting a laptop to the Internet is not difficult, but provided that the driver for Wi-Fi is installed. Many people have a lot of problems because of the driver. If you simply did not install the driver on your Wi-Fi receiver, or you installed Windows yourself and did not install it, then you will not be able to connect to Wi-Fi. But, perhaps, you already have everything installed and configured, therefore, first we will consider the process normal connection to the wireless network. If you canāt learn from it, there wonāt be a wireless connection, etc., then read the article to the end, we will consider possible problems.
Connect laptop to Wi-Fi
Let's first consider the connection process without any settings and checks there. Why complicate things, maybe you already have everything set up. If everything is fine, your laptop sees the wireless network and is ready to connect, then the Internet connection icon on the notification bar will look like this:
Connection status that looks like network level with an asterisk (as in the picture above) says what the laptop sees available networks and ready to connect. Click on this icon, then select the Wi-Fi network to which we need to connect and click the button Connection. In Windows 10, the Wi-Fi connection process is slightly different. If it is needed, detailed instructions.
If the network is password protected, a window will appear in which you need to specify the password and confirm the connection by clicking the button Ok.
That's it, your laptop should connect to the Wi-Fi network. The connection status will be like this:
You can use the internet.
If you see connection status, it looks like this:
This means that most likely everything is configured on your laptop, but the laptop simply does not see networks available for connection. Perhaps there is simply no coverage in this place. If you are connecting to your network, then check if the router is turned on. If enabled, then .
This is how the connection will go when you have the driver installed on the Wi-Fi adapter and the adapter itself is turned on. But very often the adapter on the laptop is turned off, or no one installed the driver on it at all. In such cases, many questions arise. Now we will analyze in detail both cases, due to which you may have problems connecting your laptop to a wireless network.
Enable "Wireless Network Connection" on the laptop
If your wireless connection is disabled, or the driver for Wi-Fi is not installed, then the connection status will look like this:
This means that it is not possible to connect to the Internet via Wi-Fi, and there is no connection via network cable. As I wrote above, this happens due to the adapter being turned off, or due to the lack of a driver. Let's first check if you have disabled "Wireless network connection". Of course, this is unlikely, unless you turned it off yourself, but you need to check.
Click on the internet connection icon, and select Network and Control Center public access .
Then choose Change adapter settings.
Look at the adapter "Wireless Network Connection", if it is disabled, then right-click on it and select Turn on.
After that, the connection status should appear "Yes available connections" (if there is a Wi-Fi network in the radius).
We turn on wireless connections with the buttons on the laptop
It seems to me that now manufacturers do not install separate buttons to turn on WiFi adapter. But, if you are having problems connecting to Wi-Fi, then charmingly check if there is a special button to disable / enable wireless connections on your laptop. I know for sure that Toshiba liked to make such switches.
Now, on laptops, a keyboard shortcut is used to disable / enable the wireless network. As a rule, at different manufacturers, the keys are different. But usually this Fn+F2. So on Asus laptops. You can see for yourself, there should be a network icon on the key that is pressed in tandem with Fn. Approximately like this:
True, my combination of these buttons is responsible for turning off Bluetooth. Wi-Fi does not seem to respond at all. But, yours may be different. It's definitely worth checking out.
If there is no "Wireless Network Connection" adapter at all in the adapter management window, but there is Wi-Fi on your computer / laptop for sure, then this means that Wi-Fi adapter driver not installed.
Now we will check everything and try to solve this problem.
Check and install the driver on Wi-Fi
I have not yet seen a case that would after Windows installation 7, the system itself installed the driver on the Wi-Fi adapter. In Windows 8, this is much better. Windows 10 often installs the necessary drivers itself. So, after installing Windows, in order to use Wi-Fi, you need to install the driver specifically for your laptop or adapter (very often, adapters from different manufacturers are installed in one laptop model. It is because of this that you can see several Wi-Fi drivers on the manufacturer's website).
We go to the device manager.
Open the tab in Device Manager Network adapters , and looking for a driver for Wi-Fi. I have it called Atheros AR9485WB-EG Wireless Network Adapter, it is installed. You must also have something like Wireless Network Adapter.
If you do not have a wireless connection, then most likely you will not find an adapter either. You need to install the driver, then Wi-Fi will work. And yet, if the driver for the Wireless Network Adapter is not installed, then in the device manager there will be at least one unknown device with yellow exclamation mark. It looks something like this:
This is most likely the same Wireless adapter that the laptop does not know how to work with.
Driver installation
All you have to do is download correct driver and install it. It is best to download the driver from the official website of your laptop / adapter manufacturer, and for your laptop (or adapter) model. Best of all, use Google to find the official website of your laptop, for example Asus, then use the site search on the site, indicating the model of your laptop. Most likely, your computer page will be found, open it and find utility and driver downloads there. Find the driver for Wireless and download it for the operating system you need.
Most likely, the driver will be in the archive. To install, run the .exe file from the archive. For example, the archive with the driver for my laptop:
After installing the driver, restart the laptop and try connecting to the wireless network, following the instructions. I wrote in more detail about installing the driver in an article about.
If some points from the article remained incomprehensible to you, or you still couldnāt connect your computer to Wi-Fi, then write about it in the comments, we will try to solve your problem.
I will describe all the ways I know to turn on a Wi-Fi network on a laptop (after all, everything that can be turned off and on can be turned on ?!) I will start with simpler and more common methods, then I will move on to more complicated ways that the units will need.
So, if you see taskbar icon turned off Wi-Fi (or do not see the icon at all), then this article is for you.
Enable Wi-Fi using the slider / button on the laptop case.
On many laptop models, to turn on Wi-Fi, you need to use the slider or a separate button to turn on Wi-Fi. Often this switch is located on the front end of the laptop.
The switch looks different, but has one function - turning the wireless network on and off.
To turn on Wi-Fi, simply move the slider to the On position.
How to turn on Wi-Fi using a keyboard shortcut.
If your laptop does not have sliders or separate Wi-Fi enable buttons, take a closer look at the keyboard, you can find the Wi-Fi icon on one of the function keys (F1-F12) on it.
It may be located on different buttons, it all depends on the manufacturer and model of the laptop.
In order to turn on Wi-Fi, you must press this key or use a keyboard shortcut
Consider the key combinations that are most commonly used in laptops from different manufacturers:
- Acer. We press the keys:
+ . - Asus. Combination
+ . - HP. Click here
+ . - Lenovo. Required buttons:
+ . - Samsung. Or
+ , or + . - Dell keyboard shortcut
+ or +
How to turn on Wi-Fi in Windows settings.
If these procedures did not help and you are still wondering How to turn on Wi-Fi on a laptop? you need to check if the wireless network connection is enabled in Windows settings. To do this, you need to get into the Network and Sharing Center. One way is to right click on network icon in the lower right corner of the screen and select "Network and Sharing Center".
Another way to use hotkeys
It does not matter which of the methods you used, the result will be the same - a window will appear on the monitor Network connections. Next, you need to find wireless connection right-click on it and select "Enable" (if the Enable option is not available, then the Wi-Fi network is enabled).
Enable Wi-Fi through Windows Device Manager.
If your Wi-Fi adapter is still not enabled, you need to check if it is enabled in the task manager. To do this, click the "Start" button, right-click "Computer" and select "Manage". Select Device Manager from the left menu.
Or press the keyboard shortcut
If the adapter icon is marked with a down arrow, then it is disabled, in order to enable it, right-click on it and select "Enable".
Update drivers for Wi-Fi.
Another reason for Wi-Fi not working may be - an inappropriate driver or its absence. In order to install the required driver, go to the laptop manufacturer's website, find your model (it will be difficult to do this on some sites, you can write the laptop model in the comments, I will try to help you) and download the driver for network card Wi-Fi for your operating system. After that, it will be enough to install the drivers, after rebooting laptop wifi should earn.
It doesn't matter which way you turned on the wireless network, in the end you should see the Wi-Fi icon in the taskbar. When you click on it, you will see available for WiFi connections networks.
Probably, it is not necessary to say that every modern user of computer systems, when buying a laptop, tries to use all its capabilities to the maximum. Among them, one of the most important places is occupied by the convenience of working on the Internet using the wireless module. WiFi connections. It would seem that it could be easier to turn on the wireless network access mode? For some, the question of how to enable Wi-Fi on a laptop is quite difficult. And that's why.
General principles for enabling Wi-Fi on laptops
Unfortunately, there is no single rule that provides a solution to the problem of how to enable WiFi on a laptop. The only thing that can be said for sure is the problem associated with the presence of a receiving (transmitting) device in the portable computer itself.
Not all users know how to determine it, believing that the presence of a network card and its installed driver is already the key to successfully enabling access to wireless connection with a virtual network. It is clear that when buying a laptop, you should immediately check the presence of such a module in the most "iron" configuration. Any specialist will tell you if there is such a module on board. In extreme cases, you can pay attention to the markings applied to main panel right and left of the touchpad. As a rule, there is a special icon in the form of an antenna with a signal, as well as an indicator that signals that an available Wi-Fi network is in this moment connected.
Old laptop models
With regard to outdated laptop models, we can say that if there is simply no Wi-Fi module as such, you can not even try to connect to a private virtual network with a specific access point. Such a configuration simply cannot determine it.
On the other hand, some older models have a special switch on the body, which is responsible for turning on the Wi-Fi module. However, this configuration is a thing of the past. In principle, all manufacturers of modern laptop models replace such switches using key combinations such as Fn + F (...).
This is the most common combination of so-called "hot" keys. True, in different models modern laptops, it can be different.
Modern systems and hotspot detection
Speaking of modern computer systems, the question of how to enable WiFi on a laptop comes down to only two things. The first one is automatic detection virtual network access points (VLANs). The second is to enter a password if the network is secure.
In some cases, you may need to configure access in manual mode. This is especially true for operating systems. Linux type or Mac OS X, which by the nature of their protection and depending on the version, may simply not enable virtual network access automatically.
In general, this is correct, however, these systems are the most secure. For them, not only are viruses not created, they simply do not work in them. With Windows operating systems, the situation is different. On the one hand, they are able to detect available networks and access points automatically. On the other hand, they are the least secure even if the antivirus, firewall or any other function of blocking the penetration of unwanted and spyware, viruses, etc. In this sense, even the firewall itself, configured to the maximum level of security, can block connections to Wi-Fi hotspots. wireless networks(VLAN). In this case, you will either have to disable it or reduce the security level, as well as change the security settings in any Internet browser used in the system by default.
Now you can go directly to how to enable Wi-Fi on a laptop from different manufacturers. Each of them offers its own combination or combination of "hot" keys. Describing further actions regarding how to enable WiFi on a laptop, we will assume that the access point to the wireless network is detected automatically, and you only need to enter the password for accessing the virtual network.
MSI Notebooks
How to enable WiFi on MSI laptop? To do this, the user, regardless of the operating system, will need to use the Fn + F10 key combination.
DELL laptop. How to enable WiFi?
DELL laptops also have their own configuration system that allows you to make automatic search access point and connectivity to it. In this case, you must use the Fn + F2 keys, although in some models this combination may not be active. More on this later.
ASUS laptops
Now consider the question of how to enable WiFi on an ASUS laptop. As a rule, for this, in almost all models, you can use the Fn + F2 key combination. Among other things, you may need to enable the adapter itself in the "Control Panel" or in the BIOS.
Notebooks ACER
Problem with turning on Wi-Fi on ACER laptop, is also quite easy to solve. To do this, use the Fn + F3 keys. However, in some models, say the A-Series, this configuration can be changed.
Notebooks HP (Hewlett Packard)
Enabling WiFi on an HP laptop is as easy as on any other computer system of this type. The hot key combination Fn + F12 is used here. As they say, it's easy.
Notebooks SAMSUNG
Finally consider the problem of how to enable WIFi on Samsung laptop any modification. In this case, there are two solutions that directly depend on the model. The fact is that there are two options for enabling a connection to a wireless network: sharing Fn+F12 or Fn+F10 keys. It all depends on the laptop model.
If nothing helps. Standard Windows Tools
Unfortunately, not always keyboard shortcuts or buttons to enable access to Wi-Fi networks work. There can be quite a few reasons for this. Without going into technical details, let's focus on the most well-known ones.
First of all, you need to check if the device is present in the BIOS. It is enabled by default. If not, you need to enable it manually. Now important point is to check in Device Manager. It probably doesn't need to be explained how it is accessed.
Here you need to find the adapter itself. In most cases, it is labeled as Atheros ... Wireless, where "..." means the model number. With the right mouse button, you need to select the adapter itself and by pressing you need to activate the "Enable" line (if the adapter is turned off). Otherwise, if there is no such line, we can assume that the adapter itself is turned off.
In some cases, you may need to access the "View" menu, where you must specify the "Show hidden devices" command. It is quite possible that in some cases you will even need to update the device driver.
True, you should not deceive yourself. Herself operating system Windows in most cases just "swears", saying that the most suitable diver in the system is already installed. Here it is better to use the driver disk that comes with the laptop upon purchase.
Even if this does not help, you should pay attention to some tests of the hardware itself. To do this, you can find a lot of tools, both programmatically and in disassembling the laptop manually. You never know, maybe a train has gone somewhere.
It is worth noting another option. Sometimes you may even need to restart the Wi-Fi router itself. To do this, you just need to disconnect it from the mains for about 10 seconds. After that, access to wireless VLANs will be performed automatically.
To connect the Internet on a laptop via a wireless network, you need not only a WiFi module, but also a working access point. To do this, you will need to buy a router at home, and to access the Internet, sitting somewhere in a cafe, it will be enough to turn on Wi-Fi on your laptop and enter the password from desired network: installing an access point is the task of the owners of the establishment.
A WiFi module is installed in almost all modern laptops, and it's easy to check if your device has such a function. This will require:
- Open the "Control Panel";
- Launch "Device Manager" (you can use the search bar);
- Expand the "Network adapters" block.
An existing device with the word "Wireless" in the name means that your laptop supports wireless Internet.
Turning on Wi-Fi on a laptop using the keyboard
Most often, āwi-fiā can be turned on with hot keys, usually two, pressed at the same time. For different laptop manufacturers, their combination may vary, but the main Fn key, as a rule, is always there. The second key required to turn it on has a special WiFi icon, and is located on the keyboard in the F1-F12 functional row.
You can learn more about how to enable Wi-Fi on a laptop of a particular brand from the following table.
In devices of the past generation, Wi-Fi is turned on with a special slider on the laptop case, but the network icon remains the same.
How to turn on Wi-Fi on Windows 10
On laptops with the "ten" "wi-fi" can be enabled either in the system settings or using the notification area, and the second method is more convenient and faster:
1. On the taskbar, open system notifications.
2. Open the Network tab.
3. Turn on WiFi by clicking on the corresponding thumbnail.
To enable Wi-Fi on Windows 10 using the options menu, you must:
1. Open "Parameters" and select the "Network and Internet" block.
2. Click on the WiFi menu and turn on the wireless status slider.
After these steps, the laptop will start searching for all available wireless networks. If it is already in memory, the connection will occur automatically; if the access point for your device is new and protected (you will see a lock icon) - you need to select it and enter a password to connect to the Internet.
WiFi connection on Windows 7 and 8
For laptops in the past Windows versions the Wi-Fi software activation algorithm is different.
1. Go to "Control Panel" - "Network and Internet", or right-click on the computer icon in the notification panel next to the clock.
2. Select "Network and Sharing Center".
3. Click on the "Change adapter settings" menu.
4. Using right button mouse, turn on the wireless network.
When the āwi-fiā module starts working, you need to select an access point (the list will open by clicking on the WiFi icon in the notification area) and, entering the password if necessary, connect to it.
If the Internet through "wi-fi" does not turn on
If Internet access on the laptop after all of the above did not appear, connect the network cable to the computer directly, open the Device Manager through the Control Panel, select the Network adapters tab, find your Wifi module in the list and try updating drivers. After that, unplug your internet cable and restart your laptop.
If after that you still canāt turn on the Internet, there may be either problems on the providerās side, or incorrect router settings, or the Wi-Fi module is faulty. The cost of repairs in the service center ranges from 1000 to 2000 rubles, but you can get by with an external WiFi module - on Aliexpress, such devices cost about 150 rubles.
None of the owners of laptops is protected, for example, from a situation where water can spill on the keyboard. In this regard, the keyboard may either completely stop functioning, or some specific keys may not work as they should. At the same time, on laptops, many actions can be performed exclusively using a combination of hot keys, including connecting to a network with using Wi-Fi. To do this, use the Fn button on the keyboard and the button with the image of the antenna. If, for example, the Fn button does not work, then starting a Wi-Fi network is many times more complicated.
It is worth noting that the Fn button is controlled by the BIOS "a - the main software where you can change most of the computer's settings. It is worth noting that even modern laptops do not offer any special software for starting Wi-Fi, that is, somehow fix the urgent problem, even through the BIOS it will not work.Fortunately, there are several ways out of this situation, for example, using an additional software.
Is it possible to turn on Wi-Fi without hotkeys?
You can use the KeyRemapper program and use it to remap keys. For example, if the Fn button does not work, then it should be reassigned to another one and then turn on Wi-Fi. In addition, using the same program, you can reverse the replacement of keys and buttons, that is, swap them, etc. If one of the buttons to turn on does not work WiFi networks, then this method is the best and simplest way out of this situation.
There is another option - buying another keyboard that includes a function key. Of course, in this case, you will have to spend money on a keyboard, but itās still better to buy one than new laptop. The same way to solve the problem can be attributed to the appeal to a special service center, where the keyboard will be replaced with a new one, but this is also an additional cost.
In addition, the function keys can simply be disabled in the BIOS itself. Accordingly, to solve an urgent problem, you need to go there, change and save the settings.
Unfortunately, today there are no other ways to start Wi-Fi on laptops without using hotkeys, therefore, as mentioned above, best way out from the current situation - remapping the keys, and if the keyboard does not work at all, you will have to buy a new one or replace the old one.