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How to Connect Laptop to Wi-Fi Router? – Overview
Tethering your laptop to the internet with cables limits you to one position. The joy of having a laptop is working conveniently from your preferred location.
Your laptop needs a wireless connection to share printers and files with other computers, access the internet, and move around. Here is how to connect the laptop to a Wi-Fi router.
Connecting Laptop to Wi-Fi Router
Follow these steps to connect your laptop to a wireless router.
Step 1
Choose a wireless router that fits your internet speed requirements, coverage area, and budget.
Step 2
Follow your router’s manual instructions to configure it and activate its internet connection. Here is how to connect your router to the internet.
Connecting Router to the Internet
First, ensure your router has a connection to the internet. If you have a different modem, use an Ethernet cable to connect it (modem) to your router.
Many routers come with several Ethernet ports.
Use the port labeled WAN (Wide Area Network) or Internet. Often, this port has a different color from the other ports.
If your router comes with an inbuilt modem (gateway), you only need to ensure it is connected to the internet source.
The connection type will depend on the internet you are using. For instance, the internet flows through a coaxial cable in your office or house.
On the other hand, your modem should be connected to a filter before plugging it into a phone jack to facilitate a DSL (digital subscriber line) connection.
After setting up your wireless router, the wired connection will not be necessary. Still, you may want to leave it connected for the sake of your personal computer.
Step 3
Gather information from the router’s setup process. For wireless connection setup, you need the Wi-Fi password (often WPA2 or WPA3 encryption rather than the outdated WEP), SSID (network name), and possibly the network band (2.4 GHz or 5 GHz).
Step 4
Ensure your laptop’s Wi-Fi is enabled. Modern laptops have built-in Wi-Fi capabilities, so external Wi-Fi cards are generally not required.
Step 5
If your laptop requires drivers for built-in Wi-Fi or any external devices, they are typically installed automatically or can be downloaded from the manufacturer’s website.
Follow the installation process as displayed on the screen. Many discs often generate a new wizard that eases the installation process.
Step 6
Navigate to the network icon in the system tray (for Windows) or menu bar (for macOS), and click to open the list of available Wi-Fi networks.
Step 7
Click Properties
Step 8
In the Wi-Fi settings, ensure you view available networks to connect to.
Step 9
Check whether your Wi-Fi network appears in the Available Networks category. If it is missing, click Add available at the bottom part of the dialog.
Step 10
Click the configure option once your network’s SSID appears in the Available Networks.
Step 11
Enter the network’s Wi-Fi password (WPA2 or WPA3 encryption) and, if required, the SSID.
Step 12
Click on the Wi-Fi icon, select your network, and click ‘Connect’ to join the network.
How to Connect Laptop to Wi-Fi Router
Troubleshooting Common Wireless Connection Problems
Various issues can prevent your network from working efficiently. Often, you can solve the problem by ensuring the router or modem is plugged in correctly.
Restarting the laptop can also solve the problem. Here is a guide to help you figure out why you have trouble connecting to the Wi-Fi and how to solve them without paying a professional.
Identify the Network Problem First
Apart from the issues we mentioned above, check for the following:
- Is your laptop connected to the right Wi-Fi network or attempting to connect to a different network?
- Try accessing the internet through a different browser.
- Did you or someone else change the Wi-Fi password?
- Can your laptop access a Wi-Fi connection when you move it close to the router?
Troubleshoot Your Gadget’s Connectivity Problems
Often, your laptop could be responsible for the connectivity problem. Connectivity issues vary from network adapters to software malfunctions.
Troubleshooting your laptop could help solve the problem with minimal struggle.
How to Identify Problems with Your Laptop
If your laptop suddenly stops connecting to your Wi-Fi network, you may first want to restart it.
Restarting gadgets is a basic troubleshooting tactic that can solve your network connection problems.
Assess Your Network Adapter
Often, connection problems may arise if the network adapter in your laptop is disabled.
Troubleshoot Wireless Network Issues
Wi-Fi network problems may occur if a router channel is overcrowded or router settings are incompatible with your connection.
Here is how to fix your wireless network problems.
Unplug your router and give it some time to rest before plugging it back in.
Evaluate your Wi-Fi network configuration to ensure your settings are intact.
Reset your network settings if needed. On Windows, go to Settings > Network & Internet > Status > Network reset. On macOS, use the Wireless Diagnostics tool.
Finally
You do not need a professional to connect your laptop to a Wi-Fi router. Use this guide to configure your network and connect your laptop from the comfort of your home.
See Also