In recent years, the motherboards on the market for desktops have built-in WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity.
However, it is still pretty typical for a plethora of desktop computers not to have wireless capability.
Many are inquiring about how to make a desktop computer wireless and what components are required.
To address these queries, let’s check out what you should know before we discuss the steps.
Why Make Your PC WiFi Ready?
Desktop computers are not usually intended for wireless access, but WiFi is arguably mandatory for modems now more than ever.
Many people are reluctant to make their desktops wireless because, at a glance, it doesn’t make sense.
PCs are stationary. Its components are too much of a hassle to move from one place to another without exerting effort.
In most setups, PCs are placed somewhere near the modem or router.
So, there is little to no incentive to have your computer have a wireless connection if it is just a few feet away from the source of your internet connection.
Another reason is that wired connection is far more consistent and reliable than WiFi.
If you’re playing games, whether on your laptop, console, or desktop, you’re more likely to experience less interference and latency if you’re connected via an ethernet cable.
Considering these reasons, you may ask, “Why bother?” All things considered, it is a sound argument.
However, if your place has challenges when it comes to installing network cables, going wireless is an agreeable decision.
If you’re renting a place and you have not much flexibility when it comes to space, having a WiFi connection for your PC will solve that issue.
Making your computer WiFi ready is also beneficial if you’re moving to a new place.
There’s a chance that your ISP may be late in installing your internet connection.
You can access nearby sources by having wireless connectivity while waiting for your connection to be established.
As of this time, when it comes to stability and speed, there’s no way WiFi could beat wired but equipping your computer with wireless capability couldn’t hurt.
How To Make a Desktop Computer Wireless
As mentioned above, desktop computers are not usually intended to have wireless access to the internet.
Considering some scenarios, you would be better off if your machine is WiFi-ready.
Fortunately, making this possible doesn’t require purchasing a new computer or using a bulky or expensive accessory.
USB or External WiFi Adapter
The simplest method to upgrade your desktop computer to have wireless connectivity is to purchase a USB WiFi adapter.
This type of accessory is available everywhere, whether in physical stores and online, and you don’t need the knowledge of a network specialist to install it properly.
Before you buy the wireless adapter, double-check the maximum transfer rate of your router.
Avoid those adapters that do not match the speed of the router you’re connecting your PC to.
Regarding data transmission, you should buy one that has a USB 3.0 interface and supports dual-band.
These two qualities are important because data transfer speed could be hampered if the adapter doesn’t feature any or both.
After you get your preferred USB WiFi adapter, simply plug it into an empty USB port, preferably at the back.
Placing it at the back instead of the front severely lessens accidental nudges and unintentional removal.
USB components do not require any software to be functional.
In the event that it doesn’t work, you may have to use the installation disc included with the WiFi adapter package.
If an installation disc is not available for some reason, you have to search for the driver manually.
To search, first, determine the manufacturer and model number of your USB WiFi adapter.
Once you have it, use another computer to search and download the driver.
Transfer the downloaded driver installer to a flash drive, then open the file on the PC you intend to install the wireless connection.
After the installation is complete and the device is recognized, it’s time for you to enter the SSID and password that you usually use for your router to connect to the internet.
With the easy installation and simple setup, USB WiFi adapters are the preferred method by many.
Still, you have to expect that at certain times, the overall speed might be inconsistent.
You’ll likely not experience the maximum speed your internet plan could offer when using a USB WiFi adapter.
If you want to get a superior connection, you’ll have to consider the next option.
PCI-e Wireless Adapter
As the name suggests, a PCI-e Wireless or WiFi Adapter is intended to be inserted into the PCI-e port.
If you have experience building PCs or at least familiar with computer components, it should be simple to locate it on your motherboard once you open the case.
Even if you’re not used to opening your case, it shouldn’t be an issue because most CPU cases today do not require additional tools in removing the cover.
It’s relatively common for some to be skeptical about installing internal components due to the lack of experience.
Despite this potential issue, you should strongly consider the PCI-e wireless adapter.
That’s because it will provide you the network consistency that the external WiFi adapter couldn’t match.
Regarding the device itself, it usually comes with two antennas that are effective in improving the WiFi signal reception.
Back to where you should insert it, there should be a lengthy PCI-e slot on your motherboard reserved for your video card.
Below that graphic card slot, you’ll find two shorter variations of it and choose which one you’ll slide the wireless adapter into.
Once you have selected the slot, remove the metal plate adjacent to it with the help of a screwdriver.
After you firmly inserted the adapter, screw it to secure its position further.
Drivers for the PCI-e wireless adapter should be installed once you reboot the PC.
If it is not recognized, you may have to check if you adequately inserted the device, or you are required to download the driver manually.
Final Thoughts
Regarding how to make a desktop computer wireless, feel free to use which one of these options fits your networking requirements.
In the unfortunate event that both methods fail in giving you WiFi connectivity, maybe it’s time for you to consider getting a new PC or notebook.