How to turn on Wi-Fi on a laptop. How to turn on wifi on a laptop How to turn on wifi on a laptop dns windows 8

Connecting to a wireless network is the most convenient way to access the Internet at a good speed without unnecessary wires. However, to take full advantage of a wireless connection, you first need to understand how to set up Wi-Fi on your laptop.

Turning on the adapter

Before you start creating a new connection, you need to check if the Wi-FI adapter is turned on.

The function key for turning on / off the adapter for each laptop model has its own. For example, on ASUS laptops the combination is Fn + F2, and the Acer uses Fn + F3. On some Lenovo models, the adapter status is controlled by a hardware switch on the front panel.

To determine which key you have, look at the F1-F12 row. One of the buttons should have an icon - an antenna that sends out a signal. Press this button in combination with the Fn key and verify that the Wi-Fi adapter indicator light changes from red to blue or green.

What if the Wi-Fi adapter won't turn on?

There are situations when, after pressing the function key, the adapter does not turn on. Typically, this problem occurs for one of the following reasons:

  • Incorrectly installed drivers.
  • Incorrect system operation.
  • Laptop virus infection.

Until you eliminate the cause, the question of how to set up wai wai in a laptop will not receive a positive resolution. More often than not, the problem is wrong installed drivers, but it will not be superfluous to check the system for viruses. If no malicious applications are found, reinstall the Wi-Fi module drivers and try turning it on again.

How to set up Wi-Fi on a laptop

Configuring on Windows XP

To configure, it is enough to correctly specify some parameters of the wireless connection:


If a password is set for the wireless connection, then you will need to specify the security key, after which the connection will be established.

Setting up on Windows 7

We figured out XP, now let's see how to set up a wireless network on a laptop with installed Windows 7. There are practically no fundamental differences:


On this wifi setting on a Windows 7 laptop is complete. When you connect, you enter the security key and get access to the Internet.

For Windows 8.1 or Windows 10, there is no difference in setting from the seventh version. The list of networks available for connection can be called directly from the notification panel - there is a special Wi-Fi icon in the tray.

Video setting up wifi on a laptop

Not every user knows how to turn on Wi-Fi on a laptop if any unforeseen problems arise. Novice users are lost when they fail to activate Wi-Fi using standard methods.

We will try to consider all possible ways turn on Wi-Fi and provide solutions to the most common problems that a laptop wireless network adapter may be exposed to.

The simplest method of activating a wireless network on a Windows laptop is to use the keyboard shortcut provided by the manufacturer.

Here are examples of these combinations for the most common laptop models (in most cases, it is the keyboard that is used, in rare cases - a special switch):

  • HP (HP Probook, Satellite, Pavilion, 4535s and others) - Fn + F12;
  • Acer (Acer Aspire and others) - Fn + F3, similarly for Packard Bell;
  • Asus - Fn + F2;
  • Lenovo (G580, G50, G500, G570 and others), including Ideapad - Fn + F5;
  • Samsung - Fn + F12 or F9;
  • Dell (Dell Inspiron and others) - Fn + F12 or F2;
  • MSI (MSI) - Fn + F10;
  • Toshiba - Fn + F8;
  • DNS - Fn + F2;
  • DEXP - Fn + F12;
  • Sony Vaio - using a mechanical switch.

This method will not always work, so let's move on to considering software methods.

Through the system tray

The second method to enable Wi-Fi is to manually activate the adapter through the system tray.

To use the option, just click on the network icon in the lower right corner of the system and click on the Wi-Fi icon. The wireless module turns on and automatically starts searching for available networks for connection.

It is quite possible that instead of the above window, the system will display another one with limited functionality, where the key with which you need to turn on Wi-Fi will simply be absent.

If, for some reason not clear to the user, such a window appears, then proceed to the next method.

In the control center

The previous method might not work for several reasons - for example, the wireless adapter was disabled in Windows settings 10 or Windows 7.

To fix this, you need to follow these instructions step by step:

  1. Press the Win + R key combination on the keyboard and in the Run window that opens, enter through command line the phrase "ncpa.cpl". We press on Enter or "OK".
  1. We are looking for the block "Wireless network connection". If it is grayed out and the status bar shows Disabled, then the wireless adapter has indeed been disabled by the system.
  1. To activate, right-click on the highlighted block and click on the "Enable" button.
  1. Successful activation will be accompanied by the activation of the adapter and the display of its name in the status bar.
  1. We return to the first method we considered - the button for activating the Wi-Fi should appear in its proper place.

Didn't this method help either? There is nothing wrong with that, just move on to the next method.

Enabling via Device Manager

This is very rare, but sometimes the network adapter can be disabled in the system device manager. This usually happens after some kind of failure has occurred that is beyond the control of the user.

It is extremely simple to determine whether the wireless network adapter is actually disabled through the device manager - go to the second method described in this article, open the "Run" window with the Win + R command, enter the appropriate request, click on "OK" and see a window in front of us network connections... If there is no wireless adapter at all in this window, then the problem really lies in the device manager.

If none of the above methods worked, then there is likely a problem with your wireless adapter drivers.

Updating Drivers

An outdated or missing driver can be the main reason why there is no access to Wi-Fi or the distribution via Wi-Fi Direct does not work. Installing or reinstalling a suitable driver will not take a lot of time - just go to the manufacturer's website, find the used laptop model and download the required driver from the list of those offered.

conclusions

Do not panic if it is impossible to turn on Wi-Fi on a laptop - you need to sequentially check everything possible reasons emergence a similar problem, starting from the most probable.

Video instruction

We have attached detailed instructions in video format. It clearly reflects the process of applying each of the above methods.

It is more convenient to use the Internet on a laptop through wireless point access. Before connecting, you need to learn how to set up a Wi-Fi adapter on a laptop. We will tell you about the methods of turning on and configuring the device in the most popular versions of Windows. Ways to update drivers will be discussed.

How to find out if a Wi-Fi module is installed on a laptop

Almost every mobile gadget is equipped with Wi-Fi module, but you should definitely check its availability. Be sure to check your laptop's technical manual first. In the characteristics opposite the "Wireless" column there should be lines Wi-Fi or IEEE 802.11. Their presence indicates that the required component is installed in the laptop.

An alternative option is to see the presence of a component in the list of devices. To do this, go to the computer properties and click the "Task Manager" link. In the window that opens, among all the hardware, open the tab Network adapters", And then find the line with the previously described words or the inscription Wireless (Wi-Fi).

If he is not

The best option is to upgrade your laptop. Most likely, you have a very "ancient" model with low performance and a missing module wireless... When funds do not allow you to buy new technique, order a USB module. It looks like a flash drive, while serving as an external Wi-Fi module. There are hundreds of models on the market with different characteristics... For work, it is necessary to install the driver.

How to turn on the Wi-Fi adapter

To be used on laptops and standalone computers wireless Internet , you should activate the Wi-Fi module, and then connect to the required network. There are several hardware and program methods enable Wi-Fi, which will be discussed in detail below.

Switch on the case

For the convenience of users, many manufacturers have removed the switch with a separate button on the body of the gadget. It can be located on the front panel (on the Esc side or near the Num keys).

We also recommend inspecting the side panels on both sides for the presence of a switch. It has a diverging antenna icon. Often light indicators are located on the body, informing about the health of specific components.

In the presence of such a switch and the correct operation of the component itself, of course, all switching on is reduced to one simple action.

Keyboard shortcuts

Another way is to activate the module with a keyboard shortcut. On laptops additional settings moved to the function buttons F1-F12. Also on the keyboard you can find a key with the letters Fn. With its help, additional functions are activated (including Wi-Fi). You need to hold down Fn and click the button with the brand icon (on different models they are F2, F3 or F12). The action will activate the indicator (if any) and the connection icon will appear in the start panel on the right side.

Alternative options

If the previous manipulations do not work, the problem is in the drivers or settings operating system... A rare exception is marriage. As a last resort, after all attempts at resuscitation, contact service center, especially if the laptop is under warranty service. Also make sure that with dot Wi-Fi access everything is fine. The problem may lie in incorrect work Wi-Fi router (needs reconfiguration or firmware update). Try to connect to it mobile phone or a tablet to check.

Installing or updating drivers

The inoperability of the wifi is often associated with the driver. The latter is specialized software that ensures the correct operation of a physical device in the shell of the operating system. There are three main ways to install a new driver:

  1. independently through the downloaded installer;
  2. through standard Windows functions;
  3. through specialized software.

The first method is the most reliable option, since it excludes “outside” interference. The laptop owner should go to the manufacturer's website and then find the category of software downloads. Further in the search, write the full name of your model and OS version. Be sure to find out the bitness (32 or 64 bits). A list of all drivers will be published under your request. Download the file for the Wireless network adapter.

The second method involves downloading the required driver through Microsoft databases. In the device manager, right-click on the Wi-Fi adapter and select "Update drivers". Please note that the updater does not always find the latest version.

The latter method is extremely convenient, since the program takes over all the "dirty work" of search and installation. Driver Genius is an effective tool. Follow the steps below to update the driver:


"Driver Jenius" has a huge database, and at the same time regularly replenishes it, so the software can be used to update the software of any "hardware" of a laptop.

Required actions and settings in the operating system

The activation of the wireless adapter can be carried out by means of the OS. The user should enable it separately in the network settings. Next, we will tell you how to set up Wi-Fi on a laptop for the most common Windows systems.

Windows XP

Full configuration for Windows XP consists of the following steps:


Wi-Fi setup under Windows XP will be completed after completing the described steps.

Windows 7

The user should perform similar settings in the "seven". The difference from the previous instructions is minimal:

The ISP often issues a static IP. In such situations, it is necessary to set the parameters according to the requirements of the service provider. In other cases, automatic acquisition of parameters allows you to use Wi-Fi without any problems.

Windows 8/10

These OS versions have similar interfaces, so the procedure will be almost identical for them. You need to follow the steps similar to those given earlier for other Windows systems:


Additionally, if you have problems with access, run the Diagnostic Center. The system may detect errors due to which you cannot connect to the Wi-Fi point.

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 a laptop and enter a password for the 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.

The existing device with the word “Wireless” in the name means that your laptop supports wireless internet.

Enabling Wi-Fi on a laptop using the keyboard

Most often, "Wi-Fi" can be turned on with hot keys, usually two, pressed simultaneously. Different laptop manufacturers may change their combination, 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 function row.

For more information on how to enable Wi-Fi on a laptop of a particular brand, see the following table.

In devices of the previous generation, "Wi-Fi" is enabled by a special slider on the laptop case, but the network icon remains the same.

How to enable Wi-Fi on Windows 10

On laptops with "ten" "Wi-Fi" can be turned on either in system parameters, or using the notification area, and the second method is more convenient and faster:

1. On the taskbar, open system notifications.

2. Click 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 enable the slider for the wireless network status.

After these steps, the laptop will start searching for all available wireless networks... If it is already in memory, it will connect 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 the password to connect to the Internet.

WiFi connection on Windows 7 and 8

For laptops in the past versions of Windows algorithm software inclusion"Wi-fi" is different.

1. Go to "Control Panel" - "Network and Internet", or right-click on the computer icon in the notification bar next to the clock.

2. Select "Network and Sharing Center".

3. Click on the "Change adapter settings" menu.

4. Using right button turn on the wireless network.

When the "Wi-Fi" 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 does not turn on via Wi-Fi

If Internet access on a laptop still does not appear after all of the above, connect the network cable to the computer directly, open Device Manager through the Control Panel, select the Network Adapters tab, find your Wifi module in the list and try to update the driver. After that, unplug the internet cable and restart your laptop.

If you still cannot turn on the Internet after that, there may be problems on the provider's side, or incorrect router settings, or the "wi-fi" module is faulty. The cost of repairs in a service center ranges from 1,000 to 2,000 rubles, but you can also get by with an external WiFi module - on Aliexpress such devices cost about 150 rubles.