{"id":10144,"date":"2023-06-22T11:11:01","date_gmt":"2023-06-22T11:11:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/routerctrl.com\/?p=10144"},"modified":"2023-06-22T14:54:18","modified_gmt":"2023-06-22T14:54:18","slug":"enable-wi-fi-adapter-in-windows-10","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/routerctrl.com\/enable-wi-fi-adapter-in-windows-10\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Enable a Wi-Fi Adapter in Windows 10?"},"content":{"rendered":"\r\n

There are a few different reasons why your Wi-Fi adapter will be disabled on your Windows-powered laptop or computer. Because of it, you won\u2019t be able to connect to your wireless network<\/a>. So, knowing how to enable the Wi-Fi adapter on Windows 10 is pretty important.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

This article will guide you through the steps you need to take to enable the Wi-Fi adapter<\/a> and also give you some tips on how to fix some Wi-Fi adapter issues<\/a>. After all, having a fully functional and stable wireless network and fast internet connection is a must today.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

So, let\u2019s begin!<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

What is a Wi-Fi Adapter?<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

A wireless adapter or Wi-Fi adapter<\/a> is a piece of hardware that can be connected to a device like a computer or a laptop making it possible for that device to connect to a wireless network<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n

Today almost all devices are created with wireless capabilities, but not so long ago you had to use a wireless adapter if you wanted to connect your device to Wi-Fi. In most cases, Wi-Fi adapters come in the form of a USB dongle which can be easily connected to the device\u2019s USB port.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Depending on the type of network we want to connect our device to we can divide the Wi-Fi adapters into two groups:<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

What are the Benefits of Having a Wi-Fi Adapter?<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

If we have to mention the benefits of using a wireless adapter we can point out two main ones.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

1. If your laptop or computer doesn\u2019t have a built-in Wi-Fi adapter or it\u2019s not functioning properly, you can use a Wi-Fi adapter to connect them to your wireless network.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

2. If your laptop or computer has a built-in Wi-Fi adapter, but it\u2019s now functioning properly, you can use a Wi-Fi adapter to fix this issue and connect the laptop or the computer to your wireless network.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

3. If you want to have a faster and more stable wireless connection<\/a>, the Wi-Fi adapter can override your built-in wireless adapter.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

4. You don\u2019t need any special tech knowledge to install a Wi-Fi adapter. The process is pretty simple and straightforward and practically anyone can do it.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

How to Install a Wi-Fi Adapter in Windows 10?<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

In case the integrated wireless adapter on your laptop is malfunctioning or you want to connect your desktop PC to your wireless network, installing an external wireless adapter is the solution you are looking for.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

When it comes to Windows 10, in most cases this will be a plug-and-play installation. Windows will automatically pick and install the best drivers for your Wi-Fi adapter after you connect it to the USB port.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

However, if Windows doesn\u2019t detect the Wi-Fi adapter drivers<\/a>, you will have to visit the manufacturer\u2019s website and download the correct drivers. After you download and install the drivers you should see a list of available wireless networks in your area. Connect to your Wi-Fi network and enjoy.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Two Ways To Enable A Wi-Fi Adapter In Windows 10<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

The Wi-Fi adapter will be enabled automatically once you install it, but in some cases, if you are sharing your laptop or computer with someone else, or your device is infected by viruses, you may find that the Wi-Fi adapter is disabled. In that case here is a nice and easy way how you can enable a Wi-Fi adapter in Windows 10.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

How To Enable A Wi-Fi Adapter Via Settings<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Click the Windows Start button<\/strong> in the bottom-left of your screen and click the Settings<\/strong> icon.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

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\"Start<\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

After that click on Network & Internet<\/strong>.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

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\"Network<\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Take a look at the Advanced Network Settings<\/strong> section and click on Change Adapter Options<\/strong>.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

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\"Change<\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Now right-click on the Wi-Fi adapter<\/strong> and select Enable<\/strong>.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

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\"Enable<\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Your Wi-Fi adapter will be enabled in a short time.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

NOTE:<\/strong> In order to disable the Wi-Fi adapter you have to repeat all these steps but in the last step choose Disable<\/strong>.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

How To Enable A Wi-Fi Adapter Using The Command Prompt<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

The Wi-Fi adapter can also be enabled and disabled using the Command Prompt in Windows 10. It is a command-line interpreter application you can find on your Windows operating machine. Here are the steps you need to take in order to enable the Wi-Fi adapter.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Click on the Search icon in the taskbar and type cmd<\/strong>. In the new window, you can either click on the Command Prompt icon or just hit the Enter button on the keyboard.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Now you can use the following commands:<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

netsh interface show interface<\/em><\/strong> \u2013 this command is going to show you the status of the Wi-Fi adapter.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

netsh interface set interface enable<\/em><\/strong> \u2013 this command enables the Wi-Fi adapter.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

netsh interface set interface disable<\/em><\/strong> \u2013 this command can be used to disable the Wi-Fi adapter.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Recommended reading:<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n