I recently got a free Windows 11 PC from work, and I'm trying to set it up. However, the only internet connection available is through Ethernet. Are USB Wi-Fi adapters the only solution? I've checked the network adapters and see Ethernet plus some WAN mini ports, including updated IP and IPv6 settings. Any advice on how to get Wi-Fi working without resorting to a dongle would be appreciated! Thanks to anyone who can help!
5 Answers
Using a USB Wi-Fi adapter is definitely a solid option. They usually work well and can provide good connectivity. Just plug it in, and you should be able to connect to Wi-Fi easily.
Since you got this PC from work, your IT department would be the best to ask about whether it has built-in Wi-Fi. If it does, they might help enable it for you, possibly by changing a setting in the BIOS.
If your PC doesn't have the ports for antennas on the back, it likely wasn't ordered with built-in Wi-Fi. Many businesses tend to minimize costs by removing unnecessary features like Wi-Fi.
Try booting into the BIOS and checking your Network Interface Card (NIC) settings. Make sure both IPv4 and IPv6 are enabled, just in case there's a chance the BIOS setting is affecting it.
First, check your device manager to see if the Wi-Fi adapter is disabled or if it needs a driver. Sometimes it could just be that the system doesn’t recognize it due to driver issues.
What should I look for in the device manager? Is it under WLAN mini ports?