How can I improve my desktop’s Wi‑Fi connection without using Ethernet?

Find the exact PC or wireless-adapter model first. You can search Windows for “System Information” to identify the computer, or open Device Manager and check the adapter’s name under Network adapters. Then install the latest wireless drivers from the manufacturer’s website. Once we know the model, it will be clear whether it supports 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, or 6 GHz.

Before buying anything, compare the connection on your phone and PC from the same location by running a speed test. That will show whether the internet itself is slow or whether the PC is having a Wi‑Fi-specific problem. Also check that the PC’s external Wi‑Fi antennas are attached; without them, signal strength can be very poor.

The available bands depend on both the Wi‑Fi adapter and the router. The 2.4 GHz band usually reaches farther and handles walls better, while 5 GHz is often faster but has a shorter range. If your adapter only supports 2.4 GHz, changing a Windows setting won’t add 5 GHz support. Also, the band affects the network connection—not the processing speed of the computer—and 2.4 GHz can still be perfectly usable.

If the built-in adapter only supports 2.4 GHz or has weak reception, a USB Wi‑Fi adapter or an internal PCIe adapter with external antennas can be an easy upgrade. Choose one that supports the bands your router actually provides; buying the newest standard alone won’t help if the router is older. Positioning the PC or adapter where it has fewer walls between it and the router may help too.