I was given an older Windows 10 PC, but I can't connect it to any network. It doesn't detect Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, and the troubleshooter only tells me to connect an Ethernet cable. I downloaded and installed the network driver using another device and a USB drive, but nothing changed. How can I tell whether the PC actually has wireless hardware, and what are my options for getting it online?
3 Answers
As a temporary workaround, try USB tethering from your phone. Android phones generally support sharing their mobile data over a USB cable, and many newer iPhones can do it as well. Otherwise, connecting the PC directly to the router with Ethernet should work if the wired network adapter is functioning.
Many older desktop PCs don’t include Wi-Fi or Bluetooth hardware, especially office models. Check whether there’s a wireless adapter listed in Device Manager or Network Connections. If there isn’t one, the PC probably only supports wired Ethernet by default.
You can add wireless support with a USB Wi-Fi/Bluetooth adapter, or install a PCIe Wi-Fi card if the computer has an available slot. A USB adapter is usually the simplest option. If the PC has Wi-Fi hardware but it’s disabled, enable the adapter through Control Panel’s Network Connections settings.
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