I'm trying to set up an old custom built PC in my new apartment, but it only has Ethernet access and no Wi-Fi capability. I've looked into USB adapters, but they all seem to require downloading software first, which I can't do since I have no Internet connection yet. Does anyone have suggestions for how I can get this PC online without having to download anything?
3 Answers
Another option is to use USB tethering with your smartphone. Just plug your phone into the PC, turn on USB tethering in the phone settings, and it should work without the need for any additional drivers.
Look into USB Wi-Fi adapters that come with built-in drivers compatible with Windows. There are many available that don’t require manual installation. I found a good discussion on Stack Exchange about this that might help you find the right model!
You could try using a Wi-Fi extender that has an Ethernet port. Connect it to your router wirelessly. Once it’s on your network, you can connect your PC to the extender using an Ethernet cable. This way, your PC should be able to access the network without needing to download anything.
Just make sure to check reviews to confirm they work well with your version of Windows. It'll save you some hassle!