I'm working on getting an old custom-built PC online, but it only has an ethernet connection and no built-in Wi-Fi. I need to access the Wi-Fi network in my new apartment, but the adapters I've found require software downloads, which isn't possible since I don't have internet access yet. Does anyone have some suggestions for how to connect my PC without needing to download any software?
3 Answers
Another option is to use your smartphone for internet access. Just connect your phone to the computer via USB and enable USB tethering. Most smartphones have the necessary drivers built in, so this should work without any additional software.
If you prefer a USB dongle, there are options that use generic drivers already included in Windows, so you won't need to install anything. Check out some discussions on Stack Exchange for recommendations on compatible USB Wi-Fi adapters that won't require a specific driver installation.
You might want to buy a Wi-Fi extender that has an ethernet port. Connect the extender to your Wi-Fi network wirelessly. Then, plug your PC into the extender using an ethernet cable. That way, your computer will be able to access the internet through the extender without needing any downloads.
I can confirm that these USB adapters are super convenient, and they tend to just work out of the box with Windows. Just make sure to do a bit of research on the model before buying!