Ethernet-connected Laptop to a Wireless

If you have an older laptop that relies on a wired connection to access a network hub or router, you can quickly enable wireless functionality with a USB network adapter. Installation of a wireless USB adapter takes just a few minutes. Once it's done, you can use your laptop to surf the Internet at any Wi-Fi hotspot with a broadband router.

This article will help you to convert Ethernet connected laptop to wireless.

Instructions

1. Disconnect the RJ-45 Ethernet cable from the laptop. Power on the computer and log in to Windows. Wait for Windows to load and the Desktop to display on the screen.
    
2. Insert the USB network adapter into an available USB port on the laptop. Alternatively, connect the cable from the network adapter if it is not of the smaller, flash-drive-sized variety. Wait for Windows to detect the new USB network adapter, and configure it for use on your computer. In most cases, Windows 7 does not require additional drivers for USB network adapters. However, insert the installation CD for the device if prompted to do so, and follow the prompts to install drivers for the network adapter on your computer. Reboot the PC if prompted to do so.
    
3. Click "Start" and then "Control Panel." Click the "Network and Sharing Center" option.
    
4. Click the "Set up a New Connection or Network" link in the middle of the "Network and Sharing Center" window.
    
5. Click the "Connect to the Internet" link and then "Next." Click the "Wireless" option under the "How do You Want to Connect?" label.
    
6. Click the name of an available wireless network under the "Connections are Available" label. If the list contains no available networks, your laptop is out of range of a wireless signal. You must move the laptop within range of a wireless router to access the Internet or Wi-Fi network.
    
7. Enter the wireless access key if prompted to do so. Navigate the network or launch a Web browser and surf the Internet.