If you have a desktop computer, you can add WiFi to it cheaply and quickly. The same applies to adding Bluetooth to your computer. There are multiple ways to do it.
Always check which slots and ports your computer has before buying devices that may require those ports.
For a desktop computer, there are three ways to add WiFi:
- Plugging a PCIe WiFi card into your motherboard.
- Plugging an M.2 WiFi adapter into your motherboard.
- Plugging a USB WiFi dongle into your USB port (external).
The first method (the PCIe card) is dependent on the type of chassis your computer uses. If it is an ATX or microATX chassis, then you can install a standard WiFi PCIe card. You will have virtually limitless options to choose from. The card is a circuit board with a WiFi adapter and a few other parts in it.
If your computer is of the Small Form Factor (SFF) variety, then you will most likely need to purchase a card with a low profile (LP) mounting bracket. These brackets are smaller so that they can fit in your SFF PC. Cards that include low profile brackets are common and easy to find. It will also come with antennas that you screw onto the back of your computer to improve your signal.
The second method (M.2 adapter) is a tiny circuit board that plugs into one of your motherboard’s M.2 slots. This method can work for ATX PCs, SFF PCs, and laptops.
The third method is an external USB dongle. This is a USB stick containing a WiFi adapter that you plug into one of your PC’s USB ports. These dongles are common in computer parts stores.
How To Add WiFi To A Laptop
You can add WiFi to a laptop using an external USB dongle or an M.2 adapter (in some cases).