If your motherboard doesn’t come with built-in Wi-Fi capabilities, fret not! There are still several ways to connect your computer to the internet wirelessly.
So when the question comes to mind, what to do if motherboard doesn’t wifi? All you have to do is plug an Ethernet connection into your motherboard or purchase a Wi-Fi card or dongle.
Through this guide, we’ll walk you through some easy solutions to get you connected. From adding a Wi-Fi card to your motherboard to using a USB Wi-Fi adapter, we’ll explore different methods to ensure you won’t miss out on wireless connectivity. Stay tuned!
Do All Motherboards Have Built-In WiFi?
No, not all motherboards come with built-in Wi-Fi. At the same time, built-in Wi-Fi has become more common in recent years, particularly on high-end motherboards.
There are still many that don’t have this feature. Generally, the inclusion of built-in Wi-Fi often depends on the model and the intended use of the computer.
If you are building a PC for gaming or heavy-duty tasks, you might find motherboards with integrated Wi-Fi to support these activities.
However, the motherboards might not include this feature for basic or budget builds to keep costs low. But don’t worry; if your motherboard doesn’t have built-in Wi-Fi, plenty of options remain available.
Check the specifications of a gaming motherboard to see if it has WiFi or requires a separate WiFi adapter.
Motherboards include one socket for the CPU and two more for the system’s memory. Furthermore, they provide a peripheral card slot (located in front of the motherboard) for connecting your cards, such as:
- Video cards
- Expansion cards
- Sound cards
Read Also: how to enable wifi on MSI motherboard?
Now, we will move towards our basic question: What to do if the motherboard doesn’t have WiFi?
What To Do If Motherboard Doesn’t Have WiFi? – 5 Alternative Options!
Don’t worry; you can still connect to the internet and purchase a WiFi adapter. If this is the case with your motherboard, you may do a few things to get WiFi working on your machine. Let’s take a brief look at a few of them:
Option 1. Use a USB Wi-Fi Adapter:
If you’re looking for a more straightforward and less permanent solution, a USB Wi-Fi adapter might be the right choice. These devices are plug-and-play and don’t require opening up your computer case. Plug the adapter into an open USB slot, install the necessary drivers, and you’re ready. Just make sure to choose a USB Wi-Fi adapter that supports the latest wireless standards for optimal speeds.
Option 2. Install a PCI-E Wi-Fi Card
A reliable and popular option is to install a PCI-E Wi-Fi card onto your motherboard. These cards can be mounted directly onto your motherboard’s PCI-E slot, typically providing stable and fast wireless connectivity. Installation is quite straightforward:
- Open your computer case.
- Locate an open PCI-E slot on your motherboard.
- Insert the Wi-Fi card into the slot and secure it.
- Connect the antennae to the back of the card.
Remember to install the appropriate drivers for the Wi-Fi card once you’ve installed it.
Option 3. Setup a WiFi Card:
Installing a dedicated WiFi card is one of the most systematic and simple ways to remedy the lack of WiFi on your motherboard. These cards are available in various form factors and may be readily fitted into a PCIe slot on your motherboard. Choose a WiFi card supporting the slot type on your motherboard, such as PCIe x1 or x16, to ensure compatibility. Installing a WiFi card is a quick and easy way to establish a wireless connection.
Option 3. Use a USB WiFi adapter:
Let’s be honest: a USB WiFi adapter is undoubtedly the best and most convenient method to get started with WiFi on your PC. It’s straightforward to use, requiring simply connecting the adapter to a working USB port on your PC.
Not all systems recognize USB WiFi adapters simultaneously. If your system responds this way, you must install the necessary drivers to maintain the WiFi device operational. The lack of an external antenna is a disadvantage of USB WiFi adapters. As a result, they may not provide the fastest internet speed.
Option 4. Upgrade to a new motherboard:
If your motherboard lacks built-in WiFi, the final option is to upgrade it. Yes, you can always upgrade to a mainboard with integrated WiFi. However, it’s important to note that choosing the finest motherboards with WiFi might be challenging at times. Since this is the case, a few variables must be considered before purchasing a new motherboard.
Option 5. Explore WiFi Extenders and Mesh Systems:
WiFi repeaters and mesh WiFi are both types of WiFi boosters. The first is a system operating across your home, while the second is a device interacting with your router to extend the WiFi signal. Mesh WiFi is a whole-house system with a mesh router and nodes throughout your home. They will not enable WiFi on your motherboard, but they will improve your overall wireless experience.
Option 6: Utilize a Mobile Hotspot
If you have a smartphone with a data plan, you can turn it into a wireless hotspot and connect your computer like any other Wi-Fi network. This option is great for those on the go or who don’t want to invest in additional hardware. Keep in mind that using a mobile hotspot may incur additional data charges, so make sure to check with your service provider.
Advantages And Disadvantages Of Built-In WiFi On Motherboards:
Aspect | Benefits of Built-in WiFi | Works on connecting parts and software installation |
Ease of Use | Ready to use without ethernet cables | It may not be compatible with home WiFi |
Compatibility | Works upon connecting parts and software installation | Works on connecting parts and software installation |
How do I Install A WiFi Card On My Motherboard? (6 Simple Steps)
- Look for an open Small PCIe slot.
- Remove the metal bracket from the case.
- Insert the Wireless Card into the PCIe Slot.
- Secure Wireless Card to Case Rear.
- Connect and place wireless card antennas.
- Download the most recent WiFi card drivers (if necessary, use a CD).
Install Required Drivers: After you’ve physically installed the card, you’ll need to install drivers on your computer for the card to work properly. These drivers should be provided on a CD that came with the card or can often be downloaded from the manufacturer’s website.
And that’s it! You’ve installed a Wi-Fi card on your motherboard. Now, you can enjoy wireless connectivity on your desktop PC. Remember, if you have any difficulties during the installation process, it’s always a good idea to consult the manual with your motherboard or Wi-Fi card.
Conclusion:
So, Dealing with a motherboard that doesn’t support WiFi doesn’t mean you’re out of choices. There are several ways to keep linked to the digital world, ranging from expansion cards to USB adapters and cable connections. Choose wisely! and enjoy the amazing world of the internet.
FAQs:
Q1. Are USB WiFi adapters as fast as internal WiFi cards?
Probably not. Unless your USB WiFi adapter can reach your WiFi signal better than the built-in WiFi on your motherboard, a USB WiFi adapter will most likely provide better or similar performance.
Q2. Can a USB WiFi adapter be used instead of a WiFi card?
No, a USB WiFi adapter does not require a WiFi card installed on your computer. A USB WiFi adapter aims to enable connectivity for devices that do not have a built-in WiFi card or whose WiFi card is inoperable.
Q3. Are powerline adapters a reliable alternative to WiFi?
The most outstanding Powerline adapters are far superior to WiFi extenders or repeaters, pushing a poor signal further around the house.
Q4. Will adding WiFi to my motherboard affect my internet speed?
No, your motherboard will make no change in Internet Speed.
Q5. How do I know if my motherboard has a WiFi slot?
The simplest way to determine whether your motherboard has WiFi is to look for a small WiFi icon on the taskbar in the lower right corner of your screen.