Wi-Fi connection button on a laptop dns. How to turn on Wi-Fi on a laptop
It is more convenient to use the Internet on a laptop through a wireless access point. Before connecting, you need to learn how to set up a Wi-Fi adapter on your laptop. We will talk about methods for turning on and configuring the device in the most popular versions of Windows. Methods for updating drivers will be discussed.
How to find out if a Wi-Fi module is installed on a laptop
Almost every mobile gadget is equipped with a Wi-Fi module, but you should definitely check its availability. Be sure to check your laptop's technical manual first. In the specifications opposite the “Wireless Communications” column there should be Wi-Fi or IEEE 802.11 lines. Their presence indicates that the necessary component is installed in the laptop.
An alternative option is to look for the presence of the component in the list of devices. To do this, go to computer properties and click the “Task Manager” link. In the window that opens, among all the hardware, open the “Network adapters” tab, and then find the line with the previously described words or the words Wireless (Wi-Fi).
If it's not there
The best option is to upgrade your laptop. Most likely, you have a very “old” model with low performance and a missing wireless module. When funds do not allow you to buy new equipment, order a USB module. It looks like a flash drive and serves as an external Wi-Fi module. There are hundreds of models on the market with different characteristics. Driver installation is required for operation.
How to turn on the Wi-Fi adapter
To use wireless Internet on laptops and individual computers , You should activate the Wi-Fi module and then connect to the required network. There are several hardware and software methods for enabling Wi-Fi, which will be discussed in detail below.
Switch on the body
For the convenience of users, many manufacturers have made the switch a separate button on the body of the gadget. It can be located on the front panel (on the Esc side or near the Num keys).
We also recommend inspecting the side panels on both sides for the presence of a switch. It has an antenna icon with diverging waves. Often there are light indicators on the case that inform you about the performance of specific components.
If there is such a switch and the component itself is working correctly, of course, all activation comes down to one simple action.
Keyboard shortcuts
Another way is to activate the module with a keyboard shortcut. On laptops, additional settings are located on the function buttons F1-F12. Also on the keyboard you can find a key with the letters Fn. With its help, additional functions are enabled (including Wi-Fi). You need to hold Fn and click the button with the image of the company icon (on different models they will be F2, F3 or F12). The action will activate the indicator (if any) and the connection icon will appear in the Start panel on the right side.
Alternative options
If the previous manipulations do not produce results, the problem is in the drivers or operating system settings. A rare exception is marriage. As a last resort, after all resuscitation attempts, contact a service center, especially if the laptop is under warranty. Also make sure your Wi-Fi hotspot is ok. The problem may lie in the incorrect operation of the Wi-Fi router (re-configuration or firmware update is required). Try connecting your mobile phone or tablet to it to check.
Installing or updating drivers
WiFi inoperability is often related to the driver. The latter is specialized software that ensures the correct operation of the physical device in the operating system shell. There are three main ways to install a new driver:
- independently through the downloaded installer;
- through standard Windows functions;
- through specialized software.
The first method is the most reliable option, as it eliminates outside interference. The laptop owner should go to the manufacturer’s website, and then find the software downloads category. Next, in the search, write the full name of your model and OS version. Be sure to find out the bit size (32 or 64 bits). A list of all drivers will be published based on your request. Download the file for the Wireless network adapter.
The second method involves downloading the required driver through the Microsoft database. In Device Manager, right-click on the Wi-Fi adapter and select “Update drivers.” Please note that the updater may not always find the latest version.
The latter method is extremely convenient, since the program takes care of all the “dirty work” of searching and installing. An effective tool is Driver Genius. To update the driver, follow these steps:
“Driver Jenius” has a huge database, and regularly updates it, so the software can be used to update the software of any laptop hardware.
Necessary actions and settings in the operating system
The wireless adapter can be activated using OS tools. The user should enable it separately in the network settings. Next, we will tell you how to set up Wi-Fi on a laptop for the most common Windows systems.
Windows XP
Complete setup on Windows XP consists of the following steps:
Setting up Wi-Fi within Windows XP will be completed after completing the described steps.
Windows 7
The user should make similar settings in the “seven”. The difference from the previously given instructions is minimal:
Often the provider issues a static IP. In such situations, you need to set the parameters according to the service provider's requirements. In other cases, automatic receipt of parameters allows you to use Wi-Fi without problems.
Windows 8/10
These OS versions have similar interfaces, so the procedure for them will be almost identical. You need to follow steps similar to those given earlier for other Windows systems:
Additionally, if you have problems with access, run the diagnostic center. The system may identify errors due to which you cannot connect to a Wi-Fi point.
I will describe all the ways I know to turn on a Wi-Fi network on a laptop (after all, everything that can be turned off can be turned on?!) I’ll start with the simpler and more common methods, then I’ll move on to more complex methods that only a few will need.
So if you see on taskbar icon Wi-Fi is turned off (or you don’t see the icon at all), then this article is for you.
Turn on Wi-Fi using the slider/button on the laptop body.
On many laptop models, to turn on Wi-Fi, you need to use the slider or a separate button to turn on Wi-Fi. Often this switch is located on the front end of the laptop.
The switch looks different, but has one function - turning the wireless network on and off.
To turn on Wi-Fi, simply move the slider to the On position.
How to turn on Wi-Fi using a keyboard shortcut.
If your laptop does not have sliders or separate buttons for turning on Wi-Fi, take a closer look at the keyboard; on it you can find a Wi-Fi icon on one of the function keys (F1-F12).
It can be located on different buttons, it all depends on the manufacturer and model of the laptop.
In order to turn on Wi-Fi, you need to press this key or use a keyboard shortcut
Let's look at the key combinations that are most often used in laptops from different manufacturers:
- Acer. Press the keys:
+ . - Asus. Combination
+ . - HP. Click here
+ . - Lenovo. Required buttons:
+ . - Samsung. Or
+ , or + . - Dell key combination
+ or +
How to enable Wi-Fi in Windows settings.
If the above procedures did not help and you are still wondering How to enable Wi-Fi on a laptop? You need to check whether the Wireless network connection is enabled in Windows settings. To do this, you need to go to the Network and Sharing Center. One way is to right-click on network icon in the lower right corner of the screen and select "Network and Sharing Center".
Another way to use hotkeys
It doesn’t matter which method you used, the result will be the same - the Network Connections window will appear on the monitor. Next, you need to find a wireless connection, right-click on it and select “Enable” (if the Enable option is not available, then the Wi-Fi network is enabled).
Enable Wi-Fi through Windows Device Manager.
If your Wi-Fi adapter is still not enabled, you need to check whether it is enabled in the task manager. To do this, click the Start button, right-click Computer, and select Manage. From the left menu, select Device Manager.
Or press the keyboard shortcut
If the adapter icon is marked with a down arrow, it means it is turned off; to turn it on, right-click on it and select “Enable”.
Update drivers for Wi-Fi.
Another reason for Wi-Fi not working may be an inappropriate driver or its absence. In order to install the required driver, go to the laptop manufacturer’s website, find your model (on some sites this will be difficult, you can write the laptop model in the comments, I will try to help you) and download the driver for the Wi-Fi network card for your operating system systems. After this, it will be enough to install the drivers; after rebooting the laptop, Wi-Fi should work.
No matter how you turned on the wireless network, you should eventually see a Wi-Fi icon in the taskbar. When you click on it, you will see the Wi-Fi networks available for connection.
Connecting to a wireless network is the most convenient way to access the Internet at good speed without unnecessary wires. However, to enjoy all the benefits of a wireless connection, you must first understand how to set up Wi-Fi on a laptop.
Enabling the adapter
Before you start creating a new connection, you need to check if the Wi-FI adapter is turned on.
Each laptop model has its own function key to turn the adapter on/off. For example, ASUS laptops use the combination Fn+F2, and Acer laptops use Fn+F3. On some Lenovo models, adapter status is controlled using a hardware switch located on the front panel. 
To determine which key you have installed, look at the F1-F12 row. One of the buttons should have an icon - an antenna that distributes a signal. Press this button in combination with the Fn key and check that the Wi-Fi adapter indicator light changes from red to blue or green.
What to do if the Wi-Fi adapter does not turn on?
There are situations when, after pressing a function key, the adapter does not turn on. Typically this problem occurs due to one of the following reasons:
- Incorrectly installed drivers.
- Incorrect operation of the system.
- Virus infection of laptop.
Until you eliminate the cause, the question of how to set up Wi-Fi in a laptop will not receive a positive resolution. Most often, the problem lies in incorrectly installed drivers, but it would also be a good idea to check the system for viruses. If no malicious applications are found, reinstall the Wi-Fi module drivers and try turning it on again.
How to set up Wi-Fi on a laptop
Setting up on Windows XP
To configure, you just need to correctly specify some parameters of the wireless connection:
If you have set a password for your wireless connection, you will be required to provide a security key, after which the connection will be established.
Setting up on Windows 7
We've sorted out XP, now let's see how to set up a wireless network on a laptop with Windows 7 installed. There are practically no fundamental differences:
This completes the wifi setup on a Windows 7 laptop. When connected, you enter the security key and gain access to the Internet.
For Windows 8.1 or Windows 10 there are no differences in settings from the seventh version. The list of networks available for connection can be called up directly from the notification panel - there is a special Wi-Fi icon in the tray.
Video of Wi-Fi settings on a laptop
Hello! Today we’ll look at enabling Wi-Fi on laptops that run Windows 7. For some reason, many people ask these questions. But as a rule, Wi-Fi on a laptop is turned on by default. That is, if the driver is installed, you can immediately connect to Wi-Fi networks. You don’t need to make any special settings, and you don’t have to turn on Wi-Fi on your laptop in any special way. No, of course, there are different cases and problems when you can’t connect to Wi-Fi without dancing with a tambourine. Now let's look at everything in detail.
If you are faced with the problem of turning on Wi-Fi, then your Internet connection status will most likely be like this:
If the network icon is simply crossed out with a red cross, then there are no Wi-Fi networks available for connection within the radius.
Before moving on to any instructions, let's understand what is enabling Wi-Fi on a laptop, and turning on Wi-Fi on Windows 7 (in the operating system itself), these are different things. Therefore, I will divide the article into these two points. This will make it much clearer and easier to understand this issue. What is our main goal? That's right, connect to a Wi-Fi network. You can do it! Follow the instructions.
Before you go to any settings and fill your head with unnecessary information, try connecting your laptop to a Wi-Fi network right now. According to these instructions: . You may already have everything turned on, configured, and you will connect without any problems.
If something doesn’t work out, then see this article to the end, or the possible connection problems that I described in the article at the link above.
Turn on Wi-Fi on a laptop: using a keyboard shortcut or a switch on the case
Almost every laptop: Asus, HP, Acer, Lenovo, Del, etc., has either a special switch or a keyboard shortcut that turns Wi-Fi off and on. Honestly, I don’t know how it is on other laptops, but on my Asus, pressing the FN+F2 key combination turns off all wireless modules. The pop-up window says "all wireless device on". Which means that all wireless interfaces are enabled or disabled. At the same time, Wi-Fi does not disappear.
These keys, or switches, should be checked only in extreme cases, when nothing else helps. And manage wireless connections from Windows. Since the combination of special keys does not always work, or they work, but not as needed.
On the same Asus laptop, to turn off or turn on Wi-Fi you need to press the key combination FN+F2.
On laptops DEL, this is the key combination Fn+F2, or Fn+F12. On HP- Fn+F12. Lenovo- Fn+F5 (or, look for a special switch on the laptop case). If you have Samsung, then these are the Fn+F12 or Fn+F9 keys. And on Acer- Fn+F3.
As I already wrote, a special switch can also be used to turn on Wi-Fi. Look at the case of your laptop. And on the key that is used in combination with Fn, an antenna is usually drawn.
It is better not to touch these keys at all. As I wrote above, they do not always work adequately. And they are of little use. Everything is fine, in most cases, pressing the keys simply indicates to the system that the Wi-Fi adapter needs to be turned off.
Turn on Wi-Fi in Windows 7
Let's now figure out how to manage the wireless adapter in the operating system itself. Let's start with the most important thing. And most importantly, this is an installed, properly working driver for Wi-Fi (Wireless adapter). If there is no driver, then no matter how hard we try, we will not be able to turn on Wi-Fi. But first things first.
First, let's check if our adapter is enabled. To do this, right-click on the Internet connection icon (in the lower right corner), and select Network and Sharing Center. On the left, select Change adapter settings.
If near the connection "Wireless network connection" written "Disabled", then right-click on it and select Turn on.
After these steps, the Internet connection status should change. And if there are Wi-Fi networks available for connection within a radius, they will be displayed in a list that can be opened by clicking on the icon itself. You can select the desired network and connect to it.
If you do not have a “Wireless Network Connection” connection, then most likely you do not have the driver installed for the Wi-Fi adapter. Install the driver and everything will work.
How to check the operation of the Wi-Fi adapter in Device Manager?
You can also go to Device Manager and see if there is a wireless network adapter there and how it works. To open the device manager, do this: go to Start, then Control Panel. Select a section Equipment and sound. On the tab Devices and Printers click on device Manager.
In the manager, open the tab Network adapters. The Wi-Fi adapter has something like this: "Atheros AR9485WB-EG Wireless Network Adapter". You can navigate by word Wireless. You should have something like this:
If you see an arrow icon next to the driver, then right-click on the adapter itself and select Engage.
If the adapter is not in the device manager at all (usually there is only one network card driver), then you need to install the driver. Again, you can look at the article.
That's all the Wi-Fi settings in Windows 7.
After you finally connect to the wireless network, another surprise may await you - “No Internet access” error. I wrote about the solution to this problem in a separate article.
To connect to the Internet on a laptop via a wireless network, you need not only a WiFi module, but also a working access point. To do this, you will need to buy a router at home, and to access the Internet while sitting somewhere in a cafe, it will be enough to turn on Wi-Fi on your laptop and enter the password for the desired network: installing an access point is the task of the owners of the establishment.
A WiFi module is installed in almost all modern laptops, and it’s easy to check whether your device has such a function. To do this you will need:
- Open “Control Panel”;
- Launch “Device Manager” (you can use the search bar);
- Expand the “Network adapters” block.
An existing device with the word “Wireless” in the name means that your laptop supports wireless Internet.
Turning on Wi-Fi on a laptop using the keyboard
Most often, Wi-Fi can be turned on using hot keys, usually two, pressed simultaneously. Their combination may vary among different laptop manufacturers, but the main Fn key, as a rule, is always there. The second key required to turn it on has a special WiFi icon and is located on the keyboard in the function row F1-F12.
You can learn more about how to enable Wi-Fi on a laptop of a specific brand from the following table.
In devices of the previous generation, Wi-Fi is turned on using a special slider on the laptop body, but the network icon remains the same.
How to turn on Wi-Fi on Windows 10
On laptops with “Ten”, “Wi-Fi” can be enabled either in the system parameters or using the notification area, and the second method is more convenient and faster:
1. From the taskbar, open system notifications.
2. Open the Network tab.
3. Turn on WiFi by clicking on the corresponding thumbnail.
To enable Wi-Fi on Windows 10 using the options menu, you must:
1. Open “Settings” and select the “Network and Internet” block.
2. Click on the WiFi menu and turn on the wireless network status slider.
After these steps, the laptop will begin searching for all available wireless networks. If it is already in memory, the connection will occur automatically; if the access point for your device is new and protected (you will see a lock icon), you need to select it and enter a password to connect to the Internet.
Connecting WiFi on Windows 7 and 8
For laptops on previous versions of Windows, the algorithm for software enablement of Wi-Fi is different.
1. Go to “Control Panel” – “Network and Internet”, or right-click on the computer icon in the notification panel next to the clock.
2. Select Network and Sharing Center.
3. Click on the “Change adapter settings” menu.
4. Using the right mouse button, turn on the wireless network.
When the Wi-Fi module is working, you need to select an access point (the list will open by clicking on the WiFi icon in the notification area) and, entering the password if necessary, connect to it.
If the Internet via Wi-Fi does not turn on
If Internet access on your laptop still does not appear after all of the above, connect the network cable to the computer directly, open Device Manager through the Control Panel, select the Network Adapters tab, find your Wifi module in the list and try updating the drivers. After that, disconnect the Internet cable and restart the laptop.
If you still cannot turn on the Internet after this, there may be either problems on the provider’s side, or incorrect router settings, or the Wi-Fi module is faulty. The cost of repairs at a service center ranges from 1000 to 2000 rubles, but you can get by with an external WiFi module - on Aliexpress such devices cost about 150 rubles.