Wi-Fi works on a Windows 7 computer. Enabling and setting up Wi-Fi on your computer

Not every user knows how to turn on Wi-Fi on a laptop if any unexpected problems arise. Beginner users are lost when they are unable to activate Wi-Fi using standard methods.

We will try to consider everything possible ways turning on Wi-Fi and provide solutions to the most common problems that can occur with a laptop's wireless network adapter.

The simplest method of activating a wireless network on a Windows laptop is to use the key combination provided by the manufacturer for this.

Here are examples of these combinations for the most common laptop models (in most cases the keyboard is used, in rare cases a special switch is used):

• HP (HP Probook, Satellite, Pavilion, 4535s and others) – Fn + F12 ;
• Acer (Acer Aspire and others) – Fn + F3, similar to Packard Bell;
• Asus – Fn + F2;
• Lenovo (G580, G50, G500, G570 and others), including Ideapad – Fn + F5;
• Samsung – Fn + F12 or F9;
• Dell (Dell Inspiron and others) – Fn +F12 or F2;
• MSI (MSI) – Fn + F10;
• Toshiba – Fn + F8;
• DNS – Fn + F2 ;
• DEXP – Fn + F12 ;
• Sony Vaio - using a mechanical switch.

This method will not always work, so let’s move on to considering software methods.

Via system tray

The second method for turning on Wi-Fi is to manually activate the adapter through the system tray.

To use this option, just click on the network icon in the lower right corner of the system and click on the Wi-Fi icon. The wireless connection module will turn on and automatically begin searching for available networks to connect to.

It is quite possible that instead of the window presented above, the system will display another one with limited functionality, where the key with which you need to turn on Wi-Fi will simply be missing.

If for some reason that is unclear to the user, just such a window appears, then move on to the next method.

In the control center

The previous method may not have worked for several reasons - for example, the wireless network adapter was disabled in Windows settings 10 or Windows 7.

To fix this, you need to follow the following instructions step by step:

1. Press the Win + R key combination on your keyboard and in the “Run” window that opens, enter command line the phrase "ncpa.cpl". Click on Enter or “OK”.

1. In the window that opens we look for “ Network connections» block “Wireless network connection”. If it's highlighted gray, and the status bar shows "Disabled", then the wireless adapter has indeed been disabled systemically.

1. To activate, right-click on the selected block and click on the “Enable” button.

1. Successful activation will be accompanied by activation of the adapter and display of its name in the status bar.

1. Let's return to the first method we considered - the Wi-Fi activation button should appear in its proper place.

Did this method not help either? There's nothing wrong with that, just move on to the next method.

Enable via Device Manager

This is very rare, but sometimes the network adapter may be disabled in the system's device manager. This usually happens after some failure occurs that is beyond the control of the user.

Determining whether the wireless network adapter is really disabled through the device manager is extremely simple - go to the second method described in this article, open the “Run” window with the command Win + R, enter the appropriate request, click on “OK” and see the network window in front of you connections. If there is no wireless adapter in this window at all, then the problem really lies in the device manager.

If none of the above methods worked, then it is likely that there is a problem with the wireless network adapter drivers.

Driver Update

An outdated or missing driver may become main reason why there is no access to Wi-Fi or distribution via Wi-Fi Direct. Installing or reinstalling a suitable driver will not take much time - just go to the manufacturer’s website, find the laptop model you are using and download the required driver from the list of those offered.

conclusions

Don’t panic if you can’t turn on Wi-Fi on your laptop - you need to check everything one by one possible reasons occurrence of a similar problem, starting from the most likely.

Video instruction

We have attached detailed instructions in video format. It clearly reflects the process of applying each of the above methods.

WiFi is modern technology wireless communications, which allows you to create private networks by combining computers, smartphones, tablets and other devices into groups. This, in turn, allows you to exchange files and data between group members without a wired connection, using radio waves. Today, this technology has become firmly entrenched in people’s lives, and everyone knows what it is. However, not everyone knows how to set up Wi-Fi on a Windows 7 laptop.

How WiFi works

Before moving on to the wireless network settings, you should understand how the technology works. It's simple. On a laptop or other mobile device, built-in WiFi module. This is an ordinary radio receiver that works to receive and transmit information. Data transmission occurs on a broadband radio frequency, resulting in high transmission speeds.

As you may have guessed, to connect to a wireless network, you need an access point, the functions of which are performed by a Wi-Fi router. We'll move on to network settings a little lower. A router (the so-called router) allows you to collect all computers, laptops, and devices with a WiFi adapter into one group for information exchange and remote control.

It is worth noting that for proper operation module, drivers must be installed on your computer or laptop. This is special software, which controls the operation of the adapter. Without such software, configure Wi-Fi to Windows laptop 7 is impossible, since the module simply will not work.

Connecting and setting up WiFi in Windows 7: Video

How to install drivers for a WiFi module

As a rule, the laptop comes with a disk with the necessary programs, including drivers. Installing them is extremely simple. You need to insert the disc into the drive. After that, it will automatically start, and you just need to click “ Full installation" This completes the installation, after which you need to reboot the device.

Do not rush to get upset if for some reason there is no such disk. You can easily download the driver for wi-fi from the Internet. To do this, you just need to go to the official website of the laptop manufacturer and select your model from the list. All this is completely free, and all offered software is checked for viruses. It is worth noting that when manual installation It is recommended to install drivers in a specific order.

First of all, the driver is installed on the motherboard (chipset) and only after that on the processor and video card. After this, you can install drivers for all other elements, including the network card and WiFi adapter.

Reinstalling the WiFi driver: Video

After all programs are installed, you should restart your computer and go to the network settings.

Setting up a wireless connection in Windows 7

So, here we come to the main question, how to enable Wi-Fi on a laptop with Windows 7. After installing the drivers, you need to. This can be done using a specially provided button, which is indicated by the corresponding icon. On some laptops, this button is combined with another function, and to turn on the wireless communication module, press “FN” and, without releasing it, press the adapter power button.

After this, the system will automatically start searching for available connections and offer you a list to choose from. If the module does not turn on and the system does not start searching, then you should go to the “Start” menu and launch “Control Panel”. In the window that appears, click “Network and Internet” and go to the “Network and Sharing Center”.

In the window that appears, in the left column, select “Change adapter settings.” Here you will see the Wireless Network Connection shortcut. If he gray, then you should right-click on it and click “Enable”.

After this, a WiFi connection icon will appear in the Windows 7 tray (in the lower right corner - slightly to the left of the clock and date), displaying the signal strength. When you click on it, a window will open that displays a list of networks available for connection. Here you need to select the name of your router and click the “Connect” button.

If a password was specified in the wifi router settings, you must enter it and click “Connect”.

It is worth noting that in some cases, additional configuration of a WiFi wireless network on a Windows 7 system may be required. To do this, you need to go to the “Network and Sharing Center” and go to the “Change adapter settings” item (you already know how to do this).

Here, right-click on the “Wireless Network Connection” shortcut and select “Properties”. In the window that appears, you need to find “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)”, select it and click “Properties”. Next, you should enter your network information. As a rule, modern routers provide all data automatically. This means that initially all the checkboxes should be set to “Obtain an IP address automatically” and “Obtain a DNS server address automatically.”

Sometimes this function is not supported and therefore all data must be entered manually. How to connect wi-fi to a laptop on Windows 7 manually? It's simple. To do this, move the checkboxes to “Use the following IP address:” and enter the following values:

• IP address – 192.168.0.3;
• Subnet mask – 255.255.255.0;
• The main gateway is 192.168.0.1.

After that, select “Use the following DNS server address” and enter the following values:

• Preferred DNS server – 192.168.0.1;
• Alternative DNS server – leave unchanged.

Click the “Ok” button and close all windows. The values ​​you enter may vary. It all depends on what data the provider provided you or on how the router is configured. But in the vast majority of cases, the above data is used.

This completes the WiFi setup on a Windows 7 laptop. Of course, it is impossible to describe a universal method for setting up a wireless connection that will suit absolutely everyone, since there are a variety of problems that need to be solved individual approach. However, in most cases, setting up a Wi-Fi network on Windows 7 is limited to the settings described above.

How to set up Wi-Fi on a Windows 7 laptop: Video

WiFi or Wireless Fidelity is a technology wireless transmission data via a special Wireless LAN channel. The WiFi network is half-duplex - this is due to the technology itself.

This feature means that only one device can operate on one frequency, acting as an access point. The access point can be either a computer with a Wi-Fi transmitter or specialized devices - routers that support the WiFi wireless protocol.

There are two ways to build a network using the Wi-Fi wireless protocol.

Setting up a Wi-Fi network computer-to-computer in Windows 7

In this article we will look at how to combine several laptops running Windows 7 into a wireless local Wi-Fi network in Ad-Hoc mode.

To make it easier for you to navigate setting up a Wi-Fi network, I will explain the following definitions:

Main computer of the network- a computer or laptop connected to the Internet and acting as an Internet gateway. A Wi-Fi connection will be created on this computer.

Other computers on the network- computers or laptops connected to a Wi-Fi network created on the main computer and having access to the Internet through this computer.

Configuring the network host computer

In the Description field: enter a description of the computer, for example, Stepan’s Computer.

Click the Change button.

In the Computer name: field, enter the computer name. The computer name must be unique. You cannot specify a computer name that is already in use on the network.

Note: By default in all Windows versions 7,Vista and all versions of Windows XP except Windows XP Home Edition name working group- WORKGROUP.

Click the wired network connection icon.

Click the Add button.

Click Create a computer-to-computer network

In the Network name: field, enter a custom network name.

In the Security Type: field, select WPA2-Personal.

If other computers on the network are running Windows XP, select WEP.

In the Security key: field, enter a password.

The password must be between 8 and 63 characters. If WEP encryption is selected, the password must consist of 5 or 13 characters. The longer the password, the better. To create a password, it is better to use a password generator.

In this window, click Turn on Internet connection sharing.

Click Close.

Configuring other computers on the network

Select the Properties menu item. Click on the link Extra options systems.

Go to the Computer name tab.

In the Description field: enter a description of the computer, for example Anatoly’s Computer. Click the Change button.

In the Computer name: field, enter the computer name. The computer name must be unique. You cannot specify a computer name that is already in use on the network.

In the workgroup field: enter the name of the workgroup. The workgroup name must be the same on all computers on the network.

If the computer name and workgroup name do not need to be changed, simply click Cancel.

Note: By default, in all versions of Windows 7, Vista, and all versions of Windows XP except Windows XP Home Edition, the workgroup name is WORKGROUP.

Click the network icon.

Right-click the wireless network adapter icon and select Properties.

Double-click Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4).

Check the Use the following IP address:

In the IP Address: field, assign an IP address to the wireless adapter. The IP address must be unique and from the same subnet as the IP address of the host computer's wireless adapter. There should be no devices on the network with the same IP.

Since on the host computer the Wi-Fi wireless adapter is assigned an IP address 192.168.137.1, then on other computers on the network the IP addresses should be: 192.168.137.2, 192.168.137.3, etc.

Important: If the host computer on the network is running the operating system Windows systems XP, then its wireless adapter is assigned the IP address 192.168.0.1, which means that on other computers on the network you need to specify IP addresses: 192.168.0.2, 192.168.0.3, etc.

In the Subnet mask: field, enter the value 255.255.255.0.

In the Default gateway field: enter the IP address of the host computer - 192.168.137.1.

Important: If the main computer on the network is running Windows XP, then the IP address of the main gateway must be specified as 192.168.0.1

In the Preferred DNS server field: enter the IP address of the provider's preferred DNS server.

In the Alternative DNS server field: enter the IP address of the provider's alternative DNS server.

Addresses DNS servers can be obtained from your provider.

Click ok.

Click the network connection icon.

Double click on your network.

Enter password. Click ok.

All. We have set up wireless network Wi-Fi computer-to-computer in Windows 7.

Setting up Wifi at home and connecting a laptop through it

Let's consider the option of a Wifi wireless network using a Router, when you already have a computer connected to the network (Internet) via a wired network and you also need to connect your laptop via WiFi.

This option is relevant, for example, if you have Internet from an Internet provider (say, Akado) for one computer, running over a wire. And you intend to connect the laptop to the same existing network, but via Wifi, in order to access the Internet from it and be able to move it around the apartment wirelessly.

And also, if independent Internet access on each computer is important to you. (You can turn off the computer and go to work on a laptop with the Internet in another room or in the kitchen).

To make this possible, you need to understand the scheme, read the article, following the instructions.

Scheme 1. Association Wifi router, computer and laptop:

What needs to be done to turn on the Router - step by step

If you are satisfied with the cable connection of the first computer (1) to the network and you do not plan to change it to Wifi, and Wifi is only needed for the second laptop computer (2), then you need to purchase a Wireless Router.

Such a wireless router has a wired connection option - UTP (LAN) connector(s), a WAN (“input”) connector, and an antenna for wireless contacts.

Let's look at the example of the ASUS WL-530gV2 Pocket Router (802.11g, 1xWAN+4xUTP) router operating according to this connection scheme. Which cost in Moscow in 2009 less than $100.

You can use, for example, a DLINK Router. The instructions are the same, with the difference that the WAN connector on it is labeled “Internet”.

Router ASUS WL-530gV2 (Pocket router)

In addition to the router, you also need an additional UTP-5 category cable, 1 m long (regular cable for computer network with connectors).

How to connect a router

The router must be connected to the gap between the modem that “gives” you the Internet from the provider and the computer (1).

To do this you need:

Turn off the power to the computer and modem. Place the router unconnected next to the modem.

Pull the cable (UTP-5 type) coming from the modem out of the computer’s network card (1) and connect it to the “WAN” input of the Router. For this model of router it is located on the side.

The router is now connected to the Internet. We need to distribute it.

We connect the computer (1) to the Router using the purchased additional UTP-5 cable:

One end goes into the computer’s network card, the other into the LAN1 connector of the router.

We connect the router to power via its own power supply (must be included with it).

The router is connected.

Now you can turn on the power to your computer, modem, router.

Setting up a computer (1) to access the Internet via a Router via wire

Setting up a computer is essentially reduced to zero. If the Router has DHCP (a service for allocating IP and connection parameters for connected machines), just connect the PC connector to it and the computer will automatically receive an IP address from it.

The only thing is that if a specific IP address was set in the properties of the network adapter on the PC, then it must be reset to “Obtain an IP address automatically”.

IN Windows 7 this is done in:

« Control Panel\Network and Internet\Network Connections»

Go to: Start, Control Panel, Network and Internet, then:

View network status and tasks -> Change adapter settings.

Select your network adapter (where you connected the router), right-click - Properties, TCP / IP (IPv 4) - General.

Check “Obtain an IP address automatically” and “Obtain a DNS server address automatically.”

Click “OK”, “OK” again.

On Windows XP:

Start, Control Panel, Network Connections - select your adapter (“Connect via local network") – Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) – then everything is the same as in Windows 7.

Please note that the computer will “receive” the Internet only if the router is configured correctly and rebooted.

Setting up a Laptop (2) for Internet access

Go to “Network Connections” of your laptop in the same way as you entered when Setting up your computer (1), in accordance with the operating system already on the laptop.

Look for "wireless network connection".

Select your wireless network, named as indicated in the Router. Let's say mynet.

Click “Connect”. If the key was not installed when setting up the router (which is not recommended), then the Internet will connect immediately. Or, a window will appear asking you to enter the “Network Key”.

All. If the router is configured correctly, the Internet should already be available in the laptop.

You can check its operation by going to some fairly reliable site, such as www.yandex.ru, www.google.com.

These entered settings will not need to be specified again after the next turn off/on of the Laptop. It will connect to the Internet itself.

Overall material rating: 5

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Let's look at specific examples how to set up wifi on a laptop if it has the Windos 7 operating system installed. Taking into account most manufacturers and the pitfalls that are encountered during the setup process. Fast automatic configuration and manual driver installation. The main reasons for Wi-Fi failure and laptop glitches.

Easy setup - automatic: use key combinations

In practice, there are cases when you just need to turn on Wi-Fi using a key combination. Let's look at the manufacturers and combinations:

• Asus – FN + F2;
• DEL - FN + F2 or FN + F12;
• Lenovo – FN + F5/F6/F7;
• HP - FN + F12;
• Samsung – FN + F12 or FN + F9;
• Acer – FN + F3.

Some manufacturers, such as Toshiba, especially on older models, placed a separate switch on the laptop panel, which was responsible for turning on wifi. It can be located anywhere. Most often on the back and front sides, less often on the sides.

There is Wi-Fi, but no Internet

Don't confuse a system problem with a hardware problem. If the laptop sees and connects to Wi-Fi, it is most likely that wifi setup on windows laptop 7 won't be useful. The Internet may not work for various reasons. The router may burn out, the Internet cable on the roof may fray, or the router settings may be lost. A pet has chewed the cable or it has simply moved away from the nest. In such cases, you should contact your provider or service center.

Unlikely, but the distance between the router and the computer may play a role. When there is a connection, but the signal is so weak that the network constantly breaks down. In this case, the icon on the panel will have the “connected” status. You can check this by moving the router closer to the computer or vice versa.

Specifics of Lenovo laptops

The developers at Lenovo took care of the consumer and added the ability to use hot keys without pressing the FN button. This means that you can turn on Wi-Fi by simply pressing the F5 button.

What didn't work out? Oh, those Lenovos! It turns out that on some models, such as the G580, the F5 button is set to enable airplane mode.

We will treat it like this:

• Open “START”;
• Then “Control Panel”;
• Go to the “Device Manager” tab;
• Expand the line “Network adapters”;
• The wireless controller will appear below;
• Right-click on it and select “enable”.

After which we rejoice and remember how to set up Wi-Fi on a Windows laptop.

Another victim is the Lenovo z50 laptop. Here, the software for the wireless adapter on Windows 7 has been invaded by “Poltergeist”. The Internet disappears when the PC is turned off or rebooted. Why reboot, just close the laptop lid.

The fact is that the driver starts itself only after the first installation. Next, it must be enabled manually, as shown in the example above. Because the software environment does not know how to turn on wifi after restarting Windows. Or find a more recent driver on the manufacturer's website.

Wifi does not work when running on battery

The standard laptop settings on the seven launch a power saving mode when running on battery power. Another reason is when the system itself turns off the wireless network adapter.

Wifi card disabled on laptop

appearance of the laptop wi-fi module

A Wi-Fi module is a small board, the size of a matchbox, that connects to motherboard. Rare, but still real cases when no antennas are connected to the new laptop. In this case, the adapter simply will not be able to receive the router signal.

If you are not afraid to connect them yourself, then take a Phillips screwdriver and remove back cover laptop. It will be difficult not to notice the antenna. These are two wires, black and white, with a connector at the end for connecting to the adapter board.

Driver installation

These steps are more suitable for users who do not have a wifi driver or have installed the wrong one. The driver may be damaged or simply not suitable for this model. In such cases, it is better not to rely on the driver disk that comes with the laptop, although it may not be there at all. It is better to download a fresh driver, removing the old one first.

We follow the instructions (example - Lenovo):

X32 and x64 what are they?

It seems that everything was done correctly and the required driver was downloaded, but for some reason it does not install. There is such a thing as bit depth operating system. Let's skip the details, you need to know that there are two types: x32 bit and x64 bit.

To find out the bitness of your OS, you need to right-click on the “My Computer” icon and go to “properties”. Then find the line where “System type” is indicated and download the required driver with the correct bit depth.

Viruses and programs that block wifi

It’s easier than ever to introduce viruses to your computer these days. Especially if you visit malicious sites and download programs and games from there. You should also not connect media that you doubt about to your laptop.

It happens that viruses block the Internet. But antiviruses can’t always cope. You can, of course, try to cure your PC using various antivirus programs, cleaners and holy water. Which in turn takes a lot of time and is not a guarantee that it will be successful.