Ever wondered about using the Internet from your PC wirelessly? Well, most desktop users are not aware of the different ways to connect their Desktop systems to the WiFi networks. Gone are the days when you have to use a cable to connect your Desktop Computer to the Internet. You can now connect a desktop to a Wireless network just like your laptop or mobile device. Yes, you heard that right. One can now easily connect their desktop to WiFi with no Cable or external hardware.
We all know the importance of the Internet. Our day starts with the Internet and ends with the Internet. Yes, we all are now covered by Internet-based devices and their related services. We can’t survive a single day without using the Internet. One can access the Internet on a mobile device easily using mobile data or by connecting their mobile device to an active wireless network. Connecting a laptop to a wireless network is also easier, you just need to enable the Wireless option and connect to the active network. But things are different for desktop users.
Most desktop users still use wired internet connections to access the web as they are completely unaware of the methods with which they can connect their computer systems to the Internet wirelessly. If you are using a desktop computer and are still using the same traditional wired connection, then this is the right time to switch to a wireless network. To help desktop users connect their computer systems to a wireless network without cable, we have prepared a detailed tutorial with multiple methods and step-by-step guidelines.
What are the Different Methods to Connect a Desktop to WiFi without Cable?
If you do not know how to connect a computer to WiFi without cable, then there are three different ways which you can try. Here, we have provided all three methods. It is up to you to decide which method is a good fit for you. Let’s get on to the different methods to connect a desktop to WiFi with no cable required.
To connect a desktop to WiFi, the first thing you will be required to do is to have a Wireless Router. Wireless Router is hardware that lets you connect multiple devices to the Internet wirelessly. The router generates a WiFi network with your preferred name and password. You can connect your laptop, computer system, mobile device, and all the other smart home appliances and smart home security devices to it.
Wireless Routers come in different ranges. If you already have a WiFi router installed, then you can directly jump on to the below-given methods to connect your desktop to the WiFi without cable. If you do not have a WiFi Router, then you need to first buy the router and set it up properly so that you can connect your Desktop to the WiFi signal to access the web wirelessly.
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How to Connect Computer to WiFi without Cable

Method 1: Built-in WiFi Adapter
Most desktop systems now come with an in-built WiFi adapter just like laptops. Yes, you need not have worried about the desktop adapter or external hardware to connect your desktop to the Internet. If you are using the latest desktop, then there is an in-built Wi-Fi adapter present. What’s the issue with the built-in WiFi adapter is they are of low quality and don’t give you the required boost. You have to compromise with the speed or have to face some unwanted connection issues if you go for the built-in WiFi adapter.
However, it is still the most preferred option by many desktop users as they can easily connect their desktop system to the WiFi network. This method doesn’t require you to have a cable or have special skills or knowledge about setting up an Internet connection. The built-in WiFi adapter acts like a normal WiFi connection that you use on your laptop or mobile device. We will guide you on how you can connect your desktop to the WiFi signal later in this article.
Method 2: PCI Card
PCI Card acts as external hardware for the desktop users to let them access the web wirelessly just like the laptop users. PCI comes as a card that needs to be inserted into the CPU of the desktop.
CPUs have special spaces to set up such external hardware to extend the functionality of the system. Since most computers now have built-in WiFi adapters, there is no need for using this card. But still, if you want to use it, you can insert it into the CPU and can start accessing the WiFi signals without a cable. A PCI card also lets you explore the different plans available in the market and you can easily buy a suitable internet plan to suit your basic needs of using its services.
Method 3: Via USB Ports
Did you know there are handy and compact-sized routers available in the market? Well, you can try out the handy routers to use the web without a cable or cable connection. Just plug the device into the CPU and start accessing the web.
The WiFi router comes with the ability to insert the SIM. Yes, you can use the standard SIM card and its data to surf the web wirelessly on your desktop. This is by far the most convenient method one can try out as it doesn’t need you to open up the CPU or have a special set up of things. Just take out the router, plug it into your Desktop’s USB port, make a connection using the app on your desktop. That’s all you have to do to connect a desktop without cable to the WiFi.
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How do I know If My System Already Has a WiFi Adapter?
Most desktop users are not aware of the existing WiFi adapter on their systems. To do so, you need to first check for the existing WiFi adapter on your system. The following steps will guide you on how to check if your system already has a WiFi adapter installed.
Steps to Check WiFi Adapter on a Computer Desktop

Step 1: Open Device Manager
Click the Start Menu from the lower-left corner of your desktop. In the search box, search for Device Manager and then select the Device Manager option from there.
Step 2: Select Network Adapters
The Device Manager page will show you the number of things installed available on your computer system. Scroll down the page and select the Network Adapters option. By selecting this option, the menu will be opened up for you.
Step 3: Check for the WiFi Adapter
As soon as you click the Network Adapters option, you will be presented with the different types of adapters present on your system. If you see the WiFi Adapter name there it means your system already has a WiFi adapter and you need not install one manually.
If there is no WiFi Adapter listed there, you need to buy yourself a USB WiFi Adapter which is more convenient than the PCI card. You can use this USB WiFi Adapter that will act like a standard WiFi adapter for your desktop.
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Frequently Asked Questions:
How can I connect my Windows 10 Desktop to WiFi?
You can connect your Windows 10 Desktop to a Wireless Network by following the below-given steps:
- Open Windows Menu by pressing the Windows Key or clicking the Windows icon from the lower-left corner.
- Type Settings in the search menu and open the Settings page of your Windows 10 system.
- Select the Network & Internet option by clicking on it.
- Click the WiFi option from here.
- Select the Toggle button to enable or disable the WiFi compatibility of your system.
- Enable the Toggle button, search for the nearby WiFi signal and connect it to the network by clicking on the name and then on to the connect button.
How can I connect my Mac to WiFi?
To connect a Mac system to an active WiFi signal, you need to follow the below-given steps:
- Go to the menu bar and click on the Wi-Fi icon.
- From the menu, click on the WiFi option to enable the WiFi.
- A list of the available networks will be presented as soon as you click on the WiFi option and enable it.
- Connect to the preferred network by selecting its name and entering the password associated with that network.
Do I have to enter the WiFi password every time I connect to the same WiFi network?
No, you need not enter the password of the same WiFi network again and again. You will be asked about the password only if you forget the network from the list and try to re-connect with the same network for security purposes.
Can I connect my PC without Ethernet?
Since you are connecting your Desktop to a WiFi network, you need not have an Ethernet connection. Ethernet is a wired connection that requires you to set it up properly and plug it into your computer system to have access to the Internet. You can access the WiFi signal using the WiFi adapter.
Which adapter should I go for, PCI or USB?
It depends on your requirements. If you want a fast and steady internet connection, then a PCI card is highly recommended. If you want a convenient way to set up a WiFi network for your desktop, then a USB WiFi adapter is a good choice for you.
How can I install WiFi Adapter on my PC?
You can simply follow the instructions given in the box of the Wi-Fi adapter. Some WiFi adapters come with simple plug-and-play functionality. If no instructions are provided, you can search for the same on YouTube for a detailed how-to guide.
Do I have to use an app or software to use the WiFi Adapter?
Yes, since you are using a third-party adapter, you will be provided with a CD or DVD and asked to install the software to use their services. Some adapters ask you to install their app to use it more conveniently.
How Can I Use My Smartphone to Access the web on a Desktop?
You can convert your Smartphone to a portable router by enabling the Wi-Fi Hotspot function. Just head over to the Settings option, search for WiFi Hotspot and enable this option. Go to the Desktop search for the WiFi network of your mobile phone and connect to it.
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The Bottom Line:
Desktops are a more convenient choice for all types of users. In fact, most professionals use desktops over laptops as they feel more confident while working on a desktop than a laptop. Since Desktops come with good quality WiFi adapters, you need not worry about the Internet connection.
We have explained the best methods to resolve how to connect the computer to WiFi without cable? Go through the given methods, follow the FAQs section to clear further doubts that you may have regarding connecting a Desktop to WiFi.
If you have any further queries, you can drop us in the comments section below this post. We would like to hear from you!