How To install a WiFi Dongle on Windows

A member may not be getting adequate internet connection to their desktop or laptop over wifi and want a stronger antenna to connect to their router.

Prerequisites: Must have a WiFi dongle, a router that is outputting a WiFi signal, and a Windows computer

Difficulty Level: Member • Nerd • Platypus

Estimated Time: <10 Minutes

Expected Outcome: Your device will be able to connect to WiFi

Tools Required: The WiFi dongle

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Steps to Perform 

USB-TYPEA
  1. Plug the USB dongle into your computer, preferably into a USB Type A 3.0 port (shown
     here)
    1. Note that the UBS Type A 3.0 is blue
  2. Wait for drivers to automatically install for the dongle, or manually install drivers if the dongle came with a CD-ROM or an additional USB drive. 
    1. Note that if neither of those options work, you can go to the manufacturer's website and find the drivers there
  3. In your device's network configuration settings set the dongle as your default internet adapter
    1. To get to the network configuration settings, right click the WiFi symbol in the bottom right corner of your task bar and select "Network and Internet Settings"
  4. Select your home network from the list of available connections and connect to the internet
    1. If you have a password for your network (and we recommend that you should) you will need to re-enter it at this time
  5. Double check that the connection strength is satisfactory