Solve Many Common WiFi Problems With a USB WiFi Adapter

Solve Many Common WiFi Problems With a USB WiFi Adapter

USB Wireless Adapter

This article was updated on March 26, 2024, and is for both Windows 10 and Windows 11 users.

We frequently receive questions from folks who say they are not able to connect to their wireless network (WiFi); that Windows keeps turning WiFi off; or that sometimes their computer connects to WiFi and other times does not. And sometimes they report that other computers and internet-connected devices in their home are fast but their laptop/desktop computer’s internet connection is slow and sometimes unstable.

A lot of people blame their WiFi troubles on Windows updates. And while it is true that there have been some problems with Windows updates causing problems with Wi-Fi connections, it’s rare and most oftentimes temporary. It is far more likely, especially if you’re using an older laptop or desktop, that the PC’s wireless card is not working as it should.

No matter the age of your computer – if your computer’s wireless card is starting to fail and you’re having problems connecting to your wireless network, or your internet speed is slow compared to other computers and internet-connected devices in your home, you have three basic choices:

1.) You can buy a new laptop or desktop. If you choose this option you will be spending far more than you need to just to fix a wireless connectivity problem.

2.) You can buy a new wireless adapter. If you choose this solution, you’ll have to buy the wireless adapter, disassemble your computer’s case, remove the old wireless adapter, install the new wireless adapter, and then put your laptop or desktop back together. Or else pay someone else to put in the wireless card. If you choose to buy a wireless network adapter and have someone else install it for you, this option may cost you $100 or more.

3. You can buy a USB WiFi adapter. It’s the easiest, most cost-effective way to upgrade an older computer’s WiFi wireless adapter. And choosing a USB WiFi adapter, you can upgrade your older computer’s wireless capabilities, and that can make a big difference for your Internet connection. A USB WiFi adapter is by far the most cost-effective and easiest way to fix your Wi-Fi woes caused by an older wireless card.

What Does a USB WiFi adapter do?

A USB WiFi adapter overrides the computer’s built-in wireless card. If you’re using an older laptop, a USB WiFi adapter can give you a faster, more reliable, updated WiFi connection. Most USB WiFi adapters are plug-and-play which means you just plug the USB WiFi adapter into a USB port and install the software that comes with it (if any), connect to your wireless network and you’re done.

What kind of USB WiFi adapter do you need & how much will it cost?

If you do a lot of streaming (Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu, etc.) or online gaming, you should choose a Wireless USB adapter with a data transfer rate of 500 Mbps or more. And be sure to choose a dual-band adapter since they work on both the 2.4GHz band as well as the 5GHz band. The 5GHz band offers a faster, more reliable connection with less susceptibility to interference.

Prices range from $7 and up. You should be able to find a good 500+ Mbps, dual-band USB wireless adapter in the $15-$30 price range.

Here is a driver-free, 600 Mbps USB Wireless Adapter for $15 from Amazon.

Here is a 600 Mbps USB Wireless Adapter for $13 from Walmart.

Here’s a dual-band, brand-name, USB WiFi adapter for $18 from Amazon.

If you have an older desktop or laptop and are having problems connecting to, finding, or staying connected to your wireless network – or if your computer is not that old but your Internet speed is not what it should be and your ISP has checked everything out and found no problems, a USB Wireless Adapter may be all you need to boost your speed, get rid of dropouts and other WiFi woes without spending a lot of money.