These fixes will help you get the Wi-Fi adapter powered on and connected to a wireless internet connection.
Why Wont My USB Wi-Fi Adapter Work?
Damaged or dirty hardware can also stop USB Wi-Fi adapters from working correctly.
Turn off Airplane mode.
If enabled, Airplane mode will disable all wireless connectivity.
If Wi-Fi is disabled, your USB Wi-Fi adapter wont be able to connect to the internet.
Check the Wi-Fi signal strength.
Check the Wi-Fi icon on your desktop to see how many bars the internet connection has.
Reconnect the USB Wi-Fi adapter.
Carefully unplug the adapter, wait several seconds, and then plug it back in again.
Check for dirt and damage.
Unplug the USB Wi-Fi adapter and inspect it for any dust on the inside of the USB connector.
Also, look for cracks or loose casing that could indicate damage.
A quick reboot could fix your USB Wi-Fi adapter problems in addition to a number of other computer issues.
upgrade your Windows PCor yourMac.
Installing the latest operating system update can address several problems, including whatever plagues the Wi-Fi adapter.
Try a different USB port.
The current USB port may be damaged.
Troubleshoot the USB port.
One quick method is to try a different USB machine.
Connect your setup to a power source.
Some laptops have trouble powering multiple USB devices simultaneously while running on battery power.
Use a powered USB hub.
Microsofts Surface Dockis one such unit that canconnect a Surface to multiple monitorsand various USB devices.
Remove the USB hub.
If you use a USB hub, unplug the USB Wi-Fi adapter and connect it directly to your gear.
Your USB hub may be blocking the connection.
On Windows,open equipment Managerand go toAction>Scan for hardware changes.
This may help your box detect and activate your USB Wi-Fi adapter.
turn on the Wi-Fi adapter.
In Windows, update the gear drivers for any USB adapters under internet adapters.
Uninstall and reinstall gadget drivers.
Once done, reboot your gear.
The correct driver should automatically download and install after the restart process has finished.
If it doesn’t work at this point, consider trying afree driver updater tool.
To do this, search Windows forservices.msc.
Also see to it the startup key in toAutomatic.
Reset your Macs System Management Controller.
Resetting the SMC can fix a number of issues including those that affect USB devices and Wi-Fi connectivity.
Disable USB battery saver.
Reset your data pipe prefs on MacorWindows.
Replace your USB Wi-Fi adapter.
Otherwise, you canpurchase a new USB Wi-Fi adapter.
Do You Need a USB Wi-Fi Adapter?
Tryconnecting to a Wi-Fi networkusing just your computers native hardware.
On iPhone, openSettings>Cellular>Personal Hotspot> turn onPersonal Hotspot.
Choose your Wi-Fi connection and enter the password if prompted, then selectDone>OK.
Note that the steps and menu names may differ for other smart TV models.
