Hi all. I'm not exactly a computer geek, so I apologize if this is a stupid question. We just moved my dad into a seniors apt. and they have free WiFi for his use. Unfortunately, his computer is a desktop Acer from 2015 and was previously hooked up to Ethernet cable and doesn't seem to have WiFi capability. Any simple solutions?
Adapter to allow WiFi on 2015 Acer desktop?
- Thread starter drfeelgood
- Start date
There are plenty of WiFi cards that can be inserted into the desktop PC. Suggestions depend entirely on which version of (presumably) Windows he has and the exact model of the desktop (to determine what types of slots are available). There are also USB-based units available that would be more agnostic as far as OS and hardware.
sounds like a USB WIFI card is the ticket.
If he is far from a wireless router, a wireless router that does client mode is a good choice.
I would make 100% sure it doesn't have wifi capability from the factory before you spend any money. Wifi adapters have been standard issue on laptops, even cheap ones for years now. What does it say under 'Network adapters' under Device Manager?
I just bought this and it works great, it was plug and play for both Windows and Linux Mint installs.
Amazon.com: TP-Link USB Wifi Adapter for PC N150 Wireless Network Adapter for Desktop - Nano Size Wifi Dongle Compatible with Windows 10/7/8/8.1/XP/ Mac OS 10.9-10.15 Linux Kernel 2.6.18-4.4.3 (TL-WN725N): Computers & Accessories
Buy TP-Link USB Wifi Adapter for PC N150 Wireless Network Adapter for Desktop - Nano Size Wifi Dongle Compatible with Windows 10/7/8/8.1/XP/ Mac OS 10.9-10.15 Linux Kernel 2.6.18-4.4.3 (TL-WN725N): USB Network Adapters - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases
www.amazon.com
right he has a desktop. you even quoted it.
If the wifi signal isnt real strong.. consider a usb wifi with external antenna.
since its a desktop it wont get in the way.
14.99
Amazon.com: TP-Link AC600 USB WiFi Adapter for PC (Archer T2U Plus)- Wireless Network Adapter for Desktop with 2.4GHz, 5GHz High Gain Dual Band 5dBi Antenna, Supports Win10/8.1/8/7/XP, Mac OS 10.9-10.14: Electronics
Buy TP-Link AC600 USB WiFi Adapter for PC (Archer T2U Plus)- Wireless Network Adapter for Desktop with 2.4GHz, 5GHz High Gain Dual Band 5dBi Antenna, Supports Win10/8.1/8/7/XP, Mac OS 10.9-10.14: USB Network Adapters - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases
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+1
This would be the way to go.
Get one that comes with an extension cable so it can be moved around. The back of a desktop isn't the best place for reception.
Amazon.com: USB WiFi Adapter for PC Latest Long Range Stable Signal 1200Mbps Wireless WiFi Dongle USB 3.0 2.4G/5G 802.11ac Network Adapter with Dual Antenna for Windows XP/10/8/8.1/7/Vista Mac 10.6-10.15,Linux: Computers & Accessories
Buy USB WiFi Adapter for PC Latest Long Range Stable Signal 1200Mbps Wireless WiFi Dongle USB 3.0 2.4G/5G 802.11ac Network Adapter with Dual Antenna for Windows XP/10/8/8.1/7/Vista Mac 10.6-10.15, Linux: USB Network Adapters - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases
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JHZR2
Staff member
A family member recently had a nearby lightning strike that failed their ethernet connection. They bought a TP-Link USB dongle and it seems to be quite fine.
Ah, so he did. My bad. I can't remember the last time I saw an Acer desktop in the wild if ever but lots of laptops and netbooks.
I have a USB WiFi adapter that works just fine. I just don't need it anymore. I will let you have it for free if you haven't already gotten one. Just PM me your name and address.
It is this one: https://www.netgear.com/home/products/networking/wifi-adapters/WNDA3100.aspx
It is this one: https://www.netgear.com/home/products/networking/wifi-adapters/WNDA3100.aspx
Wow, sincerely appreciate all the replies. Looks like a USB adapter is the thing to try and the computer still has 1 open USB port(Yay!) And thanks to DBMaster
Yup, and make sure the USB port as well as the USB hub are 3.0 at least, or else you'll be limited to about 20-25 MB/s of wi-fi throughput. Although OP's dad likely doesn't require anything faster than that.
I'm using this hub and wifi adapter at home:
Amazon.com: UGREEN 4 Port USB Hub 3.0 Data Hub with 3ft Portable Extension Cable High Speed Compatible for MacBook Air Mac Mini iMac Pro Microsoft Surface Ultrabooks Black: Computers & Accessories
Amazon.com: UGREEN 4 Port USB Hub 3.0 Data Hub with 3ft Portable Extension Cable High Speed Compatible for MacBook Air Mac Mini iMac Pro Microsoft Surface Ultrabooks Black: Computers & Accessories
www.amazon.com
Amazon.com: Wireless USB WiFi Adapter for PC - 802.11AC 1200Mbps Dual 5Dbi Antennas 5G/2.4G WiFi USB for PC Desktop Laptop MAC Windows 10/8/8.1/7/Vista/XP/Mac10.6/10.13, WiFi USB Computer Network Adapters : Electronics
Buy Wireless USB WiFi Adapter for PC - 802.11AC 1200Mbps Dual 5Dbi Antennas 5G/2.4G WiFi USB for PC Desktop Laptop MAC Windows 10/8/8.1/7/Vista/XP/Mac10.6/10.13, WiFi USB Computer Network Adapters: USB Network Adapters - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases
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It pushes 40- 50 MB/s (sustained) when transfering files within my home network, which is a lot faster than may laptop's own built-in wifi adapter, alas my laptop is 8 years old, so no surprise there.
The tp-link USB works very good. Also if you have any strong wifi from neighbors look at what channel theyre on and adjust yours to the unused quietest channel.
^^yup^^ and on desktops too.
If all else fails many of the USB options will in many cases be better then the built in, if range is an issue. But I find it hard to believe he has a desktop with no Wifi card, actually think its impossible but whatever ... *L*
OVERKILL
$100 Site Donor 2021
It's not unusual for desktops to lack WiFi, particularly business-style desktops.
