Hello! Today we’ll look at enabling Wi-Fi on laptops that run Windows 7. For some reason, many people ask these questions. But as a rule, Wi-Fi on a laptop is turned on by default. That is, if the driver is installed, you can immediately connect to Wi-Fi networks. You don’t need to make any special settings, and you don’t have to turn on Wi-Fi on your laptop in any special way. No, of course, there are different cases and problems when you can’t connect to Wi-Fi without dancing with a tambourine. Now let's look at everything in detail.
If you are faced with the problem of turning on Wi-Fi, then your Internet connection status will most likely be like this:
If the network icon is simply crossed out with a red cross, then there are no Wi-Fi networks available for connection within the radius, or the wireless network is disabled. If you have exactly this status (icon), then I recommend watching these instructions: Before moving on to any instructions, let's figure out what is turning on Wi-Fi on a laptop, and turning on Wi-Fi on Windows 7 (in the operating system itself), these are different things. Therefore, I will divide the article into these two points. This will make it much clearer and easier to understand this issue. What is our main goal? That's right, connect to Wi-Fi networks. You can do it! Follow the instructions.
Before you go to any settings and fill your head with unnecessary information, try connecting your laptop to a Wi-Fi network right now. According to these instructions: . You may already have everything turned on, configured, and you will connect without any problems.
If something doesn’t work out, then watch this article to the end, or possible problems with the connection that I described in the article linked above.
Turn on Wi-Fi on a laptop: using a keyboard shortcut or a switch on the case
Almost every laptop: Asus, HP, Acer, Lenovo, Del, etc., has either a special switch or a keyboard shortcut that turns Wi-Fi off and on. Honestly, I don’t know how it is on other laptops, but on my Asus, pressing the FN+F2 key combination turns off all wireless modules. The pop-up window says "all wireless device on". Which means that all wireless interfaces are enabled or disabled. At the same time, Wi-Fi does not disappear.
These keys, or switches, should be checked only in extreme cases, when nothing else helps. And manage wireless connections from Windows. Since the combination of special keys does not always work, or they work, but not as needed.
On the same Asus laptop, to turn off or turn on Wi-Fi you need to press the key combination FN+F2.
On laptops DEL, this is the key combination Fn+F2, or Fn+F12. On HP- Fn+F12. Lenovo- Fn+F5 (or, look for a special switch on the laptop case). If you have Samsung, then these are the Fn+F12 or Fn+F9 keys. And on Acer- Fn+F3.
As I already wrote, a special switch can also be used to turn on Wi-Fi. Look at the case of your laptop.
And on the key that is used in combination with Fn, an antenna is usually drawn.
It is better not to touch these keys at all. As I wrote above, they do not always work adequately. And they are of little use. Everything is fine, in most cases, pressing the keys simply indicates to the system that the Wi-Fi adapter needs to be turned off.
Turn on Wi-Fi in Windows 7
Let's now figure out how to manage the wireless adapter in the operating system itself. Let's start with the most important thing. And most importantly, this is an installed, properly working driver for Wi-Fi (Wireless adapter). If there is no driver, then no matter how hard we try, we will not be able to turn on Wi-Fi. But first things first.
First, let's check if our adapter is enabled. To do this, right-click on the Internet connection icon (in the lower right corner), and select Network and Sharing Center. On the left, select Change adapter settings.
If near the connection "Wireless network connection" written "Disabled", then right-click on it and select Turn on.
After these steps, the Internet connection status should change. And if there are Wi-Fi networks available for connection within a radius, they will be displayed in a list that can be opened by clicking on the icon itself (the tray icon). You can select the desired network and connect to it.
If you do not have a “Wireless Network Connection” connection, then most likely you do not have the driver installed for the Wi-Fi adapter. Install the driver and everything will work.
Update: trying to enable the wireless network in the mobility center
To open the Mobility Center in Windows 7 you need to press a keyboard shortcut Win + X.
There should be a "Wireless" tab. Most likely you will have it disabled. Click on the "Enable Wireless" button.
It may happen that the wireless enable button in the mobility center is inactive.
From my experience, I can say that the reason is most often in the software. And most often it is in utilities that are responsible for managing wireless modules on a laptop, or the operation of function keys. Therefore, go to the laptop manufacturer’s website, in the support section, find the download page for your laptop model, and see if such utilities are available there. If there is, download and install them. You can also download the driver for Wi-Fi (Wireless) there and start its installation.
How to check the operation of the Wi-Fi adapter in Device Manager?
You can also go to the device manager and see if the adapter is there wireless network, and how it works. To open the device manager, do this: go to Start, then Control Panel. Select a section Equipment and sound. On the tab Devices and Printers click on device Manager.
In the manager, open the tab Network adapters. The Wi-Fi adapter has something like this: "Atheros AR9485WB-EG Wireless Network Adapter". You can navigate by word Wireless. You should have something like this:
If you see an arrow icon next to the driver, then right-click on the adapter itself and select Engage.
If the adapter is not in the device manager at all (usually there is only one network card driver), then you need to install the driver. Again, you can look at the article.
That's all the Wi-Fi settings in Windows 7.
After you finally connect to the wireless network, another surprise may await you - “No Internet access” error. I wrote about the solution to this problem in a separate article.
Currently, wireless communication technologies have found very wide application and WiFi networks are widespread both in public places and in users’ homes. This happened due to significant convenience, because in order to access the World Wide Web, there is no need to extend cables to the gadget, and device owners also have freedom of movement within Wi-Fi range without losing the connection to the network.
Therefore, a significant number of users are faced with the task of using Wi-Fi on their mobile devices every day. One of the most popular devices for working on the global network, of course, is a laptop with the Windows 7 operating system. Below we describe in detail instructions on how to properly connect the Internet via WiFi on a laptop with Windows 7, providing specific recommendations on what to do when the laptop does not see WiFi.
Basic requirements for a successful connection to a wireless network
Almost all modern laptops have the necessary functionality to connect to WiFi. Despite the huge number of laptop models produced by different manufacturers today, they all operate in accordance with the same communication standards. Basically, differences in settings depend on the version of the computer's operating system.
Sometimes the manufacturer provides special software for a more comfortable connection to wireless networks, but it is better and more reliable to master the configuration skill using Windows tools.
The main requirements for successfully solving the problem:
- The wireless communication device (adapter) built into the laptop must be activated;
- The current version of the WiFi device driver has been installed;
- The WLAN AutoConfig service is enabled.
How to turn on a Wi-Fi device on a laptop?
The method differs depending on the model and manufacturer of the laptop, so it is recommended that you read the documentation included with the PC. Usually there is a separate mechanical switch for the WiFi adapter on the laptop case. A characteristic icon indicating wireless communication must be drawn next to it. The user is only required to set this switch to the “On” position.
But if the computer owner, after carefully examining the device’s case, did not find such a switch, then the manufacturer has provided for activating the adapter using the keyboard, for example, the Wi-Fi sign will be displayed on one of the “F1 - F12” function buttons. To turn it on, you need to hold down the Fn key and click on the function key. The success of the procedure will be indicated by the activity of the WiFi indicator light, which is often located on the front panel of the laptop. 
Installing the latest driver for a WiFi device
Through the network of a mobile operator or via a wired connection to the global network, you need to visit the official resource of the PC manufacturer from your laptop and download the necessary software for the normal functioning of the built-in wireless device. 
Next, install the driver and restart the computer.
How do I enable the WLAN AutoConfig service?
You need to do the following several steps:
Connection procedure
In Windows 7, the entire process is carried out through a special network icon located in the system tray. In the figure below it is clear that by the appearance of this icon you can immediately determine whether the laptop is connected to Wi-Fi or not.
To connect to WiFi, the user will only need to complete the following few sequential steps:
Most common problems
- Often the network icon is not displayed in the tray. The problem occurs due to the following:
- Drivers are not installed or updated;
WiFi adapter is turned off.
Obviously, the first point can be solved by visiting the official Internet pages of the equipment manufacturer and installing the required software from there.
The second point, in addition to the method described at the beginning of this guide with activating the adapter using buttons, also sometimes requires activation through Windows 7 tools.
To this end, the following steps should be followed:
- If there is a characteristic red mark on the icon, this indicates that the Wi-Fi network is disabled. Basically in the “Seven” this happens for the following 2 reasons:
- The user did not turn on the Wi-Fi adapter via the button on the laptop;
Wi-Fi is deactivated in Windows Mobility Center.
The solution to the first problem has already been discussed in detail above. And to eliminate the second, you need to perform several of the following actions:
Having completed the above steps and connected to the wireless network, the next time you turn on the laptop, you usually do not need to do any of the above, since the PC will automatically log into this network. Connecting to a wireless network is the most convenient way to access the Internet at good speed without unnecessary wires
. However, to enjoy all the benefits of a wireless connection, you must first understand how to set up Wi-Fi on a laptop.
Enabling the adapter
Each laptop model has its own function key to turn the adapter on/off. For example, ASUS laptops use the combination Fn+F2, and Acer laptops use Fn+F3. On some Lenovo models, adapter status is controlled using a hardware switch located on the front panel. 
To determine which key you have installed, look at the F1-F12 row. One of the buttons should have an icon - an antenna that distributes a signal. Press this button in combination with the Fn key and check that the Wi-Fi adapter indicator light changes from red to blue or green.
What to do if the Wi-Fi adapter does not turn on?
There are situations when, after pressing a function key, the adapter does not turn on. Typically this problem occurs due to one of the following reasons:
- Incorrectly installed drivers.
- Incorrect operation of the system.
- Virus infection of laptop.
Until you eliminate the cause, the question of how to set up Wi-Fi in a laptop will not receive a positive resolution. Most often the problem is incorrect installed drivers, but it would also be useful to check the system for viruses. If no malicious applications are found, reinstall the Wi-Fi module drivers and try turning it on again.
How to set up Wi-Fi on a laptop
Setting up on Windows XP
To configure, you just need to correctly specify some parameters of the wireless connection:
If you have set a password for your wireless connection, you will be required to provide a security key, after which the connection will be established.
Setting up on Windows 7
We've sorted out XP, now let's see how to set up a wireless network on a laptop with installed Windows 7. There are practically no fundamental differences:
This completes the wifi setup on a Windows 7 laptop. When connected, you enter the security key and gain access to the Internet.
For Windows 8.1 or Windows 10 there are no differences in settings from the seventh version. The list of networks available for connection can be called up directly from the notification panel - there is a special Wi-Fi icon in the tray.
Video of Wi-Fi settings on a laptop
Setting up a WiFi connection in Windows 7 is not difficult at all.
In the tray, on the “Network” icon, you need to click on the left mouse button and then, in the menu, select one of the WiFi access points, click on it, and then click the “Connection” button:
Enter the password, click "OK" and if the password is correct, then in half a minute or a minute the connection will be established. The network icon in the tray will change its appearance, and if you click on it, the one you connected to will be highlighted in the list of networks:
In this case, Windows 7 will set all other parameters, except the password, for a new connection automatically.
But there is another way to create a wifi connection to the Internet, it is a little more complicated, but it allows you to manually specify some parameters of the new connection. On the same network icon in the tray, you need to right-click and then select “Network Center” from the menu:
Then, in the dialog box, select manual settings:
In the next window, enter the access point name, security and encryption type, and password:
After this, the created connection will be available through the network icon in the tray.
If you need to change the settings of a connection that has already been created, then to do this you need to press the left button on the network icon, and then the right button on the connection you want to change and select “Properties” from the menu:
In the dialog box you can change connection parameters:
How to use wifi
Using wifi is very easy. Once you have created a connection, you can turn it on and off through the network icon in the tray. However, you need to understand that the ability to use wifi greatly depends on external factors. Because the radio signal is affected by the external environment. Various obstacles such as walls, ceilings, floors weaken both the signal of the access point and the signal of the client device. Windows shows the signal strength from the access point in “sticks”. The pictures at the beginning of the article show the signal level of one or two short sticks. This is a very weak signal. With such a signal, you most likely will not be able to use the Internet.
There are programs that show the signal level in numbers - dBm, for example 60 dBm or 40 dBm. The higher the number, the weaker the signal - a good signal is a number less than 50 dBm. However, you need to understand that the accuracy of such numbers varies depending on the adapter and the driver of this adapter. Under the same conditions, one adapter may show, for example, 71 dBm, and another adapter 82 dBm.
In addition to passive barriers, the quality of wifi signal transmission can be negatively affected by sources of electromagnetic radiation.
In situations with a poor signal, using an adapter with an external antenna can help. For example, the TP-Link TL-WN722N/C USB wifi adapter is equipped with an external antenna. Moreover, it is removable and, if necessary, can be replaced with another one with a higher gain.
What does presence give external antenna? Continuing the same example - under equal conditions - the same access point, the same time and place of connection, the presence of passive barriers between the access point and the client - as a result, a weak signal in both directions:
- The internal “native” wifi adapter of the laptop connects to the access point, but practically does not provide the ability to use the Internet due to low speed and frequent interruptions.
- TP-Link TL-WN722NC with its own antenna provides a stable Internet connection at a good speed.
If wifi doesn't work
If your computer does not have a "Wireless Network Connection" the reason may be as follows:
- There is no wifi adapter on your computer at all. You can find this out through Device Manager. There should be a wireless network card in the list of devices.
- There is a wifi adapter on your computer, but it is disabled. For example, many laptops have buttons to turn off the wifi adapter. This can be a separate button or one of the F buttons in combination with the Fn button. If the wifi adapter is built into the motherboard, it can be disabled in the BIOS.
- There is an adapter, but no drivers are installed for it, in this case it will be in the list of devices as an unidentified device.
- There is an adapter, but it is disabled by software.
If "Wireless Network Connection" is present, it shows a list of networks, but cannot connect to the desired network, then the reason may be that:
- The signal between your adapter and the access point is too weak.
- Long distances, thick walls, etc. Moreover, the signal level of the access point may be decent, but the signal from your adapter does not reach the access point. Because the adapter signal is generally weaker than the access point signal. Especially if the adapter is built-in, such as in a laptop.
You entered the wrong password. This is especially true for Windws XP because the password characters cannot be seen there.
- If the connection to the access point is established, but the Internet does not work, then the reasons may be:
- Wifi router (access point) is not connected to the Internet. For example, a technical failure at the provider, or a lack of funds in your account with the provider.
Technical failure in the operation of the provider's DNS servers.
Home WiFi networks
Since when using wifi, all information is transmitted via radio waves, this makes wifi networks much more vulnerable compared to wired networks. The fact is that radio signals sent by the access point (wifi router) and devices that are connected to the access point are available for interception by any similar device that is within the “hearing” radius of the access point or from the client of this access point. That is, intercepting network traffic becomes very simple, affordable and invisible. And intercepting network traffic allows you to collect the information necessary to attack a wifi network. As there are more and more access points, wifi increases and the number of people who want to “hack” the wifi network increases.
The most common motivation for hacking wifi hotspots is to connect to the Internet via wifi for free. A fairly common picture today is that you have a wifi router installed in your apartment and not only your devices are connected to it, but also the computer of one of your neighbors. You pay for the Internet, and your tech-savvy neighbor gets the Internet for free.
But “theft” of the Internet is not the only reason why wifi networks are “hacked.” The fact is that if an attacker gains access to your access point, through it he can gain access to all devices that are connected to your wifi router. And this gives him the opportunity to steal your personal data. For example, passwords to mail, to online banking, your documents - in one word, to everything you own.
Therefore, you need to use wifi with caution. Here are a few rules to follow.
Do not connect to open public wifi networks through a laptop on which you store valuable information. And if you need access to the Internet via open wifi networks, then use a firewall and antivirus on your laptop. It’s even better if you install two operating systems on your laptop. One main one, in which all your valuable information will be stored. And the other is empty, only for accessing the Internet through open wifi networks.
If you use a wifi router at home or in the office, you must configure the wifi router correctly:
- Use WPA2 security type.
- The password for protection should be long - preferably 50 - 60 characters, and should consist of an arbitrary set of characters. Password marina1234 very bad - it will be hacked in a few minutes. Password