A computer wifi problem

[tallyho8]

I rather post this computer question here than on a computer website because we have many computer experts on TBN and they usually give me a better answer in layman's terms that are easier for me to understand.

I am replacing an old computer for my wife and having problems with the new one I got which is a Dell with Windows 10. I had the old computer on wifi to my router because my router does not have another plug to plug it into. But I can not connect the new computer to wifi. I go to Settings, wifi, Show available networks, and none of my 3 available networks show up. Why would these networks not show up? Is there something wrong with this computer or is it just my lack of knowledge?

 

[DarkBlack]

You wouldn’t happen to have airplane mode enabled?
That would be an easy fix

 

[Roadworthy]

Be sure you know the correct name for your router / network. You may be seeing it and it's not named what you think it is. Of course when you're able to see it you'll need the correct password to access it.

 

[JeepHead]

You may have your wifi SSID broadcasting disabled.. If your laptop's wifi is turned on and you are not seeing the SSID, try manually adding it and see if you can connect.

 

[drssg]

You might try clicking the big blue Wi-Fi button to turn off Wi-Fi. Wait a little bit and turn it back on again. That has worked for me at times.

 

[tallyho8]

I did not mention that it is a PC, not a laptop. No airplane mode. I am not seeing any names of networks. On my computer, I see names of 3 networks and the same on my phone.

 

[LittleBill21]

most pc's don't have wifi cards installed. can you link the model you bought?

 

[kthompson]

If it does not have a wifi card in it you can get one that plugs into a USB port. I am using one on tower and it is two interior walls away and about 40 feet at least. Now there is a door in each of those walls. I use my wife a lot as much of my work is on the web.

 

[drssg]

If your other computer and phone are seeing the Wi-Fi connections, then the router setup should be OK. I think a good starting point would be to confirm that there is a wireless networking device in the new computer.

Go to Start - Windows System - Control Panel - Network and Sharing Center. Click on Change adapter settings. Look for an entry that says Wi-Fi.

 

[RustyA]

My desktop I had to add the USB device that includes a little stubby antenna. Most desktops assume a hardwired internet connection is available. Added the USB Wi-Fi device 2 years ago and it's working great.

 

[nikdfish]

Is the new machine WiFi frequency the same as your network (probably 2.4ghz or5 ghz)?

 

[tallyho8]

most pc's don't have wifi cards installed. can you link the model you bought?

How do you tell if a wifi card is installed?

If your other computer and phone are seeing the Wi-Fi connections, then the router setup should be OK. I think a good starting point would be to confirm that there is a wireless networking device in the new computer.

Go to Start - Windows System - Control Panel - Network and Sharing Center. Click on Change adapter settings. Look for an entry that says Wi-Fi.

I did that as the attached photo shows after I clicked on "start this connection" the box popped up at the right bottom of the screen that says "change settings such as having the connection metered".

 

[LittleBill21]

How do you tell if a wifi card is installed?

I did that as the attached photo shows after I clicked on "start this connection" the box popped up at the right bottom of the screen that says "change settings such as having the connection metered".

yea that photo shows you don't have a wifi card installed. that "wifi" is not it, thats a ppoe connection thats been renamed.

you need something like this.

Amazon.com

 

[LittleBill21]

 

[tallyho8]

yea that photo shows you don't have a wifi card installed. that "wifi" is not it, thats a ppoe connection thats been renamed.

you need something like this.

Amazon.com

I ordered one. Thanks to everyone for their help.

 

[drssg]

Just for future reference, another option is to buy a network switch. You could plug this into your router to provide more ethernet connections.

Amazon.com