A wireless adapter is a device that allows a computer or other electronic equipment to connect to a Wi-Fi network. It eliminates the need for physical cables like Ethernet cables by enabling a connection with a router or wireless access point. Wireless adapters are commonly used in desktops, laptops and other devices that don’t have built-in Wi-Fi connectivity. By reducing the need for cables, wireless adapters help free up clutter around your computer desk or gaming desk.

There are three main types of wireless adapters: external USB adapters, internal PCIe (Peripheral Component Interconnect Express) cards for desktop PCs, and built-in/embedded modules that can be found in MacBook models, Windows laptops, Chromebooks, Copilot+ PC laptops and gaming laptops. USB adapters are designed for portability and can be easily plugged in when needed. PCIe cards are designed for high-performance desktops and internal Mini PCIe/M.2 cards are designed for laptops.

When choosing which Wi-Fi adapter you need, start by prioritizing adapters that deliver Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 7 speeds. Consider an adapter with external antennas if you want to maximize your Internet coverage range. If you want stable performance for things like playing video games or streaming content, consider a PCIe card. For portability and easy installation, consider a USB adapter. Whichever adapter you choose, make sure it matches your router’s capabilities and your operating system.

To identify a wireless adapter for Windows computers, the easiest way is to use the Windows Device Manager. Type “Device Manager” into the Windows search box and expand the “Network adapters” section. Look for entries containing “Wireless,” “Wi-Fi,” or 802.11 to find the right model number of your adapter. You can also use the Settings Menu to identify a wireless adapter. Go to “Settings,” then go to “Network & internet” and select “Advanced network settings” to view active adapters. For Apple computers, you can use the built-in system information tools. Click the Apple icon at the top left corner of the screen and then select “About This Mac.” Next, go to “System Report” and under the “Network” section, select “Wi-Fi.” From there you can find the card type and the firmware version.