WiFi isn't showing up on the laptop unless you're within one meter of the router.
WiFi isn't showing up on the laptop unless you're within one meter of the router.
Check the Networking sub-forum regarding USB connections. You'll notice many complaints about overheating devices, slow speeds, or malfunctions. M.2 cards are reliable. Just because someone's laptop overheated doesn't mean all USB cards fail. I've seen people use USB WiFi products without satisfaction. The main issue is that the AC chipset gets very hot—laptops usually have better cooling. PCIe cards with heatsinks tend to perform better. Those heatsinks are there for functionality, not appearance. Don't let one bad experience define your opinion; most users still prefer quality adapters.
Only this laptop exhibits this behavior, and it applies to all your wireless gadgets as well.
Make sure you're okay with it. Gently open the chassis—your antenna may have been disconnected from the Wi-Fi card. The image below serves as a reference. These SMA connectors can be tricky to handle.