WiFi networks aren't showing up on your PC.
WiFi networks aren't showing up on your PC.
I assembled my own computer about six to seven months ago. I soon realized I had overlooked buying a Wi-Fi card. Still, I planned to use Ethernet, so I let it fade from my mind and have relied on it ever since. I recall the Wi-Fi icon being turned off and no networks showing up. Yet, after resetting my PC for another unrelated reason, I was given the choice to connect to Wi-Fi. Only one network appears—an unfamiliar telecom name that isn’t my provider’s. Oddly enough, in the Wi-Fi settings, the only recognized network is listed as our actual connection, even though it can’t be joined. I’m puzzled about why I get the option to connect to Wi-Fi at all, even though my PC lacks a built-in Wi-Fi card. Ideally, I’d like to be able to link to Wi-Fi if I ever move away from a convenient Ethernet port. It feels strange that one random network shows up while others vanish completely. If helpful, the adapter is labeled as a Bluetooth device, specifically the Edimax Wi-Fi N150 USB Adapter.
You're observing a situation where the device appears to have both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi capabilities, yet only one network connection is active. It might be related to your existing Ethernet connection, which could prioritize it over the wireless options. Checking your network settings on the PC would help clarify which connection is being used.
It seems you're having trouble with your message. To connect the Wi-Fi adapter, try placing it on a USB port that's easily accessible, not the back panel. This may not match the speed of a dedicated Wi-Fi card, but testing different ports and positions could help achieve better results.
Of course, I’d need a WiFi antenna either way. The gap between the back and the top of the PC wouldn’t make much of a difference since it’s already close to the modem.
Okay, my apologies, my understanding of your problem was incorrect. Better un-mark my previous post as the solution. It sounds like you're missing the Wi-Fi radio drivers. Install them from here and see if Wi-Fi works like it should. You should definitely be picking up a wireless network right beside your Wi-Fi access point. Edit: Looks like the Realtek RTL8188EUS chip inside of it only supports 2.4 Ghz , not sure if you're only running 5 Ghz Wi-Fi access points, but that could explain some of the behaviour. Looks like there's a driver version also hosted on Windows Update , but it probably is an optional update you would have to install separately from the main updates.
I set up the drivers you shared and initially received an error message similar to 'System Incorrect Version.' It seemed the site only offered drivers for Windows 7, 8, and 10, not my current Windows 11 system. I tried running the application file again just to capture the error screen, but after a second attempt it functioned properly and then prompted me to restart my computer. Once restarted, the same mysterious Wi-Fi network showed up briefly, along with the names of two smart bulbs, likely for connection purposes. Still, I’m not sure how to avoid detecting nearby networks, even those just a few meters away.