When purchasing a new laptop, there is usually an indication at the store or in the product literature as to the presence of a wireless card to let the computer connect to Wi-Fi networks, but if you buy a used computer, this information may be absent. Determining if a laptop is wireless capable is easy and can be done in just a few steps. These instructions will show you check whether you have an Apple or a PC notebook computer.
Instructions
Determine if a Windows Laptop is Wireless Capable
1. Turn on your computer and open the "Start" menu.
2. Right click on the "My Computer" icon.
3. Select "Manage" from the menu.
4. From the tree on the left, click on "Device Manager."
5. Look for the "Network adapters." There should be a plus sign to the left of it. Click on the plus (+) sign to expand the menu.
6. Look for the words "Wireless Network Adapter" next to any of the devices listed. If you do not see a wireless adapter, you do not have the ability to connect to a Wi-Fi connection with your laptop.
Check if a Macbook is Wireless Capable
7. Go to the apple menu in the main tool bar.
8. Click on "About This Mac."
9. Click "More Info."
10. Look for a wireless card under AirPort. If you see one, your Apple notebook has a wireless card installed.
