What to Know

• Plug your phone into your computer with a USB cable.Then, set up tethering on your phone.
• Android:Settings>Network & internet>Hotspot & tethering>USB tethering.
• iPhone:Settings>Cellular > Personal Hotspot > Personal Hotspot.

This article explains how to get Wi-Fi on a desktop PC using just a smartphone.

How to Connecta Computer to Wi-Fi With a Phone

Most computers come with two straightforward ways to access the internet: Ethernet and Wi-Fi. If those options aren't available to you, a third method you can use is tethering.

With USB tethering, your phone becomes the Wi-Fi adapter for your computer. All you have to do is plug your phone into the PC and then set up tethering. You'll be online in no time!

Here's how to set this up:

Before you start, make sure Windows is up to date and that your phone is using the latest OS that it can run.

1. Connect your phone to your PC with its USB cable, preferably the one that came with your phone when you bought it.

   If your phone asks, give the PC permission to access it.

2. Connect your phone to Wi-Fi if it isn't already.

3. Open your phone'sSettingsapp and turn on the tethering feature:

   • Google Pixel:Network & internet>Hotspot & tethering>USB tethering.
   • Samsung Galaxy:Connections>Mobile Hotspot and Tethering>USB tethering.
   • Apple iPhone:Cellular>Personal Hotspot>Personal Hotspot.
   

Your computer should now have internet access! To confirm on Windows 11, either open any web page or go toSettings>Network & internet>Ethernet-it should sayConnected.

Your computer views this as a wired connection, which is why it registers your phone's Wi-Fi connection as Ethernet. Your PC is still ultimately using Wi-Fi.

How Do I Connect My Old Desktop to Wi-Fi Using Internet Sharing?

If you have an older laptop with an Ethernet connection, there is another method you can use for connecting your desktop PC to Wi-Fi: Internet sharing.

You'll need to connect your laptop to your chosen Wi-Fi network and then connect it to your desktop with an Ethernet cable.

Can a PC Connect to Wi-Fi Without Ethernet?

Ethernet is how computers connect to the internet through a wire. But it's not necessary and can be limiting, especially if you use a laptop.

Another way to connect your computer to Wi-Fi is by following the tethering directions we've included above. A big disadvantage, however, is that your phone is always necessary. It has to be attached to the computer at all times (unless you opt for wireless tethering).

The best way to connect an older computer to Wi-Fi is with a Wi-Fi adapter. These are relatively affordable and super convenient. When you get a USB Wi-Fi adapter, the only other necessary component is an open USB port.

FAQ

• How do I connect to Wi-Fi on a Windows 7 desktop?

  To connect a wireless network in Windows 7, go toStart>Control Panel>Network and Internet>Network and Sharing Center. SelectConnect to a network, choose your wireless network from the list, and selectConnect Automatically>Connect. If prompted, enter the network password.

• How do I connect a Dell desktop to Wi-Fi?

  To access Wi-Fi on your Dell desktop, your computer must have a wireless network adapter built-in, or you'll need to connect an external Wi-Fi adapter. To connect to your wireless network, go to the Windows taskbar and select thewireless networkicon. Next, choose your Wi-Fi network >Connect > enter the correct Wi-Fi password, and then follow any other additional prompts.