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How to Install an Internal PCIe Wireless Network Card (Add WiFi to a Desktop)

1. Locate an Available Small PCIe Slot

All internal add-on cards these days will be of the PCIe connection type, which has replaced the older PCI connection. PCIe slots come in different sizes, with the full length PCIe slots on a motherboard designed for graphics cards.

The smaller PCIe slots are for add-on cards like wireless cards. If your build has a large graphics card, it may hang over one of the smaller PCIe slots, in which case you would need to skip a slot and use the bottom PCIe slot (as is the case for our example build).

2. Remove Metal Bracket on Case

Once you know which PCIe slot to install the WiFi card, you need to remove the metal bracket on the back of the case that aligns to that slot by unscrewing it using a screwdriver and then removing it. This is so the rear bracket of your wireless card can fit through the back of your PC.

3. Insert Wireless Card in PCIe Slot

Remove the card from its box and the protective bag (keep the card in this bag until you're ready to install it), and pick it up by the metal bracket. Avoid touching the exposed green circuitry area, but handling the top or bottom of the actual card or the heatsink is safe (heatsink is the large black/grey part that sits on top of the circuitry).

Lower the card into your case and align the bottom connectors with the PCIe slot, and align the metal bracket with the rear of the case. Then gently push the top of the card all the way into the slot so that it's fully secure.

4. Secure Wireless Card to Rear of Case

Now screw the wireless network card securely to the rear of your case using 2 screws that you removed earlier. You want 2 screws on either side of the card's metal bracket so that the card won't wiggle around. Tighten the screws nice and tight using a screwdriver.

5. Attach and Position Wireless Card Antennas

All that's left is to install the antennas that came with your WiFi card. Simply attach them to the rear of the card into the metal holes. There might be caps protecting these holes which you need to first remove. Twist the antennas all the way in using your hands, and then angle/position them so that they're facing upwards (as in, perpendicular to the floor). This is generally going to be the best angle for wireless antennas.

Getting the Best Signal With Your Internal WiFi Card

If you get a weak signal from your internal wireless card, experiment with adjusting their position as perhaps you'll get a stronger signal if you position them horizontally instead.

You can also get an extension cable and base for antennas so that you can place them on your desk somewhere (the best wireless network adapters already come with these), but before that I would try positioning your PC so that the rear is facing towards where your router is because you want to avoid your router signal being obstructed by metal objects or other electronic devices (and your actual computer case could hinder that signal). 

If you get a poor wireless signal no matter what you try, then perhaps it's time to upgrade to a better router which can make a world of difference if you're stuck with an older model at the moment (or maybe it's your internet plan and/or ISP holding you back).

Related: How to Choose the Best Router for Gaming

6. Download Latest Wifi Card Drivers (Use CD if Needed)

The TP-Link T4E wireless card we installed for this particular PC build worked straight out of the box (plug and play) for a new PC build, meaning that we didn't have to first install drivers in order to access the internet with it and could finish the entire Windows 10 installation for that new build (including updates and downloading drivers) before actually going to the TP-Link website to download the latest drivers for the card.

Anyway, hope this WiFi card installation guide helped. Check out our full guide to assembling a PC for beginner-friendly advice and photos on installing any of your other PC components.

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