How to Enable Wireless in Windows XP

By Sam N. Austin

Updated February 10, 2017

You can easily enable wireless functionality in Windows XP.
i Thomas Northcut/Photodisc/Getty Images

Wireless connections in Windows XP require both hardware and software. The software component of wireless connectivity is enabled by default in Windows XP through the automatic wireless network configuration utility. However, the wireless network configuration utility may be disabled on your computer if, for example, third-party wireless management software has been installed. In that case, you can manually enable wireless in Windows XP through the Control Panel even if the wireless utility has previously been disabled.

Click the Start button, then click the "Control Panel" icon on the Start menu. This opens the Control Panel window.

Double-click the "Network Connections" icon.

Right-click the icon for your wireless network adapter in the Network Connections window, then click the "Properties" link in the context menu. This opens the Wireless Network Connection control panel.

Click the "Wireless Networks" tab in the Wireless Network Connection control panel. Check the box next to "Use Windows to configure my wireless network settings."

Click the "OK" button in the Wireless Network Connection control panel. This completes the process.

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