How to Connect a PC to a Wi-Fi Extender

Tips for improving your computer's Wi-Fi signal

By Cameron Thomas Eittreim
Updated on April 3, 2022
Reviewed by
Chris Selph
Chris Selph headshot
Reviewed by Chris Selph
Chris Selph is a CompTIA-certified technology and vocational IT teacher. He also serves as network & server administrator and performs computer maintenance and repair for numerous clients.
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This article explains how to connect a Wi-Fi extender to your PC using Wi-Fi Easy Connect technology.

How to Set Up a Wi-Fi Extender

The Wi-Fi extender plugs into a power outlet in your home and rebroadcasts an existing wireless signal. Ideally, you want to set the Wi-Fi extender up in a central location in your home but in a different place from your router.

  1. Plug the Wi-Fi extender into an outlet in a central location of your home.

  2. The Wi-Fi extender should begin to flash rapidly on the green LED lights in the front of the unit.

  3. Assuming both devices support the Wi-Fi Easy Connect standard, scan the QR code on the Wi-Fi extender, then scan the QR code on your router.

    Alternatively, press the WPS button on the Wi-Fi extender, then press the WPS button on your router.

  4. You should notice two new networks show up with the name of your original Wi-Fi network, except now there will be a 2GHZ and 5GHZ attached to the end of the network name.

    Select either of these networks and you will be prompted to enter a password.

    2G and 5G extended networks in Windows Wi-Fi settings

  5. The network password will be the same password you already use on your main Wi-Fi network.

  6. Now you will be connected to the extended network.

  7. The Wi-Fi extender successfully cloned your original Wi-Fi network and rebroadcast the signal around your home.

Can You Use a Wi-Fi Extender With a PC?

A Wi-Fi extender rebroadcasts an existing wireless signal, which means you can use a Wi-Fi extender with virtually any tech device, including a PC. The network will have a stronger signal in areas of your home where it was weak before. The process of setting up the Wi-Fi extender does not require a PC.

Why Won’t My Computer Connect to My Wi-Fi Extender?

If the boosted Wi-Fi connection isn’t showing up correctly or connecting, there are a few things you will need to check.

  1. Check the original connection to make sure the internet is active. Sometimes there can be an internet outage, and you might not realize it.

  2. Make sure all the correct cables are connected to the router, such as the Ethernet cable.

  3. Make sure the Wi-Fi extender is using a good outlet. A power strip is not a sufficient enough power source for a Wi-Fi extender.

  4. If you can't connect by scanning QR codes, it's essential to press the WPS buttons on the Wi-Fi extender and the router simultaneously. Failure to do so will result in the two devices not connecting.

  5. Make sure your PC’s Wi-Fi is turned on. A slight mistake can cause a significant headache when setting your new extended network up.

FAQ
  • What is the difference between a Wi-Fi repeater and a Wi-Fi extender?

    Rather than expanding your existing network, Wi-Fi repeaters create a separate network on your router to boost the signal. The downside is that the new network shares bandwidth with the original, which slows down all connected devices.

  • What is the best Wi-Fi extender?

    Top-of-the-line Wi-Fi extenders include the Netgear Nighthawk X4 EX7300 and Netgear Orbi RBS50Y. More budget-friendly options include the Netgear EX3700 and the TP-Link RE505X.

  • How do I use a router as a Wi-Fi extender?

    If you want to use a router as a Wi-Fi extender, connect your old router to your main one via Ethernet and place it in AP Mode. Or, switch into Repeating Mode to use it as a Wi-Fi repeater. You can also turn a laptop into a Wi-Fi extender.

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