Checking WiFi Signal Strength

[debodun]

How do I do that in Windows 7?

 

[file3456]

If you're indeed connected to a Wi-Fi signal then you should have an icon like this in the task bar below... or where ever you placed the task bar...

 

[debodun]

I only see this in my Taskbar:

 

[file3456]

You're not connected to a Wi-Fi signal... That's your Ethernet cable. If a Wi-Fi card is installed, unplug the Ethernet cable if you want to use Wi-Fi. But I recommend you stick to Ethernet if you can.

I should also mention that if you have a propitiatory Wi-Fi driver and its connection software installed, that too will show its version of a Wi-Fi signal bar. Usually Windows loads its own driver, but not all the time. You would need to use the Wi-Fi manufacture's driver software.

 

[samuria]

Use cmdline How to See the Exact Strength of Your Wi-Fi Connection in Windows

 

[debodun]

This is the router and modem that I have. Are they ethernet equipment?

 

[Bree]

How do I do that in Windows 7?

You seem to be connecting by Ethernet, if you're not connecting by WiFi Windows won't show any WiFi info. I assume your PC also has a WiFi card. If so, then this utility from Nirsoft can show all the WiFi signals around you, and their strengths.

WifiInfoView - WiFi Scanner for Windows 10/7/8/Vista

 

[debodun]

I doubt it has a WiFi card - it's a 12 year old computer.

I went to Device Manager (which I should have done first) and found it IS ethernet connected.

 

[MisterEd]

I doubt it has a WiFi card - it's a 12 year old computer.

I went to Device Manager (which I should have done first) and found it IS ethernet connected.

Since you have an Ethernet connection you could test your Internet speed. Do you want to do that?

12 years ago most desktop computers used an Ethernet connection. However, you could add a WiFi card if you wanted to. Today it is not unusual for a desktop computer to come with WiFi card in addition to Ethernet.

BTW, below is a WiFi PCI card that I bought at least 20 years ago. It came with drivers for Windows 98 & XP. The problem with old WiFi cards is that they are relatively slow. It is usually better to use an Ethernet connection if that is possible.

 

[debodun]

I can test the speed through my ISP web site. Thanks for all the info.

 

[Bree]

I doubt it has a WiFi card - it's a 12 year old computer.

I went to Device Manager (which I should have done first) and found it IS ethernet connected.

If you want to add WiFi you could use a USB dongle such as this one.

Archer T2U | AC600 Wireless Dual Band USB Adapter | TP-Link

 

[debodun]

Thanks for the tip, but as long as it's working, why invest more in a virtually antique desktop?