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The Linksys wireless adapters enable wireless connectivity for Windows-based laptops or desktop computers. Manual installation of the Linksys wireless adapter is done if the setup CD is lost, misplaced or not available.
To set up a Linksys wireless USB adapter, you need to perform two (2) steps:
i. Connecting the adapter
ii. Installing the driver
NOTE: Before starting the installation process, make sure that your Linksys wireless adapter is compatible with your computer’s operating system. To see a list of adapters compatible with a Windows Vista computer, click here. For a list of adapters compatible with Windows 7, click here.
Follow the instructions below for each type of adapter:
USB adapter
PCI adapter
PCMCIA adapter
NOTE: The product image may differ from one model to another.
Step 1:
Power ON your computer and connect the USB adapter to any available USB port.
NOTE: USB adapters can be used for both desktop and laptop computers.
Step 2:
Check if the LED indicator on the USB adapter is lit up. When the adapter is plugged into a computer’s USB port, the LED should light up.
NOTE: When the network adapter is properly connected to the computer, the LEDs indicate the status of the connection. Otherwise, this could mean that the device is not properly connected to the port. To resolve LED issues on your adapter, click here.
PCI adapters are used for desktop computers. Before connecting a PCI adapter, remove any CDs or disks from the drives and shutdown your desktop computer. Make sure that it is unplugged from the power outlet.
Step 1:
Open your computer’s case and locate an available PCI slot. Check with your computer’s manufacturer for instructions.
Step 2:
Slide the adapter into the PCI slot.
NOTE: Make sure all of its pins are touching the slot’s contacts. You may need to apply a bit of pressure to slide the adapter all the way in.
NOTE: If the antenna is attached to the PCI adapter, unscrew it before plugging it to the computer.
Step 3:
After the adapter is set firmly in place, secure its fastening tab to your computer’s chassis with a mounting screw then close your computer’s case.
Step 4:
Attach the external antenna to the adapter’s antenna port and make sure the antenna is positioned upwards at a 90º angle. This will ensure optimum wireless operating range and performance.
Step 5:
Power ON your computer.
NOTE: The Power LED of the adapter should light up. Otherwise, this could mean that the device is not properly connected to the port or slot. To learn how to resolve this issue, click here.
PCMCIA adapters are used for laptop computers. Before connecting the PCMCIA adapter, remove any CDs or disks from their drives and shutdown your laptop. Make sure that it is unplugged from the power outlet.
Step 1:
Locate an available PCMCIA slot on the side of the laptop.
Step 2:
Insert the adapter into the PCMCIA slot. Make sure all of its pins are touching the slot’s contacts. You may need to apply a bit of pressure to slide the adapter all the way in.
NOTE: The Power LED of the adapter should light up when the adapter is plugged in. Otherwise, this could mean that the device is not properly connected to the port or slot.
QUICK TIP: To check if your network adapter is working properly, click here for instructions.
After inserting your adapter to your computer, you may proceed with the following:
Installing the driver after a pop-up appears
Installing the driver using the Device Manager
NOTE: Before you begin, make sure that you have downloaded the correct driver for the adapter that you want to install. To know how to download the latest drivers from Linksys Support Site, click here.
Installing the driver after a pop-up appears
NOTE: In case the pop-up doesn’t appear, click here for more instructions.
Step 1:
Once the network adapter is plugged in, a Found New Hardware window will pop-up. Click on Locate and install driver software (recommended).
Step 2:
The next instruction you will see is to insert the disc that came with your wireless network adapter. Click on I don’t have the disc. Show me other options.
Step 3:
Click Browse my computer for driver software (advanced).
Step 4:
Click the Browse... button.
Step 5:
Locate the folder for your driver.
NOTE: In this example, VISTAX86 is selected for WUSB54G v4.
Step 6:
Click Next.
Wait for the computer to install the driver software.
Step 7:
Click Close.
Your driver software is now installed. To learn how to update the driver of your network adapter, click here.
Installing the driver using the Device Manager
In case the Found New Hardware window doesn’t pop-up, you may search for your driver on your computer using the Device Manager. Choose from the operating you are currently using:
Step 1:
On the Start screen, hover your cursor to the upper-right corner of the screen. Click on the Search icon.
Step 2:
On the Search field, enter “control panel”.
Step 3:
Once the All Control Panel Items window open, locate and select Device Manager.
Step 4:
On the Device Manager window, locate Other Devices. Expand this device by clicking on the Flag 
icon. You should be able to see your Linksys adapter model.
NOTE: In the example below, a Linksys AE3000 adapter will be configured. The adapter has a yellow warning icon which means that it is has been detected by the computer but is not yet configured properly to be fully functional.
Step 5:
Right-click the device and select Update Driver Software… from the menu.
Step 6:
Select the folder of your adapter's driver. Click the Browse… button to launch the Browse For Folder window. Once the driver folder is selected, click OK.
NOTE: If the driver is not available on your computer, you may download it from the Linksys Support Site. For detailed instructions on how to download the latest driver of your Linksys wireless adapter, click here.
Step 7:
Wait until the installation of the Linksys adapter driver is completed.
NOTE: Do not unplug your Linksys adapter and avoid turning off your computer at this time.
Step 8:
Once the installation is successful, the Windows has successfully updated your driver software message will be displayed. Click the Close button to exit.
Your driver software should now be updated.
Step 1:
Click the Pearl 
icon and enter “Device Manager” in the Start Search field. If you are using Windows XP to access Device Manager, click here.
Step 2:
Under Other devices, right-click on the name of the adapter that you want to install and click the Update Driver Software…option.
NOTE: In this example, we are using the Wireless-G USB Network Adapter.
Step 3:
In the How do you want to search for the driver software? window, click Browse my computer for driver software.
Step 4:
In the Browse for driver software on your computer window, click Let me pick from a list of device drivers on my computer.
Step 5:
Click Network adapters under Select your device’s type from the list below. Click Next.
Step 6:
In the Select Network Adapter window, click the Have Disk… button.
Step 7:
In the Install From Disk dialogue box that appears, click the Browse… button.
Step 8:
Locate and select the driver folder that you have previously downloaded and then click Open.
NOTE: In this example, we choose VISTAX86 folder with the .inf file.
Step 9:
Click OK.
Step 10:
Click Next.
Wait for the computer to complete the installation of the driver software.
Step 11:
A window will appear saying Windows has successfully updated the driver software. Click Close.
The adapter is now installed and may already be used to connect to wireless networks.
Troubleshooting Tips
If the device was not successfully installed, you may do the following:
Related Articles:
Uninstalling a Linksys wireless adapter driver
Checking if the Wireless Adapter is Properly Installed
Resolving an inactive wireless network adapter
Encountering problems when installing or updating the wireless adapter drivers
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