How to disable the built-in Wi-Fi module in the computer (laptop, monoblock)?

Good afternoon. I have a PC with a built-in Wi-Fi adapter. I am interested in how to disable it in order to connect the external Wi-Fi adapter that I bought, that is, so that only the external one receives the signal, and the internal one does not interfere or conflict? Dell Inspiron 3668-1813.

Answer

Good afternoon. Sorry for the delay in answering your question.

The built-in Wi-Fi adapter (aka Wi-Fi module) in a PC (system unit), monoblock, or laptop can be disabled in at least two ways:

Method #1

You can disable the built-in Wi-Fi module programmatically, through the Device Manager in Windows. Launch Device Manager (Win + R and run the command mmc devmgmt.msc) and open the “Network Adapters” tab. The built-in Wireless module will be there. Right click on it and select “Disable Device”.

Disabling the built-in Wi-Fi module in your notebook or system unit

Once disabled, the system will not see the built-in adapter until you turn it back on in Device Manager. It is useless to uninstall the Wireless adapter built into your computer, after rebooting the system will most likely automatically install a driver for it and it will work again.

Method #2

You can disassemble the system unit, laptop, or monoblock and physically disconnect the Wi-Fi module. Most likely it is connected as a separate board. This is roughly what it looks like inside your Dell Inspiron 3668-1813:

Built-in Wi-Fi inside the PC system unit: How to disable it

Placed right on the motherboard. The Wi-Fi antennas are connected to it. If necessary, the module can be replaced with a more productive and modern one.

But if the computer is under warranty, I do not advise you to disassemble it. Or first call the manufacturer’s support (in your case Dell) and ask if it will affect the warranty.