Updated: May 17, 2026 | Reading time: approx. 2 minutes
Normally, ALFA WiFi USB adapters should work automatically without requiring manual driver installations on Windows 10. Windows detects the adapter and installs the necessary drivers in the background.
Switching Between WiFi Adapters
Once the ALFA USB adapter is connected, it appears as an additional WiFi device. Click the network icon in the Windows taskbar. You will see a selection field (usually named WiFi 2 or WiFi 3).
Click the small arrow in the dropdown menu to switch between your PC’s internal WiFi module and the external ALFA WiFi USB adapter.
Connecting to a Network
Select the external ALFA adapter. You will now see all available WiFi networks detected by the powerful adapter. You can connect to your desired network just as you normally would.
FAQ: ALFA WiFi Adapters on Windows 10
Do I need a driver CD for Windows 10?
Usually not. Windows 10 already includes the appropriate drivers for almost all common ALFA chipsets (like Realtek or Ralink) and installs them via Plug & Play.
How do I know the ALFA adapter is being used?
Make sure you have selected the second WiFi interface (often "WiFi 2") in the Windows network dropdown menu. Only then will your PC transmit via the external ALFA antenna.