This guide is a complement to Quick Installation Guide. The Quick Installation Guide
instructs you on quick Internet setup, and this guide provides details of each function
and shows you the way to configure these functions appropriate to your needs.
When using this guide, please notice that features of the adapter may vary slightly
depending on the model and software version you have. All screenshots, images,
parameters and descriptions documented in this guide are used for demonstration
only.
Conventions
In this guide, the following conventions are used:
Convention
Blue Italic
Blue
Note:
Tips:
Description
Hyperlinks are in blue italic. You can click to redirect to a website or a specific
section.
Contents to be emphasized and texts on the web page are in blue, including the
menus, items, buttons, etc.
Ignoring this type of note might result in a malfunction or damage to the device.
Indicates important information that helps you make better use of your device.
More Info
• The latest software and utility can be found at Download Center at http://www.tp-link.
com/support.
• The Quick Installation Guide (QIG) can be found where you find this guide or inside
the package of the product.
• Specifications can be found on the product page at http://www.tp-link.com.
• A Technical Support Forum is provided for you to discuss our products at http://forum.
tp-link.com.
• Our Technical Support contact information can be found at the Contact Technical
Support page at http://www.tp-link.com/support.
1
Chapter 1
Get to Know About Your
Adapter
This chapter introduces what the adapter can do and shows its appearance.
This chapter contains the following sections:
• Product Overview
• LED Status
Chapter 1
Get to Know About Your Adapter
1. 1. Product Overview
TP-LINK’s Wireless USB Adapter connects your notebook or desktop computer to a
wireless network for applications such as lag-free video streaming, online gaming, and
secure Internet surfing. And the adpater has following features:
• Complies with IEEE802.11n, IEEE802.11g, IEEE802.11b standards
• Supports WPA/WPA2 data security, IEEE802.1x authentication, TKIP/AES encryption,
WEP encryption
• Supports maximum throughput rate up to 150Mbps for TL-WN722N
• Provides USB 2.0 interface
• Supports Ad-Hoc and Infrastructure modes
• Good capability on anti-jamming
• Supports roaming between access points when configured in Infrastructure mode
• Easy to configure and provides monitoring information
• Supports Windows, Mac and Linux
1. 2. LED Status
You can check the adapter’s working status by following the LED Explanation table.
Status
Off
Flashing SlowlyThe driver has been installed but no data is being transmitted or received.
Flashing QuicklyData is being transmitted or received.
The driver has not been installed.
The adapter’s radio has been disabled.
Indication
3
Chapter 1
Tips:
If the LED is off, try these troubleshooting tips:
1. Remove and reinsert the adapter.
2. Insert the adapter in a different USB port on your computer if one is available.
3. For Windows users, check the Windows device manager to see if the adapter is recognized and enabled. Reinstall
the adapter software, if necessary.
Get to Know About Your Adapter
4
Chapter 2
Connect to a Computer
Chapter 2
Connect to a Computer
Before you begin using your adapter, insert the adapter into a USB port on your
computer directly or connect to the computer via the USB extension cable.
OR
TL-WN722N
150Mbps
Note:
In Windows XP, a Found New Hardware Wizard window will appear when the adapter is detected. Please click
Cancel.
After connecting your adapter to the computer, please follow the instructions in the
appropriate chapter for your operating system: Windows, Mac OS X, Linux.
6
Chapter 3
Windows
This chapter introduces how to install your adapter’s driver and utility, use your adapter
to join a wireless network, manage your adapter, and uninstall your adapter in a
Windows system. The adapter is equipped with a Setup wizard, which can guide you
through the installation process.
This chapter includes the following sections:
• Install Driver and Utility
• Join a Wireless Network
• Management
• Uninstall Driver and Utility
Chapter 3
Windows
3. 1. Install Driver and Utility
To set up your adapter with several easy steps quickly:
1. Insert the resource CD into your CD drive and run the Autorun.exe from the pop-up
AutoPlay window. Select TL-WN722N and click Install Driver to begin.
2. Follow the step-by-step instructions of the Quick Setup to complete the initial
configuration.
8
Chapter 3
Windows
Note:
The default setup type is Install Driver Only. You can also select Install TP-LINK Wireless Configuration Utility and
Driver for more functions, such as joining a wireless network via TP-LINK Utility or WPS, and managing the adapter.
9
Chapter 3
Windows
10
Chapter 3
Windows
3. 2. Join a Wireless Network
You can join a wireless network via Windows built-in Wireless Utility. If you want to use
Option 2: TP-LINK Utility or Option 3: WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) to join a wireless
network, you need to install the TP-LINK Utility first.
Option 1: Windows Wireless Utility
You can use the Windows WLAN Autoconfig service (for Windows 7/8/8.1/10) and the
Wireless Zero Configuration service (for Windows XP) to join a Wi-Fi network.
Option 2: TP-LINK Utility
TP-LINK Utility lets you easily connect the adapter to a Wi-Fi network and manage the
adapter.
Option 3: WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup)
WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) is a network security standard for easily adding computers
and other devices to a home network. Use this method if your wireless router or access
point supports WPS.
3. 2. 1. Windows Wireless Utility
Follow the instructions in the appropriate section below to use your computer system’s
built-in wireless utility: Windows 7/8/8.1/10, Windows XP.
11
Chapter 3
Windows
• Windows 7/8/8.1/10
1. Click , or (Network icon) on the taskbar. Select the Wi-Fi network you want
to join, and click Connect. Enter the network password when prompted.
2. When the network icon changes to or , it indicates a successful network
connection.
Note:
If you do not want to enter the Wi-Fi password, you can also join a wireless network either by pushing the WPS or
QSS button on your router or AP, or entering the PIN of your router when the screen prompts you to do so.
• Windows XP
1. If you have not installed the TP-LINK Utility, go to step 2.
If you have installed the TP-LINK Utility, you need to switch to use the Windows
wireless configuration tool manually using one of the following methods.
Method 1: Right-click (TP-LINK Utility icon) on the taskbar. (If you do not see the
icon, click the hidden icons arrow on the taskbar.) Select Switch to Windows wireless
configuration tool.
Method 2: Open the TP-LINK Utility and select Advanced tab. Select Use Windows
wireless configuration tool. Click OK when it prompts.
2. Right-click (Windows XP Wireless Zero Configuration Utility icon) on the task bar,
and select View Available Wireless Networks.
3. Select the network you want to join, and click Connect. Enter your Wi-Fi password
when prompted.
3. 2. 2. TP-LINK Utility
1. Open TP-LINK Utility . The Network screen displays.
12
Chapter 3
Windows
2. Select the network you want to join from the list on this screen and click Connect. If
you want the adapter to automatically connect to the network next time, select the
Connect automatically checkbox. Enter your Wi-Fi password when prompted.
Note:
If your Wi-Fi network is not displayed in the list, you can try to join it by WPS or by adding a profile in the Profile
screen.
13
Chapter 3
Windows
3. 2. 3. WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup)
WPS can be activated via PBC (Push Button Configuration) and PIN code. Please refer
to PBCor PIN below.
• PBC
Option 1
1. Press the WPS/QSS button on your router or AP. Within 2 minutes, press and hold the
WPS button on the adapter until the following screen appears.
2. The following screen indicates a successful connection by WPS. Click OK.
14
Chapter 3
Windows
Option 2
1. Press the WPS/QSS button on your router or AP.
2. Open TP-LINK Utility and click WPS tab. Select Push the button on my access pointor
wireless router and click Connect.
3. The following screen indicates a successful connection by WPS. Click OK.
15
Chapter 3
Windows
• PIN
Option 1
1. Open TP-LINK Utility and click WPS tab. Select Enter the PIN of my access point or
wireless router. Enter the PIN of your router or AP. Click Connect.
Note:
The default PIN of your router or AP is printed on the product label of your router or AP. If you generated a new PIN
for your router, please enter the new one.
2. The following screen indicates a successful connection by WPS. Click OK.
16
Chapter 3
Windows
Option 2
1. Open TP-LINK Utility and click WPS tab. Select Enter the PIN of this device into my
access point or wireless router. The screen displays a PIN of the adapter, which is
generated randomly. Click Connect.
2. Log in to the Web Management page of your router or AP. Go to the WPS page, enter
the PIN of the adapter in the corresponding field and click Connect.
3. The following screen indicates a successful connection by WPS. Click OK.
17
Chapter 3
Windows
3. 3. Management
TP-LINK Utility provides you with an easy way to manage your adapter. It includes the
following sections:
Status - View the information of the current Wi-Fi network connection and of the
adapter.
Profile - Save or manage various connection settings of your Wi-Fi network.
Advanced - Turn on or off the SoftAP mode and power saving mode, switch between
TP-LINK Utility and Windows Wireless Utility (for Windows XP only).
SoftAP - Configure the settings of the network shared by your adapter, and view the IP
address of your adapter when it works on SoftAP mode.
About – View your adapter’s Utility version and its Driver version.
Open TP-LINK Utility and click the Status, Profile or Advanced tab to manage the
corresponding section of your adapter.
3. 3. 1. Status
You can view the IP address and MAC address of the adapter, the signal strength of the
Wi-Fi network, and other information of the network status as shown in the following
figure.
18
Chapter 3
Windows
3. 3. 2. Profile
The Profile screen lets you save and manage different Wi-Fi connection settings as
profiles so that you can quickly and simply connect to your network. Moreover, you
can join a hidden Wi-Fi network that does not broadcast its SSID by adding a profile,
provided that you know its wireless settings, such as SSID, security type, and encryption
type. For more details, please refer to the instructions below: To add a new profile, To
join a Wi-Fi network, To manage an existing profile.
19
Chapter 3
Windows
• To add a new profile
1. Click the Add button, and then a new window will open.
2. Complete the settings as shown in the following figure, and click Save.
Profile Name: Enter a name for your profile, such as Home, Office, Coffeehouse. Do not
enter the profile name that already exists.
SSID: Select your Wi-Fi network from the drop-down list or enter your Wi-Fi network
name manually.
Network Type: Select Infrastructure if you want to connect to a wireless router or an
access point. Select ad hoc if you want to connect to another wireless client, such as an
adapter.
20
Chapter 3
Windows
Infrastructure:
If you select Infrastructure, you are asked to select or enter the corresponding wireless
settings, which should be the same as those of your Wi-Fi network.
ad hoc:
If you select ad hoc, you are asked to configure the wireless settings for your network,
including choosing the security type, the encryption type and setting a security key.
Note:
As for Key Index, you can select ASCII or Hexadecimal format from the drop-down list.
ASCII_64 - Please enter 5 ASCII characters.
ASCII_128 - Please enter 13 ASCII characters.
Hexadecimal_64 - Please enter 10 Hexadecimal digits (any combination of 0-9, a-f, A-F, excluded space).
Hexadecimal_128 - Please enter 26 Hexadecimal digits (any combination of 0-9, a-f, A-F, excluded space).
• To join a Wi-Fi network
If you want to join a Wi-Fi network that listed in the profile screen, select the profile and
click Connect in the bottom right corner.
• To manage an existing profile
If you want to change the name or the wireless settings of an existing profile, select it
and click Modify of the Profile screen, then you can edit the settings of this profile. If
you want to delete a profile that you no longer use, select it and click Remove.
21
Chapter 3
3. 3. 3. Advanced
Windows
Select wireless configuration tool: In Windows XP, you can either use TP-LINK Utility or
Windows wireless configuration tool. While in other operating systems, since you can
use both TP-LINK Utility and Windows wireless configuration tool at the same time, this
function is disabled.
Wireless network adapter switch: If you’ve installed several adapters in your computer,
you can switch to another adapter among the drop-down list.
SoftAP mode: Once ON is selected, the adapter will work as an AP.
Power Save mode: Once ON is selected, the adapter will automatically reduce its power
consumption when not being used.
3. 3. 4. SoftAP
SoftAP is short for Software enabled Access Point. When the adapter works in SoftAP
mode, it allows the computer to create a wireless hotspot that other wireless devices
nearby can use.
To switch to SoftAP mode, right-click the utility icon on the task bar and select
Switch to SoftAP mode.
22
Chapter 3
Windows
After switching to SoftAP mode, the SoftAP icon appears in the utility. Click the SoftAP
tab, and complete the settings, then click Apply for the settings to take effect.
Soft AP mode: Select ON or OFF to enable or disable this function.
Internet Connecting Share(ICS): Select a network connection that can access to the
Internet from the drop-down list. For example, if your computer is connecting to
the Internet via an Ethernet cable, you should select the corresponding Local Area
Connection so as to share the network with other wireless devices.
SSID: Set a name for the wireless network shared by your adapter. The default is SoftAP.
Security Type: The security type here is set to be WPA2-PSK which is based on 802.11i
and uses AES (Advanced Encryption Standard).
Encryption Type: The encryption type here is set to be AES.
Security Key: Set a security key for the wireless network that shared by your adapter.
It is recommended that you specify another key instead of the default key 12345678.
23
Chapter 3
Windows
When another wireless device connects to the network shared by your adapter, it will
be asked to enter the corresponding security key.
IP Address: Displays the IP address of the adapter when it works in SoftAP mode. You
can also check if the network shared by your adapter is working properly by checking
this IP Address. For example, if the IP Address is 0.0.0.0, it means that the Internet
connection is failed.
3. 3. 5. About
You can view the adapter’s information in the About screen, such as the UI version
(Utility version) and the Driver version. Right-click (TP-LINK Utility icon) on the task
bar and select About, then the About screen displays.
3. 4. Uninstall Driver and Utility
The software uninstallation steps vary a bit in different systems, please follow the
appropriate instructions for your Windows operating system: Windows 8/8.1/10,
Windows XP/7.
• Windows 8/8.1/10
Uninstall driver:
Go to Start > Apps, find the TP-LINK application. Click
Driver, then follow the on-screen instructions to complete the uninstallation.
Uninstall utility:
Go to Start > Apps, and find the TP-LINK application. Click Uninstall - TP-LINK
Wireless Configuration Utility, then follow the on-screen instructions to complete the
uninstallation.
• Windows XP/7
Uninstall driver:
Go to Start > All Programs > TP-LINK > Uninstall - TL-WN722N Driver. Follow the on-screen
instructions to complete the uninstallation.
Uninstall -
TL-WN722N
24
Chapter 3
Windows
Uninstall utility:
Go to Start > All Programs > TP-LINK > Uninstall - TP-LINK Wireless Configuration Utility.
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the uninstallation.
25
Chapter 4
Mac OS X
This chapter introduces how to install your adapter’s driver and utility, use your adapter
to join a wireless network, manage your adapter, and uninstall your adapter in Mac OS
X.
This chapter includes the following sections:
• Install Driver and Utility
• Join a Wireless Network
• Management
• Uninstall Driver and Utility
Chapter 4
Mac OS X
4. 1. Install Driver and Utility
We take the steps in Mac OS X 10.10 as an example - the steps may vary slightly for
other versions of Mac OS.
1. Insert the CD and run it manually. Open the TL-WN722N folder.
Note:
The CD is included in the package. If your CD does not work or your computer doesn’t support the CD, you can also
download the driver and utility from the TP-LINK website (http://www.tp-link.com).
2. Open the Mac OS X Driver folder.
27
Chapter 4
Mac OS X
3. Double-click to unzip the Mac OS X
version
.zip file according to your computer’s
operating system. It will be unzipped into the Mac OS X Driver automatically.
4. Open the corresponding Mac OS X version folder, double click the Installer.pkg file
to open the installation wizard.
5. The Install TP-LINK Wireless USB Adapter Utility and Driver Wizard window will
appear. Click Continue and follow the wizard to continue the installation.
28
Chapter 4
Mac OS X
29
Chapter 4
Mac OS X
Note:
The language of this utility is in accordance with the language of your computer by default, and any change of it is
invalid.
30
Chapter 4
Mac OS X
31
Chapter 4
Mac OS X
6. After restarting the computer, the TP-LINK Utility icon will appear on the menu
bar in the upper-right corner of the screen. To use the utility to join a Wi-Fi network
with your adapter, refer to Join a Wireless Network.
Note:
If the TP-LINK Utility icon does not appear on the menu bar, make sure the USB wireless network adapter is
connected properly and its LED is on.
4. 2. Join a Wireless Network
There are two options of using the adapter to join a Wi-Fi network.
Option 1: TP-LINK Utility
TP-LINK Utility lets you easily connect the adapter to a Wi-Fi network and manage the
adapter.
Option 2: WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup)
WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) is a network security standard for easily adding computers
and other devices to a home network. Use this method if your wireless router or access
point supports WPS.
4. 2. 1. TP-LINK Utility
Option 1
Click the TP-LINK Utility icon on the menu bar, and choose a Wi-Fi network from it.
Enter the network password when prompted.
32
Chapter 4
When you are connected to the Internet, the network icon will change to .
Mac OS X
Option 2
1. Click the TP-LINK Utility icon on the menu bar, and then click Open Wireless
Utility at the bottom of the network list.
2. Select the network you want to join from the list and enter the network password
when prompted. Click Join.
Note:
If your Wi-Fi network is not displayed in the list, you can try to join it by WPS or by clicking Join Other on the above
screen, and then follow the on-screen instructions to join the network.
33
Chapter 4
Mac OS X
4. 2. 2. WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup)
WPS can be activated via PBC (Push Button Configuration) and PIN code. Please refer
to PBCor PIN below.
• PBC
Option 1
1. Press the WPS/QSS button on your router or AP. Within 2 minutes, press and hold the
WPS button on the adapter until the following screen appears.
2. The following screen indicates a successful connection by WPS. Click OK.
34
Chapter 4
Option 2
1. Press the WPS/QSS button on your router or AP.
Mac OS X
2. Within 2 minutes, click the TP-LINK Utility icon on the menu bar, and then click
WPS at the bottom of the network list.
35
Chapter 4
3. Click PBC.
4. The following screen indicates a successful connection by WPS. Click OK.
Mac OS X
• PIN
1. Click the TP-LINK Utility icon on the menu bar, and then click WPS at the bottom
of the network list.
36
Chapter 4
2. Click PIN.
Mac OS X
3. Within 2 minutes, log in to the Web Management page of your router or AP. Go to its
WPS page, enter the PIN of the adapter in the corresponding field and click Connect.
4. The following screen indicates a successful connection by WPS. Click OK.
37
Chapter 4
Mac OS X
4. 3. Management
TP-LINK Utility provides you with an easy way to manage various connection settings
of your Wi-Fi network.
1. Click the TP-LINK Utility icon on the menu bar, and then click Open Wireless
Utility at the bottom of the network list.
2. TP-LINK Utility will pop up. Click the Profiles button to open the Profiles screen.
38
Chapter 4
Mac OS X
3. The Profiles screen lets you manage different Wi-Fi connection settings as profiles
so that you can connect to your network easily.
PreferredNetworks displays the networks that you once connected to. The networks’
status and information are displayed on the table.
• To join a Wi-Fi network
If you want to join a Wi-Fi network that is listed on the profile screen, select the profile
and click Apply in the bottom right corner.
• To manage an existing profile
If you want to change the wireless settings of an existing profile, select it, and then
you can edit its Security and Password. If you want to delete a profile, select it and click
Remove.
39
Chapter 4
4. 4. Uninstall Driver and Utility
1. Insert the CD and run it manually.
Mac OS X
2. Go to TL-WN722N > Mac OS X Driver > Mac OS X
version
.zip > Uninstall.command.
3. As shown in the figure below, a command window will pop up. Please type the
password of the root user to uninstall the software.
4. Wait till the “Process completed” shows up, then the uninstallation is complete.
40
Chapter 5
Linux
Chapter 5
Linux
Visit the TP-LINK’s website at http://www.tp-link.com, and go to TL-WN722N’s product
page. Then find the compatible version of driver in the support page. Download and
install the driver on your computer.
42
COPYRIGHT & TRADEMARKS
Specifications are subject to change without notice. is a registered trademark
of TP-LINK TECHNOLOGIES CO., LTD. Other brands and product names are trademarks
or registered trademarks of their respective holders.