How to Setup Linksys Router Without CD

Suppose you want to set up your Linksys wireless router without the CD. In that case, you will have to first gather all the essential equipment like a Linksys wireless router, an Ethernet cable, a computer or a laptop, a modem, and a power adapter. Make sure you place the router in a proper area.

Now, the process of setting up a Linksys wireless router is similar to that of any other router, where you have to look for the login credentials in the router manual to access the router interface. You also have to visit the official Linksys support site, look for your router's model number, and download the correct hardware version for your router.

Setting up Cables

The basic and initial step, surely in this process is configuring and connecting the hardware. It's easy. Follow the steps for connecting the cables;

Set up your connection via a cable/DSL/ADSL modem

Connect the ethernet (network) cable from the modem into the Internet port of your router ( usually marked yellow on Linksys routers).There are four LAN ports for connecting computer and one Internet port for modem only.

Make sure to connect the modem and computer to the right port to get connected, so you can get access to the Linksys router setup page

When you get connected, You will perceive four lights, Power, WAN, wireless and Ethernet.

If you are done with properly connecting your hardware, we will move further to set up your network

Setting up the Network

Review the DHCP IP Address on Your Computer.

Open the command prompt. Type ipconfig and tap Enter. You will see different IP addresses. Watch for the Default gateway for Local Area connection or Local network Adapter. These are the numerals you will need to access the router web interface for setting up network.

192.168.1.1 is the default IP address of almost all the models of Linksys Wifi router.

Now , Open your web browser and enter the default IP address in the address box ( 192.168.1.1).

Turn off the firewall in case you are getting issues opening the Linksys router setup page{The IP login credentials can vary from region to region.In case of connecting issues, Contact your Internet Service Provider}.

You will now lead to the Username and password dialogue box.The default username is “admin” and the default password is also “admin”.In case the default password is not working, You can reset the device to the factory default.

You will now be directed to the Linksys router setup page. This is the Web interface of the router and it will succour you customize the router settings.

Customizing the network settings- Once you are done with your basic settings, You will have to customize or modify your network settings.
Proceed to the Wireless tab to change your network's name (SSID).

Revamp the Configuration View to Manual. Here, rename linksys to whatever name you like. You can adjust the network mode in these settings too. If your router aids it, and if you have devices that are capable of wireless-N, we would recommend you to go ahead and set the mode to that. It's the fastest. Otherwise wireless-G is fine.


Reviewing security settings for the network-Proceeding to the next step, let's set up the security for the network. Those who want to join the network will need to enter a password. This is completely unlike your router's password which you enter to get to these settings.

Once you have set the network's password, You don’t need to customize it. It will provide convenience to people in your house, who know your network's  Password and will now be able to access the network. For security purposes, It is recommended to change it.

Open the Wireless tab and go to Wireless Security. It is highly recommended to use the strong WPA2 Personal encryption, because it works with most devices, while giving you the ideal and flawless security.{ Do not choose WEP as it is very easily hackable}

Select only WPA2 Personal from the drop-down and assign your password.Save the settings. You now have a password shield network.

The last and final step is to secure your router’s settings. To configure the router password, Just go to the Administration main tab. Here you can edit the Router Password and retype it.

Save the settings, and you're ready to go!

You have now set up your linksys router. Also you have a functioning wireless Internet connection in your house, that is completely protected! It doesn't even require a CD to setup the router.

Also Read:

Linksys Router Setup Without CD FAQ

Q1. Can I set up any Linksys router model without using the CD?<- Ans: Yes, every modern Linksys router can be set up without a CD. Simply connect your computer to the router using an Ethernet cable or the default WiFi network printed on the router label. Then open a browser and go to 192.168.1.1 to access the setup wizard. Linksys has moved away from CD-based setup entirely, so even older models can be configured through the web interface.<-
Q2. Do I need a computer to set up a Linksys router without the CD?<- Ans: No, you can set up a Linksys router using just your smartphone. Download the Linksys app from the App Store or Google Play, connect your phone to the default Linksys WiFi network printed on the label at the bottom of the router, and open the app. It will walk you through the entire setup process including creating your WiFi name and password, setting up a guest network, and configuring parental controls. The app method is actually easier and faster than using a computer or CD.<-
Q3. What if the Linksys setup page at 192.168.1.1 does not load during setup?<- Ans: If 192.168.1.1 does not load, first make sure your device is connected to the Linksys router either via WiFi or ethernet cable and not to any other network. Try typing the full URL http://192.168.1.1 in the browser address bar not the search bar. Clear your browser cache or try a different browser like Chrome or Edge. If it still does not load, open Command Prompt and type ipconfig to check your Default Gateway address — it might be 192.168.0.1 instead of 192.168.1.1 on some Linksys models. You can also try accessing the setup page at myrouter.local which works on newer Linksys routers.<-
Q4. Can I set up a Linksys router using just my phone without a computer or CD?<- Ans: Yes, download the Linksys App from the App Store or Google Play. Connect your phone to the default Linksys WiFi network printed on the sticker at the bottom of the router. Open the app and it will walk you through the entire setup including creating your WiFi name and password, setting up a guest network, and configuring parental controls. The app method is actually easier than using a computer and you do not need a CD or any cables to your phone.<-
Q5. What is the default WiFi name and password for a new Linksys router before setup? Ans: The default WiFi name and password are printed on a sticker at the bottom or back of your Linksys router. The WiFi name usually starts with LinksysSetup followed by a few random numbers or letters and the password is a random string of characters. Some newer Linksys models use a network name starting with Linksys followed by the last 5 digits of the serial number. You need these default credentials to connect to the router for the first setup. After completing the setup you should change both the WiFi name and password to something you can easily remember while still keeping the password strong.