Raspberry Pi 5 -- Start up USB Wifi Dongle on boot

[Swamp Thing]

I bought a USB WiFi adapter that I want to use on a Raspberry Pi 5 running RP OS.

It works fine if I plug it in after booting, but doesn't start up automatically on boot. It does get listed by lsusb after booting.

How can I set it up so that it consistently starts up and connects to my router on each bootup?

 

[Borg]

Doesn't the Pi 5 come with WiFi capability built in? Why would you need a separate adapter?

 

[Swamp Thing]

The onboard adapter has a smaller range than the dongle. The dongle has an antenna like the ones on routers etc. and has a somewhat greater range.

 

[Brad Bartlett]

It might also help to mention the exact USB Wi-Fi adapter model or chipset. Some adapters need additional firmware or drivers on Raspberry Pi OS, and that information could make it easier to determine whether the issue is related to the hardware or the boot process.