Why cant a Desktop be connected to a router like a laptop can? Why does it need a cord?

A wired connection requires less hardware (ethernet connections are generally built into the motherboard, while a wireless connection often requires an additional card) and is potentially more secure, both of which decrease cost. Wireless connections can also suffer from interference, decreased stability and less bandwidth than a wired connection.

Here's a more thorough look:
http://www.howtogeek.com/217463/wi-fi-vs.-ethernet-how-much-better-is-a-wired-connection/

Basically, you can connect to your router through either Wifi (which uses radio waves) or a Local Area Network (which uses an ethernet cable). Laptops have had Wifi cards for ages because it made it more convenient to get online from coffee shops etc., but there was an assumption for a long time that desktops wouldn't need them because they would stay in once place and be near the router. Now, especially for home computers, it's becoming more common to have Wifi on desktops (as well as printers etc.). It's just more convenient.

Phillipe, another reason that you see most office desktops connected by a cable is due to smoother flow of information, less data traffic (basically, a faster transfer speed between the computer and the server).

If anyone is able to answer your question, could you please give them credit, which also lets people know that you question was answered, by clicking on the up arrow to the right of the post

Given the choice I'd always choose a physical connection rather than a wireless (WIFI) connection, for the follwing reasons:

1. Speed - A physical cable connection is generally much faster than wireless.
2. Reliability - Wirelsss connections are suscepible to interferance from walls, microwaves etc
3. Security - Wireless communication can be easily intercepted, especially if it has not been setup securely.

The desktop was used only as an example. A desktop can certainly use a wireless ethernet connection just like a laptop, however in situations like an office or a computer lab where a number of computers are wired to a switch, they will tend to be desktops.

Most desktops don't have the hardware that a labtop does in order to obtain a wifi signal. If you really wanted to though you can actually get a wireless adapter card and install it on the motherboard of your desktop. Then you install the program that the card usually comes with and then just like a labtop, you will be able to get wireless connection networks. I feel like this is the answer to your question. But like everyone says, a cable is a better alternative if you have that option.