Right, so I have this wireless adapter - Edimax EW-7811UN Wireless 802.11b/g/n 150Mbps Nano USB Adaptor: Amazon.co.uk: Computers & Accessories
On Windows 7 I plug it in, install the EDIMAX driver and have no problems.
On Windows 8 I plug it in and it works WITHOUT the need for the EDIMAX...