How to Verify WiFi 6 Support on Windows 11

Check for Windows Updates

Windows 11 needs a current wireless driver to report the card’s features correctly, and an old or generic driver can hide 802.11ax support. Follow these steps:

Click the Start button, open Settings, select Windows Update 🔃, and click Check for updates 🔃. Windows lists anything it finds and installs it. If it asks for a restart, restart before you continue. For driver updates, open Settings › Windows Update 🔃 › Advanced options › Optional updates and look for a driver entry for your network adapter. Learn more about updating your system here How to update Windows 11.

Check Hardware Compatibility via Command Line

A built-in network command prints your wireless driver details, including the radio types the card supports. This confirms whether your PC handles 802.11ax, and you don’t need to install any extra software.

1. Open the Command Prompt as administrator. Type cmd in the Start menu ⊞ search, right-click Command Prompt, and select Run as administrator. If Windows asks for permission, click Yes. A black window opens with a blinking cursor. [Requires Admin Privileges]
2. Type the following command and press Enter. Windows prints a block of text about your wireless driver:
3. netsh wlan show drivers (If you get an error that the wireless service is not running, the PC may have no WiFi 📶 adapter, or the adapter is turned off.)
4. Scroll through the output and find the line labeled Radio types supported. It lists every standard the card can use, for example 802.11n, 802.11ac and 802.11ax.
5. Check that 802.11ax is in that list. If it is, your hardware supports WiFi 📶 6. If the list stops at 802.11ac, the card is WiFi 5 or older. It can also mean the driver is outdated, so update the driver and run the command again before you decide the card is the problem.

Using Device Manager for Adapter Details

Device Manager shows the same information visually. You open your wireless card’s properties and look for 802.11ax settings. This is useful if you prefer a window to a command line. Device Manager also shows the exact card model, and the model name often gives the answer by itself. Intel cards with “AX” in the name, such as the AX200 or AX201, are WiFi 📶 6 cards.

1. Right-click the Start button and select Device Manager. A list of hardware categories opens.
2. Expand the Network adapters section. You should now see all network hardware, including Ethernet, Bluetooth 🔷 network and virtual adapters.
3. Right-click your wireless adapter (often labeled with Intel, Qualcomm FastConnect, or Realtek) and select Properties. Look for a name that includes “Wi-Fi 📶” or “Wireless”. A properties window opens for that adapter.
4. Go to the Advanced tab and look in the Property list for 802.11ax or Wireless Mode settings. If you find one, click it and check the Value box on the right. Don’t change anything here unless you know why. Driver settings vary by manufacturer, and some drivers don’t list an 802.11ax entry even on WiFi 📶 6 cards. If you don’t see one, use the Command Prompt method above.

Troubleshooting Missing WiFi 6

When 802.11ax doesn’t show up, the cause is usually an outdated wireless driver or a router setting. Get the newest driver from your computer maker, and check that your router has its fast mode turned on. Work through the items below in order. Restart the 🔄 PC after installing 💿 a new driver, then repeat the check.

• Driver Issues: Visit your laptop manufacturer’s website to download the ⬇️ latest network adapter drivers. The maker’s driver is often newer than the one Windows Update 🔃 offers. Install it 💿, restart, and run the Command Prompt check again.
• Router Compatibility: Ensure your router is actually broadcasting a WiFi 📶 6 signal. Some routers require you to enable 802.11ax mode in the router settings. A WiFi 6 PC connected to an older router will work, but only at WiFi 5 or older speeds, and Windows will show the older standard.
• WPA3 Security: Some WiFi 📶 6 features require WPA3 authentication. Check if your router is set to WPA2/WPA3 mixed mode. Mixed mode keeps older devices on your network working while letting newer ones use WPA3.

Check Your Current Connection

1. Click the WiFi icon on your taskbar or go to Settings › Network & internet › WiFi. Make sure you are connected to your WiFi 6 network first. The check only works for the network you are connected to right now.
2. Select Manage WiFi connections. The wording can differ slightly between Windows 11 builds. If you don't see it, click the name of your connected network on the WiFi page.
3. Click Properties next to your current network name. A page opens with details about the connection, such as security type and network band.
4. Look for the Protocol field. It will display WiFi 6 (802.11ax) if you are actively connected via the WiFi 6 standard. If it shows WiFi 5 (802.11ac) or an older standard, your card may support WiFi 6 but the router or the current connection does not, so check the router settings listed in the troubleshooting section.

Summary

Verifying WiFi 6 support on Windows 11 is simple. Use the Command Prompt or Device Manager to check your hardware, then check the Protocol field in Settings to see what your current connection uses. If the card supports 802.11ax but the connection doesn't use it, update the driver and check the router's settings.