Windows

How to Verify WiFi 6 Support on Windows 11

Written by

Richard

Aug 15, 2022 Updated Apr 16, 2026 3 min read

WiFi 6 is the latest standard for wireless internet. It offers faster speeds, better range, and improved security for your home network. Windows 11 is built to support this technology, but your computer’s hardware must also be compatible.

Why check for WiFi 6? You want to make sure your computer can take full advantage of your modern router’s speed and security features.

What happens when done? You will know for certain if your wireless adapter is capable of using the 802.11ax standard, or if you are currently connected to a WiFi 6 network.

Check for Windows Updates

Before checking your hardware, ensure your system is up to date. Click the Start button, go to Settings, select Windows Update, and click Check for updates. Learn more about updating your system here How to update Windows 11.

Check Hardware Compatibility

You can use the Command Prompt to see if your wireless card supports the WiFi 6 standard.

Open the Command Prompt (run as administrator).
Type the following command and press Enter:
netsh wlan show drivers
Look for the line labeled Radio types supported.
If you see 802.11ax, your hardware supports WiFi 6.

Command prompt displaying wireless driver details to verify WiFi 6 support

Check Your Current Connection

You can also check if you are currently using a WiFi 6 connection while connected to your network Learn how to connect to a WiFi network.

Click the WiFi icon on your taskbar or go to Settings > Network & internet > WiFi.
Select Manage WiFi connections.
Click Properties next to your current network name.
Look for the Protocol field. It will display WiFi 6 (802.11ax) if you are actively connected via the WiFi 6 standard.

Windows 11 settings menu showing manage known networks for WiFi connections

Summary

WiFi 6 improves your internet performance and security. By using the command netsh wlan show drivers, you can confirm if your computer hardware is compatible with this technology. If your adapter supports 802.11ax, you are ready to enjoy the benefits of faster, more secure wireless networking.

How can I check if my Windows 11 PC supports WiFi 6?

To check if your Windows 11 PC supports WiFi 6, open Command Prompt and run the command 'netsh wlan show drivers'. Look for 'Radio types supported' and see if it includes '802.11ax'.

What is WiFi 6 and why is it important?

WiFi 6, also known as IEEE 802.11ax, is the latest wireless standard that offers improved performance, better coverage, and enhanced security compared to previous standards. It is important for ensuring faster internet speeds and more reliable connections, especially in crowded environments.

Do I need to update Windows 11 to use WiFi 6?

Yes, it's essential to have the latest version of Windows 11 installed to ensure compatibility with WiFi 6. You can check for updates by going to Settings > Windows Update and selecting 'Check for updates'.

How do I find out if my wireless adapter supports WiFi 6?

You can find out if your wireless adapter supports WiFi 6 by visiting the manufacturer's website and checking the specifications of your adapter. Alternatively, you can run the 'netsh wlan show drivers' command in Command Prompt to see the supported radio types.

What should I do if my PC does not support WiFi 6?

If your PC does not support WiFi 6, you can either upgrade your wireless adapter to one that does or continue using your current setup with older WiFi standards. Keep in mind that while you may not benefit from WiFi 6, your connection will still work with existing WiFi networks.

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Tags: #Windows 11