Want to know what Wi-Fi your computer can use? This guide shows you how to find out which Wi-Fi types your Windows 11 (or Windows 10) wireless adapter supports.
What is Wi-Fi Radio Type?
Wi-Fi is the technology that lets your computer connect to the internet without cables. Wi-Fi uses radio waves to send and receive data.
“Wi-Fi radio types” are different Wi-Fi versions your computer can use to connect. Each type has its own speed, range, and features. Common types are called 802.11a, b, g, n, ac, ax, and be.
Common Wi-Fi Types You Might See
| Wi-Fi Type | What It Means |
|---|---|
| 802.11a | 802.11a Works on 5 GHz band. Speed up to 54 Mbps. Has shorter range than 2.4 GHz types. |
| 802.11b | 802.11b Works on 2.4 GHz band. Speed up to 11 Mbps. Good range and can go through walls. |
| 802.11g | 802.11g Also 2.4 GHz. Faster, up to 54 Mbps. Compatible with 802.11b. |
| 802.11n | 802.11n (Wi-Fi 4) Works on 2.4 & 5 GHz. Speeds up to 600 Mbps. Better range and speed. |
| 802.11ac | 802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5) Mainly 5 GHz. Speeds over 1 Gbps. Supports many devices at once. |
| 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6) | 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6 / 6E) Works on 2.4, 5 & 6 GHz (6E only). Speeds up to 9.6 Gbps. Great for busy networks. |
| 802.11be (Wi-Fi 7) | 802.11be (Wi-Fi 7) Upcoming standard. Super fast (up to 46 Gbps). Can use multiple bands at once. |
How to Check Your Wi-Fi Types on Windows 11
Follow these easy steps:
Step 1: Open Windows Terminal
- Click the Start button (Windows icon) or press the Win key.
- Type
Windows Terminal. - Click on Windows Terminal to open it.
Step 2: Choose PowerShell or Command Prompt
In Windows Terminal, click the down arrow next to the tab and pick Windows PowerShell or Command Prompt.
Step 3: Run the Command
Type this command and press Enter:
netsh wlan show driversThis command shows information about your wireless adapter.
Step 4: Look for Radio Types Supported
Find the line that says “Radio types supported.” It will list all the Wi-Fi types your computer’s adapter can use.
Example:
Summary
- Wi-Fi types are different versions of Wi-Fi technology with different speeds and ranges.
- Newer Wi-Fi types like Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 7 are faster and better for many devices.
- Your computer might support several Wi-Fi types. Checking helps you know what speeds and features you can get.
- You can easily check this using a simple command in Windows Terminal.
- Future Wi-Fi types like Wi-Fi 8 are coming with even more improvements.
- Knowing your Wi-Fi types can help you decide if you need a new router or adapter for faster internet.
More Info
Learn more about Wi-Fi standards on Wikipedia – IEEE 802.11
Or explore Wi-Fi technologies at the Wi-Fi Alliance website
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