How to accurately identify your Wi-Fi adapter model on Windows, Mac, and Linux

A Wi-Fi adapter is a key component responsible for your wireless internet connection. Without it, your laptop, PC, or even smart TV won't be able to connect to your router. But what if you don't know the exact adapter model installed on your device? This information is critical when updating drivers, diagnosing connection issues, or purchasing new equipment.

In this article we will look at 7 proven methodsHow to identify a Wi-Fi adapter on devices running Windows, macOS And LinuxYou'll learn where to find data in system utilities, how to use the command line, and what to do if the adapter isn't showing up in the device list. You'll also learn how to distinguish a built-in module from an external USB adapter and why the system sometimes displays incorrect information.

Whether you're a beginner or an experienced user, the instructions are designed to help anyone find the answer without any hassle. Let's start with the simplest method!

1. Windows Device Manager: A quick way for most users

The most obvious and accessible method is to use the built-in device Manager V WindowsIt displays all hardware components, including network adapters. To open it:

1. Press the key combination Win + X and select device Manager.
2. In the window that opens, find the section Network adapters and unfold it.
3. In the list, find the device with names like Wireless, Wi-Fi, 802.11 or Network Adapter.

Usually the model name contains the brand (Intel, Qualcomm Atheros, Realtek, Broadcom) and alphanumeric code, for example: Intel(R) Dual Band Wireless-AC 8265 or Realtek RTL8821CE Wireless LAN 802.11ac PCI-E NIC.

An important nuance: if you have USB Wi-Fi adapter, it can be displayed in the section USB controllers as an unknown device. In this case, proceed to method #3 (identification by Equipment ID).

⚠️ Attention: In some laptops (especially branded ones, like Dell XPS or MacBookThe Wi-Fi module may be integrated into the motherboard and appear as part of the chipset. In this case, the name will include a reference to the platform, for example: Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX201 160MHz for 10th generation processors.

2. Command Prompt: A Universal Method for Windows

If the Device Manager does not provide enough information or you prefer to work with the command line, use the utility netshIt displays detailed information about all network interfaces, including Wi-Fi.

Open Command line (Win + R → enter cmd → Enter) and run the command:

netsh wlan show drivers

In the results, find the following lines:

• 🔹 Name: adapter name (eg Intel(R) Wi-Fi 6 AX200).
• 🔹 Radio type: supported standards (802.11n, 802.11ac, 802.11ax - This Wi-Fi 6).
• 🔹 FIPS support: If Yes, the adapter is compatible with corporate networks.

For more detailed information, use the command:

wmic nic where "NetConnectionStatus=2" get Name, Manufacturer, MACAddress, Speed

It will show the manufacturer (Manufacturer), connection speed and even MAC address adapter.

3. Identification by hardware ID (for unknown devices)

If the adapter is displayed as Unknown device or you suspect that the driver is installed incorrectly, you can identify the model by its unique identifiers VEN (manufacturer) and DEV (device).

Do the following:

1. Open device Manager → find the unknown device in the section Network adapters or Other devices.
2. Right click on it → Properties → tab Intelligence.
3. From the drop-down menu, select Equipment ID.
4. Copy the first line from the list (it will be in the format PCI\VEN_XXXX&DEV_YYYY).

Now go to the website PCI Database (or similar) and enter the copied VEN And DEVThe system will show the exact adapter model. For example, for VEN_8086&DEV_2723 it will turn out Intel PRO/Wireless 3945ABG.

⚠️ Attention: On some laptops (especially Lenovo ThinkPad or HP EliteBookThe Wi-Fi module may be soldered to the motherboard. In this case, replacing it will require soldering or a service center visit. Check the documentation for your model before purchasing a new adapter!

4. macOS: How to identify the Wi-Fi adapter on a MacBook or iMac

On devices Apple The easiest way to determine the model of your Wi-Fi adapter is System reportTo do this:

1. Click on the logo Apple in the upper left corner → About this Mac.
2. Click System report → section Net → Wi-Fi.
3. In the right part of the window, find the line Map: — the model will be indicated there, for example: AirPort Extreme (0x14E4, 0x13E).

You can also use Terminal. Open it (Programs → Utilities → Terminal) and enter:

networksetup -listallhardwareports

Find the block in the results Wi-Fi or AirPort — the chipset model will be indicated there.

macOS Features:

• 🔹 In the new MacBook Pro/Air (2018 and newer) uses a chipset Broadcom BCM43xx with support Wi-Fi 6.
• 🔹 This is often found in older models (before 2015) Broadcom BCM4360 (support 802.11ac).
• 🔹 In iMac And Mac mini The adapter can be soldered into the motherboard.

Make sure Wi-Fi is enabled in the Status menu|Open "System Report" via "About This Mac"|Check the "Network → Wi-Fi" section|Write down the data from the "Card" line|Check the model against Apple documentation-->

5. Linux: Commands for Detecting the Adapter

IN Linux (including Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora) You can get information about your Wi-Fi adapter through the terminal. The most useful commands are:

lspci -v | grep -i network

This command will show all network devices connected via PCI (built-in adapters). For example:

03:00.0 Network controller: Intel Corporation Wi-Fi 6 AX200 (rev 1a)

For USB adapters use:

lsusb

Look for lines mentioning Wireless or 802.11. For example:

Bus 001 Device 003: ID 0bda:8179 Realtek Semiconductor Corp. RTL8188EUS 802.11n Wireless Network Adapter

To see detailed information about the driver, run:

iwconfig

or

ip a

Pay attention to the interface wlan0 or wlp3s0 - this is your Wi-Fi adapter.

6. Physical examination: when software methods don’t work

If the adapter is not detected by the system (for example, after reinstalling Windows or damaging the drivers), it remains physical examinationThis is relevant for:

• 🔹 Stationary PCs: A Wi-Fi adapter can be connected to the slot. PCIe or M.2 (key E).
• 🔹 Laptops: The module is usually located under the cover on the back panel (marking Wi-Fi or WLAN).
• 🔹 USB adapters: The model is indicated on the case or sticker.

For laptops:

1. Turn off the device and disconnect the battery.
2. Remove the back cover (you may need a screwdriver) Phillips #00).
3. Find the small board with antenna wires (usually black and white).
4. The module will have a sticker with the model, for example: Intel 7265NGW or AzureWave AW-CE123H.

Attention to detail:

• 🔹 Antenna wires (U.FL or IPEX) are very fragile - do not pull on them.
• 🔹 In some laptops (for example, Apple MacBook) the module is glued to the body - detach it carefully.
• 🔹 If there is no sticker on the module, the model can be laser-etched onto the board.

⚠️ Attention: Opening your laptop may void your warranty! If your device is under warranty, please contact a service center. Also, keep in mind that some models (e.g., Microsoft Surface) The Wi-Fi module is soldered into the motherboard and cannot be replaced.

7. Specialized diagnostic programs

If standard methods don't help, try third-party utilities. They will not only show the adapter model but also provide additional information, such as supported standards, driver version, and connection speed.

Example of a report in HWiNFO:

In the section Network you will see:

• 🔹 Adapter: Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX200 160MHz
• 🔹 Driver Version: 22.100.1.1
• 🔹 Supported Standards: 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax
• 🔹 PCI Device: VEN_8086, DEV_2723

netsh wlan show drivers | find "Radio types supported"