How to find out the model of your Wi-Fi adapter on your computer: all the methods

Why is it important to know the model of your Wi-Fi adapter?

Have you ever encountered a situation where your internet suddenly starts to slow down, even though your router is working fine? Or tried connecting to a 5 GHz network, but your device stubbornly refuses to see it? In 80% of such cases, the problem lies in Wi-Fi adapter — a small chip that controls the wireless connection of your PC or laptop. Knowing the exact model of this adapter helps not only in troubleshooting problems but also in selecting the right drivers, configuring optimal network settings, and even upgrading hardware.

In this article we will look at all possible waysHow to identify a Wi-Fi adapter on a computer—from standard Windows tools to the command line and third-party utilities. You'll learn where to look for information in Device ManagerHow to extract data through PowerShell, and why it's sometimes easier to look under the laptop's lid. And what to do if the adapter isn't detected by the system at all. Let's start with the simplest!

📊 What type of internet connection do you have?
Wi-Fi only
Wi-Fi + Ethernet
Ethernet only (cable)
Mobile Internet (4G/5G)

Method 1: Device Manager - a quick inspection without programs

The most obvious and accessible method is to use the built-in Windows Device ManagerIt displays all of your PC's hardware components, including network adapters. Here's how to get there:

  1. Press the key combination Win + X and select "device Manager».
  2. In the window that opens, find the section "Network adapters
  3. In the list, look for devices with the words Wireless, Wi-Fi, 802.11 or brand names (Intel, Qualcomm Atheros, Broadcom and others).

Typical adapter names in the Manager:

  • 🔹 Intel(R) Wi-Fi 6 AX200 — a popular adapter in modern laptops.
  • 🔹 Qualcomm Atheros QCA9377 — often found in budget models.
  • 🔹 Realtek RTL8821CE — common in cheap USB adapters.
  • 🔹 Broadcom 4352 — installed on some MacBook models (via Boot Camp).

If there are several network devices in the list, focus on those that are mentioned 802.11 (Wi-Fi standard). For example, Realtek PCIe GbE Family Controller is network card for cable connection, not Wi-Fi.

Method 2: Command line – for those who like precision

Command line (CMD) And PowerShell allow you to get detailed information about the adapter, including its hardware ID (VID/PID) — unique identifiers for the manufacturer and model. This is useful if the name in Device Manager is truncated or uninformative.

Open Command Prompt as Administrator (press Win + S, type "cmd", then Ctrl + Shift + Enter) and run the command:

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

In the results, look for a line mentioning Wi-Fi. Alternatively, use PowerShell:

Get-NetAdapter | Where-Object {$_.MediaType -eq "Native 802.11"} | Select-Object Name, InterfaceDescription, DriverVersion

What do the key fields in the output mean:

  • 🔧 Name — the name of the adapter in the system (may differ from the actual name).
  • 🔧 InterfaceDescription — the full name of the model (the most important!).
  • 🔧 MACAddress — a unique physical address (useful for binding to a router).
  • 🔧 DriverVersion — the version of the installed driver.
How to find out the hardware ID (VID/PID) of the adapter?

1. Open Device Manager.

2. Right-click on the Wi-Fi adapter → Properties → tab Intelligence.

3. From the drop-down menu, select Equipment ID.

4. The values ​​will contain strings of the following type: PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_2723 — these are the VID (8086) and PID (2723). You can use these to find the driver on the manufacturer's website.

Method 3: Third-party programs - when standard methods are not enough

If system tools don't provide a complete picture, specialized utilities can help. They not only display the adapter model but also provide additional information: supported standards (Wi-Fi 4/5/6), maximum speed, firmware version, and even chip temperature.

Top 3 programs for detecting Wi-Fi adapters:

Program Pros Cons Link (official)
HWiNFO 🔹 Detailed hardware information
🔹 Shows temperature and voltage
🔹 Free version		 🔸 Complex interface for beginners
🔸 Redundant data		 hwinfo.com
AIDA64 🔹 Convenient "Network" section
🔹 Export reports to HTML
🔹 Laptop support		 🔸 Paid license (trial available) aida64.com
Speccy 🔹 Simple interface
🔹 Shows the model and driver
🔹 Free version		 🔸 Less technical details ccleaner.com/speccy

How to use HWiNFO:

  1. Download and install the program (select Portable version, if you don't want to install).
  2. Run it and wait for the system to scan.
  3. Go to the section Network → Wireless.
  4. The right side of the window will contain detailed information, including chip model, manufacturer And supported standards (For example, 802.11ac means Wi-Fi 5).

Item 1|Section "Network" → "Wireless"

Item 2|The "Adapter" field is the chip model.

Item 3|The "Driver Version" field indicates the driver's current status.

Item 4|Tab "Capabilities" - supported frequencies (2.4/5 GHz)-->

Method 4: Physical Inspection - For Desktops and Laptops

If software methods do not work (for example, the adapter is not detected by the system), the solution remains physical inspectionIn laptops, the Wi-Fi module is usually soldered or connected via a connector. M.2 (key A+E or E). On desktop PCs, this could be:

  • 🖥️ PCIe card (inserted into the motherboard).
  • 🖥️ USB adapter (external device).
  • 🖥️ M.2 module (in modern motherboards).

How to find the adapter in a laptop:

  1. Turn off the device and disconnect the battery (if it is removable).
  2. Remove the back cover (you will need a screwdriver).
  3. Look for a small board with antenna wires (usually black and white).
  4. There will be a sticker with the model on the adapter (for example, Intel Wireless-AC 9560).

IN desktop PCs A Wi-Fi adapter can be:

  • 🔌 Inserted in PCIe slot on the motherboard (usually the shortest connector).
  • 🔌 Connected to USB port (an external adapter that looks like a flash drive).
  • 🔌 Integrated into the motherboard (rare, usually in mini-PCs).

Method 5: BIOS/UEFI – When Windows Won't Boot

If the operating system does not start or the adapter is not detected by it at all, you can try to find information in BIOS/UEFIThis method will only work for built-in adapters (not suitable for USB devices).

How to enter BIOS and find adapter information:

  1. Restart your computer and press the key to enter the BIOS (usually Del, F2, F12 or Esc - depends on the motherboard).
  2. Find the section Advanced, Onboard Devices or Network Configuration.
  3. Look for items with the words Wireless, WLAN or Wi-Fi.
  4. In some BIOS, the adapter model is displayed directly in the option name (for example, Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX201).

If there is no information about the adapter in the BIOS, this may mean:

  • ❌ Adapter disabled in the settings (check the option Wireless LAN Support - she must be in position Enabled).
  • ❌ Adapter faulty or not physically connected.
  • ❌ Your PC/laptop model has Wi-Fi is absent altogether (rare, but it happens in budget models).

What to do if the adapter is not detected?

If your Wi-Fi adapter isn't showing up in either Device Manager or the command prompt, this indicates a serious problem. Here's a troubleshooting guide:

  1. Check the physical connection:
    • 🔧 On a laptop: Make sure the antenna wires are connected to the adapter (they may have come loose due to shaking).
    • 🔧 In a PC: if the adapter is PCIe, remove it and reinsert it (after turning off the power!).
    • 🔧 For USB adapters: Try a different port or computer.
  • Enable the adapter in BIOS (cm. Method 5).
  • Check your drivers:
    • 🔧 Uninstall the current driver in Device Manager and restart your PC (Windows will try to install it automatically).
    • 🔧 Download the driver from the laptop/motherboard manufacturer's website (do not use driver packs like DriverPack Solution!).
    • Check the adapter on another device (if it is USB or PCIe).
    • Replace the adapter, if the previous steps did not help (physical failure is possible).

      • Critical information: If the adapter is no longer detected after a Windows or driver update, try rolling back the system to a previous restore point. This solves the problem in 60% of cases.

      How to roll back a driver manually?

      1. Open Device Manager.

      2. Right-click on the adapter → Properties → tab Driver.

      3. Click Roll back (if the button is active).

      4. Restart your PC.

      FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Wi-Fi adapters

      My adapter is identified as a "Network Controller" with an exclamation mark. What should I do?

      This means that Windows cannot find a suitable driver. Solution:

      1. Find out VID/PID adapter (see Method 2).
      2. Download the driver from the website DevID.info (enter VID/PID in search).
      3. Install the driver manually through Device Manager (Update driver → Search for drivers on this computer).
    How do I know if my adapter supports Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)?

    Check the adapter model and compare it with official list certified devices. Alternatively:

    • 🔍 In HWiNFO look at the field Wireless Standards — must be specified 802.11ax.
    • 🔍 On the adapter manufacturer's website (for example, Intel or Qualcomm) find the model specifications.

    If the adapter only supports 802.11ac, this is Wi-Fi 5 (maximum speed ~1.3 Gbps).

    Is it possible to replace the Wi-Fi adapter in a laptop?

    Yes, in 90% of cases. The main thing:

    • 🔧 Select an adapter with the same connector (usually M.2 2230 or A+E key).
    • 🔧 Check compatibility with your laptop model (e.g. Lenovo may block non-original adapters in BIOS).
    • 🔧 For Windows 11, it is better to choose adapters with support Wi-Fi 6 (Intel AX200/AX210 or Qualcomm FastConnect 6800).

    The most difficult thing is with laptops Apple — an adapter with original firmware is often required there.

    Why doesn't my adapter see the 5 GHz network?

    The reasons may be different:

    • 📡 The adapter is an old model and only supports 2.4 GHz (check specifications).
    • 📡 The router is in disabled mode 802.11a/n/ac/ax (must be enabled in settings).
    • 📡 The adapter driver is out of date (please update it).
    • 📡 In some countries (for example, in Russia until 2026), some 5 GHz channels were banned. Check your router's regional settings.

    To find out for sure if your adapter supports 5 GHz, run the following in the command line:

    netsh wlan show drivers

    Look for the line Supported radio types - there should be 802.11a or 802.11ac.

    How to check the speed of a Wi-Fi adapter?

    Speed ​​depends on:

    • 📊 Adapter standard (Wi-Fi 4/5/6/6E).
    • 📊 Number of antennas (For example, 2x2 MIMO faster than 1x1).
    • 📊 Channel widths (160 MHz is faster than 20 MHz).

      • To find out current connection speed:

      1. Click Win + R, enter ncpa.cpl and press Enter.
      2. Double click on your Wi-Fi connection.
      3. In the status window, look at the field Speed (For example, 866 Mbps).

      For real speed test use Speedtest or Fast.com.

    • 📖 Read also

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