How to determine the model of your laptop's Wi-Fi adapter: from system utilities to disassembling the case

You bought a laptop from someone, lost the documents, or just want to update the drivers but don’t know which one Wi-Fi module Is it installed in your device? This problem is familiar to many: manufacturers rarely indicate the exact adapter model on the labels, and universal Windows drivers don't always provide maximum speed and connection stability. Without knowing the model, you risk downloading incompatible software, encountering connection errors, or missing out on an upgrade to modern standards like Wi-Fi 6E.

In this article we will look at 5 reliable ways Identifying the Wi-Fi adapter in a laptop—from simple (using Windows system utilities) to advanced (disassembling the case and visual identification). You'll learn how to distinguish integrated modules from discrete ones, where to look for markings on the board, and why sometimes Device Manager shows incomplete information. And at the end, you'll find a standards compatibility table. 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax with real speeds - this will help you assess whether your adapter is slowing down modern networks.

Method 1: Windows Device Manager - fast, but not always accurate

The most accessible method is to use built-in Windows tools. It's suitable for 90% of users and doesn't require installing any additional software. Open device Manager in one of the following ways:

• 🔹 Click Win + X → select “Device Manager”;
• 🔹 Enter the phrase “device manager” in Windows search;
• 🔹 Use the command devmgmt.msc in the window Execute (Win + R).

In the window that opens, expand the branch "Network adapters" Here you will see all network devices, including Ethernet and Wi-Fi. Look for lines with the words Wireless, Wi-Fi, Network Adapter or abbreviations like AC, AX (For example, Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX200). However, be careful:

⚠️ Attention: If the adapter name contains the words "Hosted Network" or "Virtual" (For example, Microsoft Hosted Network Virtual Adapter), this is a virtual device—it can be ignored. The actual Wi-Fi module will be listed separately.

Right-click on the found adapter → “Properties” → tab “Intelligence" From the drop-down menu, select "Equipment ID» (Hardware Ids). Here you will see lines like this:

PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_2723&SUBSYS_00248086
PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_2723

The first 4 characters after VEN_ - this is the manufacturer's identifier (Vendor ID), the next 4 after DEV_ — device model (Device ID). Using this information, you can find the exact adapter model on websites like PCIDatabase.

Method 2: Command line – for those who like precision

Command line (CMD) provides more detailed information than the graphical interface. Run it as administrator (Win + X → "Command Prompt (Administrator)" or "Windows PowerShell (Administrator)" and run the command:

wmic nic where "NetEnabled='true'" get Name, Manufacturer, Speed, MACAddress

In the results, look for a line with the name of your Wi-Fi adapter. Pay attention to the column Speed - he will show maximum theoretical speed connections (for example, 866700000 means 866.7 Mbps, which is in line with the standard Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)).

For a more detailed report, use:

netsh wlan show drivers

In the block "Name" will indicate the name of the adapter, and in "Radio type» — supported standards (for example, 802.11n 802.11g 802.11b). If it is not here 802.11ac or 802.11ax, your adapter does not support modern networks Wi-Fi 5/6.

Method 3: Special utilities - when system tools are not enough

If Device Manager and the command prompt don't provide enough information, use third-party tools. They will not only identify the adapter model but also analyze its capabilities, temperature, driver version, and even show nearby networks.

Top 3 Wi-Fi Diagnostic Utilities:

• 🔧 HWiNFO — shows the exact chip model, supported standards, current speed and even country code (Important for legal use of some channels). Download portable version, so as not to install software;
• 🔧 AIDA64 — in the section "Network → PCI / PnP Network Devices» you will find detailed information, including PCI Device ID and firmware version;
• 🔧 WiFi Analyzer (for Android) - If you don't have access to a laptop but have a smartphone, this utility will show your adapter's MAC address in the list of connected devices (you need to be connected to the same network).

Sample report from HWiNFO:

Adapter: Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX200 160MHz
Driver: 22.150.1.1 (2023-05-10)
Standards: 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6), 802.11ac, 802.11n, 802.11a/b/g
Max Speed: 2.4 Gbps (160 MHz, 2x2 MIMO)
Country: US (FCC)

⚠️ Attention: Some utilities (eg. DriverPack Solution) may automatically install drivers without your consent. Use only verified programs from official websites.

Make sure the adapter is detected as Wireless, not Ethernet|Check the driver version with the latest one on the manufacturer's website|View supported standards (should be 802.11ac/ax for modern networks)|Check the current connection speed (should match the provider's tariff)-->

Method 4: Physical Examination - When Software Methods Don't Work

If your laptop doesn't turn on, the Wi-Fi adapter isn't detected by the system, or you plan to replace it, you'll have to disassemble the case. In most laptops The Wi-Fi module is located under the bottom cover and is connected to the motherboard via a connector. M.2 2230 (less often - PCIe or soldered chip).

How to find the adapter:

1. Disconnect the laptop from the power supply, remove the battery (if possible);
2. Unscrew the screws on the bottom cover (usually they are marked with an antenna icon 📶);
3. Look for a small board ~30x20mm in size with two antenna wires (black and white/gray);
4. The adapter should have a sticker with the model (for example, BCM94360NG from Broadcom or QCNFA364 from Qualcomm).

Typical locations:

⚠️ Attention: In laptops Apple (especially models after 2018) and some ultrabooks (for example, Dell XPS 13) Wi-Fi module often soldered to the motherboardReplacing it will require soldering and may void the warranty.

Method 5: Documentation and service tags - a forgotten but reliable source

If you bought a new laptop, check:

• 📄 Box and documents - some manufacturers (for example, MSI or Gigabyte) indicate the Wi-Fi adapter model in the specifications;
• 🏷️ Sticker on the bottom cover - sometimes there is a reference to a standard (for example, "Wi-Fi 6 Ready" or "802.11ac»);
• 🔍 Service tag — by laptop model number (for example, Dell Inspiron 5593) you can find full specifications on the manufacturer's website or in the database NotebookCheck.

Example: If your laptop is - Lenovo Legion 5 15ARH05H, on the official website in the section "Specifications" it will be indicated:

Wireless communication:
Wi-Fi 6 11ax, 2x2, Bluetooth 5.0
Adapter: Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX200 (Gig+)

For older models (manufactured before 2018), information may be missing. In this case, searching forums (for example, NotebookReview) - users often share photos of the insides of specific models.

Wi-Fi Standards Compatibility Chart: What Does Your Model Mean?

Knowing the adapter model, you can determine which networks it supports. Below is a comparison of standards with actual speeds (indicated). maximum values for ideal conditions; in reality, the speed will be 30–50% lower:

If your adapter only supports 802.11n (Wi-Fi 4), it will slow down in modern networks with speeds above 300 Mbps. In this case, it is worth considering module replacement on supporting Wi-Fi 5/6 (if the laptop allows it).

Common problems and solutions

Sometimes, even after identifying the adapter model, difficulties arise. Let's look at some typical situations:

• 🔌 The adapter is not detected by the system:
  • Check if it is enabled in BIOS (Advanced → Onboard Devices → Wireless LAN);
  • Update drivers manually from the manufacturer's website (not via Windows Update!);
  • If the adapter is physically disabled (for example, by a button on the case), turn it on.
• 🔄 Speed ​​is lower than expected:
  • Make sure your router supports the same standard (eg. Wi-Fi 6 The adapter is useless with Wi-Fi 4 router);
  • Check the channel settings on your router (e.g. 80 MHz channel width for 802.11ac);
  • Eliminate interference from other devices (microwaves, wireless mice).
• 🔧 Unable to replace adapter:
  • In laptops Apple and in some ultrabooks the module is soldered in - replacement requires soldering;
  • Check the compatibility of the new adapter by connector (for example, M.2 2230 Key A+E);
  • Some laptops (eg. Lenovo With Whitelist) block non-original modules.

⚠️ Attention: When replacing the Wi-Fi adapter in laptops Lenovo ThinkPad or HP EliteBook protection may be triggered Whitelist — the device simply won't turn on. Before purchasing a new module, check its compatibility on forums (for example, ThinkWiki).

FAQ: Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

netsh wlan set hostednetwork mode=allow ssid=MyNetwork key=MyPassword
netsh wlan set hostednetwork mode=allow channel=36 (5 GHz channel)