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

Are you trying to update drivers, set up a connection to a new network, or just want to know which wireless module is installed in your device? Wi-Fi adapter name - this is the first information that will be needed to search for compatible software, check support for standards Wi-Fi 6 or diagnosing connection issues. Without this data, even experienced users are at a loss: why is their internet speed dropping, why isn't 5 GHz working, or why isn't the adapter being detected by the system at all?

In this article we will look at All current methods for determining the Wi-Fi module model — from standard Windows tools to specialized utilities for Linux and macOS. You'll learn how to find the adapter's name even if it's not displayed in Device Manager, and how to decipher vendor codes (for example, VEN_168C or DEV_003E), and what to do if the system returns the "Device not recognized" error. No fluff—just clear instructions with explanations for beginners and helpful life hacks for advanced users.

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

The name of a wireless module isn't just a string of letters and numbers. The model determines:

• 🔹 Driver compatibility: Incorrect driver may cause BSOD (blue screen of death) or complete failure of the adapter. For example, the driver for Intel AX200 not suitable for Qualcomm Atheros QCA61x4.
• 🔹 Standards support: Adapters Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) won't be able to get the most out of your router. Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), and the old modules on 802.11n limited to speeds of 150–300 Mbps.
• 🔹 Connectivity options: Some adapters do not support 5 GHz, MU-MIMO or 160 MHz channels, which is critical for gamers or streamers.
• 🔹 Problem diagnosis: If the adapter "disappears" from the system or constantly disconnects, knowing the model will help you find a solution on forums or in the manufacturer's documentation.

Without the exact module name, you risk downloading viruses disguised as "universal drivers" or spending hours configuring non-existent features. For example, users often try to enable Wi-Fi 6E on adapters that do not physically support the range 6 GHz.

⚠️ Attention: If you update drivers via Windows Update, the system can install a universal Microsoft Wi-Fi Direct Virtual Adapter, which limits the functionality of the original module. Always check the model before installing the software!

Method 1: Windows Device Manager (the easiest method)

This is a basic tool that works on all versions of Windows, from XP to 11It doesn't require administrator rights (unless you're trying to update a driver) and even shows disabled devices.

Instructions:

1. Click Win + R, enter devmgmt.msc and press Enter.
2. Expand the section Network adapters.
3. Find the device with the words Wireless, Wi-Fi, 802.11 or WLAN in the title. For example:
   • Intel(R) Wi-Fi 6 AX200 160MHz
   • Qualcomm Atheros QCA9377 Wireless Network Adapter
   • Realtek RTL8821CE 802.11ac PCIe Adapter

If there are several adapters in the list, please use the following active device (without the down arrow). To clarify the model:

4. Right-click on the adapter → Properties → tab Intelligence.
5. 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

   Codes VEN_XXXX (vendor) and DEV_XXXX (device) can be decrypted through databases like PCI Lookup.

The "Network adapters" section is open.

A device mentioning Wi-Fi/Wireless was found.

Equipment properties and IDs have been verified

VEN and DEV codes are recorded (if necessary)

-->

If the adapter is displayed as Unknown device or with an exclamation mark, this indicates a driver issue. In this case:

⚠️ Caution: Do not remove the device through Device Manager if you are unsure of the model! This may result in loss of network connection. First, download the driver from the official website of the laptop or motherboard manufacturer.

Method 2: Command Line (for advanced users)

If Device Manager does not show the adapter (for example, due to a system crash), use command lineThis method works even in Safe Mode and does not require a graphical interface.

Open CMD as administrator and run:

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

This command will list all active network devices. Look for the line with Wireless or Wi-Fi in the field Name.

For more detailed information, please use:

wmic nic get Name, Manufacturer, DriverVersion, PNPDeviceID

In the column PNPDeviceID will be the same VEN And DEV codes are the same as in the Device Manager.

If the adapter is disabled, first enable it with the command:

netsh interface set interface "Adapter Name" enable

(Replace Adapter name to the real name from the first list.)

Method 3: System Information (msinfo32)

Utility msinfo32 Collects all system data, including information about network devices. This is useful if Device Manager fails to start or displays errors.

How to use:

1. Click Win + R, enter msinfo32 and press Enter.
2. Go to section: Components → Network → Adapter.
3. In the right part of the window, find the block with the name of your Wi-Fi module. This will show:
   • Name (Description)
   • Manufacturer (Manufacturer)
   • Driver (Driver version)
   • Equipment ID (Device ID)

The advantage of this method is detailed driver information, including the installation date and file path .infThis will help if you want to roll back the driver to a previous version.

Method 4: Third-party utilities (for advanced users)

If standard Windows tools don't help (for example, the adapter isn't detected or displays incorrect information), use specialized programs. They will not only show the model but also analyze the driver status, connection speed, and supported standards.

Top 3 utilities for identifying Wi-Fi adapters:

• 🔧 HWiNFO (free):
  • Shows full specification adapter, including supported frequencies (2.4 GHz/5 GHz/6 GHz).
  • Displays chip temperature (useful for diagnosing overheating).
  • Exports the report to .txt or .html.
• 🔧 AIDA64 (paid, trial available):
  • Deciphers VEN And DEV codes automatically.
  • Shows maximum speed adapter (for example, 867 Mbps For Wi-Fi 5).
  • Contains a database of drivers with links to official websites.
• 🔧 Speccy (free):
  • Simple interface with data visualization.
  • Shows current connection speed and signal level.
  • Suitable for beginners.

Example of a report in HWiNFO:

Adapter: Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX200 (Rev. 0x30)
Vendor: 8086 (Intel)
Device: 2723
Driver: netwtw08.sys (22.100.1.1, 2022-03-15)
Supported Standards: 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax
Max Speed: 2.4 Gbps (160 MHz, 2x2 MIMO)

⚠️ Warning: Do not download utilities from third-party websites! Official sources:

• HWiNFO: hwinfo.com
• AIDA64: aida64.com
• Speccy: ccleaner.com/speccy

Method 5: Physical inspection (for PCs and disassemblable laptops)

If software methods do not work (for example, the adapter is not detected by the system), the solution remains physical inspectionThis is relevant for desktop PCs, where the Wi-Fi module may be:

• 🖥️ Built in motherboard (most often on boards with the suffix Wi-Fi, For example, ASUS ROG STRIX B550-F GAMING (WI-FI)).
• 🔌 Connected via PCIe slot (a separate card, for example, TP-Link Archer TX3000E).
• 🔄 Connected via USB (external adapters like ASUS USB-AC68).
• 💻 In laptops, this is M.2 module (For example, Intel Wireless-AC 9560), which is attached under the cover on the back of the case.

How to find the adapter:

1. For PC:
   • Turn off the power and remove the side cover of the case.
   • Look for a small board with antenna connectors (usually IPEX or U.FL).
   • There should be a sticker with the model on the board itself (for example, BCM94360CD).

In Device Manager, click View → Show hidden devices.