How to Check Wi-Fi 6 Support on a Laptop: 7 Working Methods

Standard Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) promises speed up to 9.6 Gbps, lower latency, and better performance on networks with multiple devices. But how do you know if your laptop supports it? Many users mistakenly believe that just looking at the logo sticker is enough. Wi-Fi 6 Certified — however, this only works for new models. Older devices may have received support through a firmware update, and some manufacturers save on modules by installing Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) even in top configurations.

In this article we will look at all possible verification methods - from built-in Windows/macOS tools to analysis of technical specifications and practical testsYou will learn how to distinguish the real thing. Wi-Fi 6 From marketing gimmicks to why some laptops don't show the standard in settings, and what to do if your device doesn't support 802.11ax but you want to boost your wireless network speed.

1. Checking via Device Manager (Windows)

The fastest way for users Windows 10/11 — check the Wi-Fi adapter model in Device Manager. However, there are pitfalls here: the module name doesn't always clearly indicate the standard. 802.11ax. For example, an adapter Intel AX200 supports Wi-Fi 6, and Intel 9260 — Wi-Fi 5 only.

To open Device Manager:

• 🖱️ Click Win + X and select "Device Manager";
• 📡 Expand the “Network adapters” branch;
• 🔍 Find the device with the words Wireless, Wi-Fi or Network.

If the adapter name contains:

• 🅰️ AX (For example, Killer AX1650, Qualcomm Atheros QCA6390) → this is Wi-Fi 6;
• 🅰️ 200/201/210 at the end of the model (for example, Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX200) → 802.11ax support;
• ⚠️ AC (For example, Broadcom BCM4352) → only Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac).

⚠️ Attention: Some adapters (eg. Realtek RTL8852AE) support Wi-Fi 6, but this isn't reflected in the name. If you're unsure, move on to the next method.

Name with "AX" or "Wi-Fi 6"|Adapter model (e.g. AX200, AX210)|No "AC" in the name|Up-to-date driver version (check in properties)-->

2. Command line: detailed information about the adapter

If the Device Manager doesn't give you a clear answer, use command lineThis method will show not only the adapter model, but also the supported communication standards.

Open Command line as administrator and enter:

netsh wlan show drivers

In the results, find the following lines:

• 📋 Radio type → must be specified 802.11ax;
• 🔧 Supported radio types → if there is 802.11ax, your adapter is compatible with Wi-Fi 6.

Example output for a Wi-Fi 6 adapter:

Supported radio types: 802.11n 802.11ac 802.11ax

⚠️ Attention: If there is no output 802.11ax, but the adapter should theoretically support Wi-Fi 6 (for example, Intel AX200), update your drivers through the manufacturer's official website. Older software versions may obscure the device's true capabilities.

ASUS|Lenovo|HP|Dell|Acer|Apple MacBook|Other-->

3. Checking via System Information (msinfo32)

Utility msinfo32 Provides detailed hardware information, including network adapters. This method is useful if the command line doesn't provide the required information.

How to open:

• 🔎 Click Win + R, enter msinfo32 and press Enter;
• 📄 Go to the section Components → Network → Adapter;
• 🔍 Find the line Description — there will be a Wi-Fi module model.

If the description states:

• 🅰️ Wi-Fi 6, 802.11ax or AX → support confirmed;
• 🅰️ Adapter model from compatible list (see section 6) → most likely, there is Wi-Fi 6;
• ❌ None of the above → your adapter only works according to the standards Wi-Fi 4/5.

4. Checking on macOS (for Apple laptops)

To the owners MacBook Pro/Air with chips Apple Silicon (M1/M2/M3) or 2019 and newer models on Intel Wi-Fi 6 support is available. You can check this through the "System Report."

Instructions:

• 🍎 Click on the logo Apple in the upper left corner → “About this Mac”;
• 📄 Go to “System Report” → “Network” → “Wi-Fi”;
• 🔍 In line Map The adapter model will be indicated.

Compatible adapters for MacBook:

⚠️ Attention: Even if your MacBook supports Wi-Fi 6, you'll need a router with Wi-Fi 6 to get the best speeds. 802.11ax and a channel of width 160 MHzOtherwise, the speed will be limited by the Wi-Fi 5 standard.

5. Checking in Linux (via terminal)

In distributions Linux (Ubuntu, Fedora, Debian, etc.) You can get information about your Wi-Fi adapter through the terminal. Use the command lspci or iwconfig.

Step 1: Open Terminal (Ctrl + Alt + T) and enter:

lspci -v | grep -i wireless

Step 2. If the output contains a line with Network controller, remember the adapter model (for example, Intel Corporation Wi-Fi 6 AX200).

Step 3. For detailed information on supported standards, use:

iw list | grep -A 10 "Supported interface modes"

Look for in the output:

• 🅰️ VHT160 or HE (High Efficiency) → Wi-Fi 6 support;
• ❌ Only VHT80 → Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) only.

sudo apt install iw

sudo dnf install iw

6. Check by laptop model and specifications

If software methods do not produce results, the most reliable method remains - to check official specifications your laptop. This is especially true for devices with replaceable Wi-Fi modules (for example, many Lenovo ThinkPad or Dell Latitude).

Where to look:

• 🌍 Official website of the manufacturer (section "Support" or "Specifications");
• 📄 Laptop documentation (look for a PDF with the model name + datasheet);
• 🛒 Product card on sellers' websites (for example, DNS, Citylink, Amazon).

Examples of compatible Wi-Fi 6 adapters:

⚠️ Attention: Some manufacturers (eg HP or ASUS) install different Wi-Fi modules in the same laptop model depending on the region or configuration. If the website indicates Wi-Fi 6, but your adapter does not support it - perhaps your version of the kit is different.

7. Practice Test: Speed ​​and Connection Check

Even if your adapter supports Wi-Fi 6, it doesn't guarantee a real speed improvement. To ensure everything is working correctly, run a test:

Step 1: Connect to your router Wi-Fi 6 (make sure it is in the "on" mode) 802.11ax in the settings).

Step 2: Check your connection speed:

• 📶 In Windows: open Settings → Network & Internet → Wi-Fi → tap on the network name;
• 📊 In macOS: hold Option (⌥) and click on the Wi-Fi icon in the menu bar;
• 🐧 In Linux: use the command iwconfig wlan0 | grep "Bit Rate".

Step 3. Compare the results:

• 🅰️ Speed 866 Mbps and above on the channel 80 MHz → Wi-Fi 5;
• 🅰️ Speed 1.2 Gbps and above on the channel 160 MHz → Wi-Fi 6;
• ⚠️ Speed ​​is lower 300 Mbps → problems with drivers or router settings.

For an accurate test, use the following utilities:

• 📊 Speedtest.net (checks the speed of the Internet, but not the local network);
• 📡 Wi-Fi Analyzer (shows the standard and channel width used);
• 🔧 iPerf3 (tests the speed between devices on a local network).

⚠️ Attention: If the router does not support 160 MHz, the maximum speed of Wi-Fi 6 will be limited 80 MHz (like in Wi-Fi 5). Make sure that the mode is selected in the router settings 802.11ax and channel width 160 MHz (if supported).

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Wi-Fi 6 on laptops