How to find the Wi-Fi driver on a laptop: from Device Manager to the command line

Without working Wi-Fi, a laptop turns into a bulky, wired desktop computer. But before updating, reinstalling, or searching for a driver for your wireless adapter, you need to know its exact model and current software version. This information is critical: an incorrect driver may not only fail to resolve the connection issue but may even disable the Wi-Fi module entirely until you reinstall the system.

In this article - 5 proven methods Identify the Wi-Fi adapter driver on a laptop running Windows 10/11 or Linux (including distributions based on Ubuntu/Debian). We'll cover both standard system tools and specialized utilities that will reveal even hidden hardware details. We'll also cover the nuances of laptops with two network cards (for example, Intel + Killer Wireless) and cases when the Wi-Fi adapter is not detected by the system at all.

1. Windows Device Manager: The Fastest Way

In 90% of cases the standard one is enough Device Manager — it will show both the adapter model and the driver version. This method works even if the Wi-Fi network is not connected (for example, if there is no internet connection).

To open Device Manager:

• 🖱️ Click Win + X and select the item "Device Manager"**.
• 📡 Expand the branch Network Adapters**.
• 🔍 Find the device with the words Wireless, Wi-Fi, 802.11 or brand name (Intel, Qualcomm Atheros, Broadcom and others).

Right click on the adapter and select "Properties". On the tab "Driver" you will see:

• 📋 Driver supplier (For example, Microsoft or Intel Corporation).
• 📅 Date of development (If the driver is older than 2020, it is worth updating it).
• 🔢 Driver version (For example, 22.200.0.6 For Intel AX200).

⚠️ Attention: If the list of network adapters doesn't include a Wi-Fi device, but there is an unknown device with a yellow exclamation mark, this means the driver is either missing or corrupted. In this case, proceed to command line method.

2. Command Prompt (CMD): When the GUI Fails

The command line will output the exact model of the Wi-Fi adapter even if it is not detected by the system or is disabledThis method is indispensable for diagnosing driver problems or when preparing to reinstall Windows.

Open Command prompt as administrator (Win + X → Terminal (Administrator)) and execute two commands in sequence:

wmic nic where "NetConnectionStatus=2" get Name, Manufacturer, DriverVersion
netsh wlan show drivers

The first command will show:

• 🔧 Adapter name (For example, Intel(R) Wi-Fi 6 AX200 160MHz).
• 🏭 Manufacturer (important for searching drivers on the official website).
• 🔢 Driver version.

Second team (netsh wlan show drivers) will display additional information:

• 📡 Radio type (For example, 802.11n or 802.11ax - this will help you understand whether the adapter supports Wi-Fi 6).
• 🔄 Hosted network support (needed for distributing Wi-Fi from a laptop).

⚠️ Attention: If after executing the commands you see a message No wireless devices, this may mean that the Wi-Fi adapter is disabled in the BIOS, is physically damaged, or does not have a driver. Check the BIOS settings (section Advanced → Onboard Devices) and make sure that the parameter Wireless LAN included (Enabled).

3. Deep diagnostic utilities: from AIDA64 to HWiNFO

Standard Windows tools do not always show complete information - especially if the adapter is integrated into the motherboard (as in laptops). Dell XPS or HP Spectre). In such cases, specialized utilities can help:

How to use HWiNFO (free analogue of AIDA64):

1. Download portable version (no installation required).
2. Run the utility and click «Run»**.
3. In the main window, expand the branch «Network» → «Wireless Network Controller».
4. Please note the fields:
   • 🆔 Device ID (For example, VEN_8086&DEV_2723 — this is the manufacturer and model code for searching drivers).
   • 📡 Adapter Name (exact model, for example, Intel Wi-Fi 6E AX210).
   • 🔧 Driver Version.

4. Identifying the driver in Linux (Ubuntu, Debian, Mint)

In Linux, you can get information about your Wi-Fi adapter and its driver via the terminal. Open it (Ctrl + Alt + T) and run the command:

lspci -knn | grep -iA3 net

The output will be something like this:

03:00.0 Network controller [0280]: Intel Corporation Wi-Fi 6 AX200 [8086:2723] (rev 1a)
Subsystem: Intel Corporation Wi-Fi 6 AX200NGW [8086:0024]
Kernel driver in use: iwlwifi
Kernel modules: iwlwifi

Transcript:

• 🔧 Network controller — device type.
• 🏭 Intel Corporation Wi-Fi 6 AX200 — adapter model.
• 🆔 [8086:2723] — manufacturer identifiers (VEN) and devices (DEV).
• 🐧 Kernel driver in use: iwlwifi — the current driver (in this case iwlwifi — standard driver for Intel in Linux).

To find out the driver version, run:

modinfo iwlwifi | grep version

⚠️ Attention: In Linux, drivers for Wi-Fi adapters are often included in the kernel. If your adapter is not detected, you may need to update the kernel or install a proprietary driver (for example, for Broadcom through the package bcmwl-kernel-source).

How to install proprietary Broadcom driver in Ubuntu?

1. Open the terminal and run: sudo apt update && sudo apt install bcmwl-kernel-source

2. Restart your laptop.

3. Check the connection with the command iwconfig (an interface should appear wlan0 or similar).

5. Search for a driver by device ID (VEN and DEV)

If you have determined Device ID (For example, VEN_8086&DEV_2723), but don't know which driver you need, use the database PCI Database or official resources:

• 🔍 For Intel: Intel Driver & Support Assistant (will automatically detect the model and offer a driver).
• 🔍 For Qualcomm Atheros or Killer Wireless: official website (search by laptop model).
• 🔍 For Realtek: Drivers are often delivered through Windows Update, but current versions can be downloaded from Realtek website.

Driver search algorithm by VEN/DEV:

1. Copy the device ID (eg. VEN_10EC&DEV_8179 For Realtek RTL8188EE).
2. Enter it in the search bar PCI Database.
3. Click on the result - a page will open with the device name and links to drivers.
4. Download the driver from the manufacturer's official website (do not use third-party sources!).

6. Features for laptops with two Wi-Fi adapters

Some gaming and premium laptops (eg. MSI GS66, ASUS ROG Zephyrus or Alienware m15) are equipped with two wireless adapters:

• 📡 Basic (For example, Intel AX200 for everyday tasks).
• 🎮 Game (For example, Killer Wireless-AC 1550 to reduce ping).

In such cases:

• 🔧 Both adapters will be displayed in Device Manager, but only one is active.
• 🔄 Switching between them is done through proprietary software (for example, Killer Control Center or Dragon Center for MSI).
• 📥 Drivers need to be installed for both adapters, even if you only use one.

To find out which adapter is active:

1. Open Command line and run:

   netsh wlan show interfaces

2. In the line Description The name of the active adapter will be indicated.

⚠️ Attention: If the laptop has an adapter installed Killer Wireless, never install drivers from Qualcomm Atheros directly - this will lead to conflicts. Use only software from the laptop manufacturer's website or the official Killer Networking website.

7. If the Wi-Fi adapter is not detected by the system

The situation when the Wi-Fi adapter is not displayed in any Device Manager, not in diagnostic utilities, may have several reasons:

If the adapter is not visible even in BIOS:

• 🔧 Check if it is physically connected (in laptops, the Wi-Fi module is often in the format M.2 2230 and may become detached if dropped).
• 🔍 Use Linux Live CD (For example, Ubuntu) - if the adapter is not detected there either, the problem is definitely in the hardware.

What does a Wi-Fi module look like in a laptop?

Typically it is a small board measuring 30x22mm with two antenna connectors (marked as MAIN And AUX). The module is marked, for example:

- Intel Wireless-AC 9560

- Qualcomm Atheros QCA6174

- Broadcom BCM4352

Photos of examples can be found by searching for “Wi-Fi M.2 module” in image search.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about Wi-Fi Drivers

🔹 How do I find the Wi-Fi driver if my laptop won't turn on?

If your laptop won't boot, but the Wi-Fi module is working properly, you can:

1. Remove the module (if it is removable, format M.2 2230) and read the markings on it.
2. Connect the hard drive to another PC and view the system logs (folder C:\Windows\System32\LogFiles\WMI\).
3. Use Linux Live CD for downloading and diagnostics.

If the laptop does not turn on at all, the problem is most likely with the power supply or motherboard, rather than the driver.

🔹 Can I use a driver from another laptop?

Theoretically, yes, if:

• 🔧 Wi-Fi adapter models completely identical (For example, Intel AX200 in both laptops).
• 🖥️ The operating systems are the same (for example, Windows 11 x64 on both devices).

However, laptop manufacturers (eg. Dell or HP) often modify standard drivers. Therefore, it's best to download software from the official website. laptop manufacturer, not an adapter.

🔹 How do I roll back my Wi-Fi driver if I lost internet after an update?

If Wi-Fi stops working after updating the driver:

1. Connect your laptop to the router via cable (or use another PC to download drivers).
2. Open device Manager → Find your Wi-Fi adapter → Properties → tab "Driver"**.
3. Click Rollback (if the button is active) or "Remove device" (After reboot, the system will install the previous version).

If the rollback does not help, download the old version of the driver from the manufacturer's website and install it manually via Update Driver → "Browse my computer for driver software".

🔹 Why does Windows Update install the wrong driver?

Windows often picks up universal drivers from Microsoft, which may not support all adapter features (e.g. Wi-Fi 6E or Bluetooth 5.2). To avoid this:

1. Download the official driver from the laptop or adapter manufacturer's website.
2. IN Device Manager select Update Driver → "Browse my computer for driver software".
3. Specify the path to the downloaded driver and install it manually.

To prevent Windows from automatically updating a driver:

• Open "Properties" adapter → tab "Intelligence".
• Select "Equipment ID"** and copy the first line (for example, PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_2723).
• Open Local Group Policy Editor** (gpedit.msc) and go to Computer Configuration → Administrative Templates → System → Device Installation → Device Installation Restrictions.
• Enable the option "Prohibit installation of devices with the specified codes"** and add the copied ID.

🔹 Where can I find a driver for an old laptop (2010–2015)?

For laptops older than 2015:

• 🔧 Check the manufacturer's official website in the section "Archive" or "Support" (For example, Lenovo or HP store drivers for models that are 10+ years old).
• 📦 Use utilities like DriverPack Solution or SlimDrivers (but download drivers only after checking for viruses).
• 🖥️ For Windows 7/8 You can try installing the driver from Windows 10 in compatibility mode.

If the adapter Broadcom or Atheros, look for drivers on Microsoft Update Catalog by device ID.