How to find out the specifications of your laptop's Wi-Fi adapter: from model to 6 GHz support

⚠️ Attention: In some laptops (especially budget ones), Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are combined into one module. In this case, only one may be displayed in Device Manager. Bluetooth-device - check both sections.

Method 2: Command Prompt (Windows) - Quick and Express Method

If you only need basic data (adapter name and supported standards), one command is enough in Command line.

Open CMD as administrator and enter:

netsh wlan show drivers

Find the block in the results Radio name (adapter name) and Supported radio types (Wi-Fi standards). Example output:

Radio Name: Intel(R) Wi-Fi 6 AX200 160MHz
Supported radio types: 802.11n 802.11ac 802.11ax

This information is enough to understand:

• 🔹 Does the adapter support Wi-Fi 6 (availability 802.11ax).
• 🔹 Does it work in the range 5 GHz (if any) 802.11ac/ax).
• 🔹 Maximum theoretical speed (standard).

For more detailed information, use the command:

netsh wlan show interfaces

The current channel, security type (WPA3, WPA2) and connection speed (Mbps).

Method 3: Specialized utilities (AIDA64, HWiNFO)

For in-depth diagnostics (including chip temperature, firmware version, and hidden features), use third-party programs. The best free options are:

Example of a report in AIDA64:

• Network adapter: Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX201
• Standards: 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax
• Max. speed: 2400 Mbps (theoretical)
• Ranges: 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 6 GHz (if supported Wi-Fi 6E)

The advantage of utilities is that they show real capabilities of the chip, and not just those used in the current system. For example, an adapter may support 160 MHz, but Windows only uses 80 MHz due to router settings.

⚠️ Attention: In some laptops (eg. Dell XPS or HP Spectre) Manufacturers limit the functionality of Wi-Fi adapters via BIOS. Even if the program shows support Wi-Fi 6E, in practice the range 6 GHz may be blocked.

Device Manager|Command Prompt|Specialized Utilities (AIDA64, HWiNFO)|I don't know what to choose-->

Method 4: Checking in Linux (terminal)

In distributions Linux (Ubuntu, Mint, Fedora) You can get information about the adapter through the terminal. Use the command:

lspci -v | grep -i network

Or for a more detailed report:

lshw -class network

Example output:

*-network
description: Wireless interface
product: Wi-Fi 6 AX200
vendor: Intel Corporation
physical id: 0
bus info: pci@0000:01:00.0
logical name: wlp1s0
version: 1a
width: 64 bits
capabilities: bus_master cap_list ethernet physical wireless
configuration: broadcast=yes driver=iwlwifi driverversion=5.15.0-76-generic

Key parameters:

• product — adapter model (Wi-Fi 6 AX200).
• driver — the driver used (iwlwifi for Intel).
• capabilities - supported functions (eg wireless).

To find out the supported standards and frequencies, use:

iw list

Look for blocks Supported interface modes And Frequencies.

If there is a line in the output Band 6 — does your adapter support it? 6 GHz (Wi-Fi 6E). Example:

Band 6:
Capabilities: ...
Frequencies: 5935 - 7115 MHz

Method 5: macOS — System Report and Terminal

On MacBook Wi-Fi adapter data is hidden in System reportTo open it:

1. Click on the Apple logo → About this Mac.
2. Click System report → Net → Wi-Fi.

Here you will see:

• 🔹 Interface map: chip model (eg Broadcom BCM43xx).
• 🔹 Standards: supported protocols (802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax).
• 🔹 Channels: supported frequencies (2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 6 GHz).

For terminal use the command:

networksetup -listallhardwareports

Look for the block Wi-Fi indicating the adapter model.

On the new ones MacBook Pro/Air with chips Apple M1/M2 The Wi-Fi adapter is integrated into the processor. In the system report, it may appear as Apple Wi-Fi Without details. In this case, the specifications depend on the Mac model:

• M1 (2020): Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), to 1200 Mbps.
• M2 (2022+): Wi-Fi 6E, support 6 GHz.

How to compare adapter specifications with a router

Knowing your adapter settings is useless without analyzing your router settings. Here's how to optimize your connection:

1. Compare standards:
   • If the adapter only supports Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n), and the router operates in mode Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), turn it on on the router compatibility mode (802.11n/ac).
   • If both devices support Wi-Fi 6, activate 802.11ax in the router settings.
2. Check the ranges:
   • If the adapter only works on 2.4 GHz, and the router broadcasts 5 GHz, turn it off 5 GHz or set up separate SSIDs for each band.
   • For maximum speed use 5 GHz (or 6 GHz, if supported).
3. Adjust the channel width:
   • Adapters with support 160 MHz (For example, Intel AX200) will give maximum speed only with the same settings on the router.
   • If the adapter only supports 80 MHz, install on the router 80 MHz or Auto.