How to determine the Wi-Fi module model on a laptop: all methods from simple to complex

Are you trying to update drivers, replace a faulty module, or just want to know which one Wi-Fi adapter installed in your laptop? Without the exact model name, it's almost impossible to do. Manufacturers — Intel, Qualcomm Atheros, Broadcom or Realtek — dozens of modifications are produced, and even outwardly identical modules may have different technical characteristics.

In this article we will look at All current methods for determining the Wi-Fi module model, including methods for different operating systems (Windows 10/11, Linux, macOS), as well as what to do if your laptop won't turn on or the adapter isn't detected. You'll learn where to find information in documents, how to decipher the markings on the module itself, and why data in programs sometimes doesn't match reality.

1. The fastest way: via Windows Device Manager

If your laptop is running Windows, it's most logical to start searching for the Wi-Fi module model using the system's built-in tools. Device Manager displays not only the adapter's name, but also its identifiers (VEN And DEV), which will be useful for searching for drivers.

To open the manager:

• 🖱️ Right click on Start → select device Manager.
• 🔍 Expand the branch Network adapters.
• 📋 Find the device with the words Wireless, Wi-Fi or Network Adapter in the title.

In most cases, the full model name will be listed here, for example: Intel(R) Wi-Fi 6 AX200 160MHz or Qualcomm Atheros QCA61x4A. But sometimes instead of a model, a general name is displayed (for example, WLAN 802.11ac). In this case:

Open the adapter properties (right click → "Properties") | Go to the "Details" tab | Select "Hardware IDs" from the drop-down list | Copy the lines from VEN_XXXX And DEV_XXXX|Search the database for these codes PCI Database-->

⚠️ Attention: The device manager may not display the original name of the module, but the one assigned by the laptop manufacturer (for example, Dell Wireless 1820A instead of Intel 8260). This is normal - just use this name to search for drivers.

2. Command Prompt: A Universal Method for Windows

If the graphical interface is unavailable for some reason (for example, due to a system crash), the Wi-Fi module model can be found via the command line. This method works even in Safe Mode and does not require installation of additional software.

Open Command Prompt (Win + R → enter cmd → Enter) and execute two commands in sequence:

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

In the results, look for the line with the mention Wireless or Wi-Fi. For example:

```

Name Manufacturer

Intel(R) Wi-Fi 6 AX201 Intel Corporation

```

For more detailed information (including VEN And DEV) use:

wmic nic get Name, PNPDeviceID

The response will contain a string like this: PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_2723 — these are the unique identifiers for your adapter. You can enter them on the website. PCI Database or in a search engine to find the exact model.

Via Device Manager|Via Command Prompt|Via Third-Party Programs|I don't know, I haven't tried it yet-->

3. Diagnostic programs: AIDA64, HWiNFO, Speccy

Third-party hardware analysis utilities often provide more detailed information about a Wi-Fi module than standard Windows tools. They are especially useful if the adapter is detected by the system as an "Unknown Device."

Let's look at three popular programs:

⚠️ Attention: Some programs (eg CPU-Z) do not display information about Wi-Fi adapters. They are not suitable for this task.

4. Physical inspection of the module: if the laptop is disassembled

When software methods do not help (for example, the adapter is not detected by the system or the laptop does not turn on), there is only one reliable method left - open the case and visually inspect the module. This is also useful if you plan to replace the Wi-Fi card with a more modern one.

What you will need:

• 🔧 Screwdriver (usually a Phillips head, the size depends on the laptop model).
• 📸 A phone or camera to take a photo of the antenna locations.
• 🧲 Anti-static wristband (optional, but recommended for safety).

Algorithm of actions:

1. Disconnect the laptop from the power supply and remove the battery (if it is removable).
2. Turn the laptop over and locate the Wi-Fi module compartment cover (usually it's small, with an antenna symbol 📶). On some models (MacBook, Dell XPS) you will have to remove the entire bottom cover.
3. Loosen the screws and carefully lift the cover. The module typically looks like a small board with two antenna wires (black and white or gray).
4. The module itself will have a sticker with the model name. For example:
   • Intel Wireless-AC 9560
   • Broadcom BCM4352
   • Qualcomm Atheros QCNFA364A

What should I do if the sticker is worn off or missing?

If the marking is illegible, pay attention to the first 4-6 characters of the chip name (for example, BCM4360 or QCA6174). They are usually enough to find the model through a Google image search or on forums (for example, NotebookReview). The FCC ID code, which is printed on the module, will also help - it can be checked in the database FCC.gov.

⚠️ Attention: On some laptops (Lenovo ThinkPad, HP EliteBookThe Wi-Fi module may be soldered to the motherboard. In this case, replacement is only possible at a service center.

5. BIOS/UEFI: Where to find information about network devices

In rare cases, the Wi-Fi adapter model can be found in the settings BIOS or UEFIThis is relevant if the operating system fails to load, but the laptop turns on. However, not all manufacturers display this information.

How to check:

1. Restart your laptop and enter the BIOS (usually the keys F2, Del, Esc or F12 — depends on the model).
2. Find the section Advanced, System Information or Onboard Devices.
3. Check for items mentioning Wireless, WLAN or Network Controller.

An example of what this might look like (in the screenshot) ASUS UEFI):

Onboard WLAN Device: Intel Wireless-AC 9260

If there is no such information, try to find the section PCI Device Listing - all devices with their names can be listed there VEN/DEV codes.

6. Documentation and official sources

If your laptop is new or you don't want to disassemble it, you can find the Wi-Fi module model in the official documentation. Here's where to look:

• 📄 User manual (look for the section Specifications or Wireless Networking).
• 🖥️ Model page on the manufacturer's website (For example, support.hp.com, support.lenovo.com). Use the exact part number of the laptop (e.g. Dell Inspiron 15 5593).
• 🛒 The box or sticker on the bottom of the laptop - sometimes the Wi-Fi type is indicated there (for example, Wi-Fi 6 or 802.11ac, but not the module model).
• 🔧 Service manuals (search for "model name service manual pdf").

Example: For a laptop Lenovo ThinkPad T480 on the official website in the section Specifications indicated:

Wireless: Intel® Dual Band Wireless-AC 8265 (2x2), Wi-Fi + Bluetooth 4.1

⚠️ Attention: Manufacturers sometimes change components in the same laptop model. For example, HP Pavilion 15 2020 could be supplied with Wi-Fi modules from Intel or Realtek Depending on the batch, the data in the documentation does not always correspond to reality.

7. Features for Linux and macOS

If you use Linux or macOSThe methods for identifying the Wi-Fi module model will differ. Let's take a closer look.

For Linux (Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora, etc.)

In the terminal, run the command:

lspci -v | grep -i network

Or for a more detailed report:

lshw -class network

Example output:

```

*-network

description: Wireless interface

product: Wireless 8265 / 8275

vendor: Intel Corporation

physical id: 0

bus info: pci@0000:03:00.0

logical name: wlp3s0

```

Here Wireless 8265 / 8275 — this is a module model.

For macOS

Open Terminal and enter:

networksetup -listallhardwareports

Or for more detailed information:

system_profiler SPNetworkDataType

Look for the block in the results Wi-Fi or AirPort. For example:

```

Wi-Fi:

Card Type: AirPort Extreme (0x14E4, 0x173)

Firmware Version: Broadcom BCM43xx 1.0 (7.77.111.1)

```

Here 0x14E4 - This VEN (vendor ID), and 0x173 — DEV (device ID). You can use them to find the exact model.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Wi-Fi modules in laptops

Is it possible to replace the Wi-Fi module with a newer one?
Yes, but with some reservations:
• 🔄 The module must be compatible with the connector on the motherboard (M.2 2230, M.2 1216 or soldered).
• 📋 Check BIOS support (some laptops block non-original modules).
• 📶 Make sure the antennas are suitable (e.g. for Wi-Fi 6E a third antenna may be required).

Example: B Dell Latitude 7490 can be installed Intel AX210 instead of the standard one Intel 8265, but you will need to update the BIOS.

Why does Device Manager show "Network Controller" instead of the model?

This means that the driver for the device is not installed. Solutions:

1. Download the driver from the laptop manufacturer's website (not the module's!).
2. Use VEN/DEV codes for searching for drivers on sites like DriverPack or Snappy Driver Installer.
3. If this is a new module, check if it is supported by your laptop model.

How do I know which Wi-Fi standard my module supports?

By model name:

• 802.11n = Wi-Fi 4 (up to 600 Mbps).
• 802.11ac = Wi-Fi 5 (up to 3.5 Gbps).
• 802.11ax = Wi-Fi 6/6E (up to 9.6 Gbps).

You can also check in the adapter properties (Windows) or via the command iw list (Linux).

What should I do if the Wi-Fi module is not detected by the system?

Possible causes and solutions:

• 🔌 Physical shutdown: Check whether the antennas or the module itself are disconnected (relevant after disassembling the laptop).
• ⚡ No power: On some laptops, Wi-Fi is disabled in the BIOS (check the settings Wireless LAN Support).
• 🛠️ Malfunction: If the module is not detected even in BIOS, it may have burned out (for example, due to a power surge).

Where can I find the driver if I know the module model?

First, try the official website of the module manufacturer:

• downloadcenter.intel.com (For Intel).
• qualcomm.com (For Atheros/Qualcomm).
• realtek.com (For Realtek).

If there is no driver for your OS, look on the manufacturer's website. laptop (For example, support.hp.com) - they often adapt drivers to their equipment.