How to Check if Your Laptop Supports Wi-Fi 6: 7 Working Methods

You bought a new router with Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), but aren't sure if your laptop can take full advantage of this modern standard? Or are you planning an upgrade but want to check your current configuration first? In this article, we'll cover all possible ways determine support Wi-Fi 6 — from simple system checks to analysis of technical specifications.

Standard 802.11ax (aka Wi-Fi 6) promises increased speed, better performance in interference-ridden environments, and a more stable connection in networks with multiple devices. But for these benefits to be realized, both the router and the client device (in your case, a laptop) must support the new protocol. We'll show you how to check this. Windows 10/11, macOS And Linux, and also without starting the operating system - through BIOS or markings on the body.

Important: If your laptop was manufactured before 2019, the chances of presence Wi-Fi 6 are minimal—the standard was ratified only in September 2019, and mass implementation began in 2020–2021. But there are exceptions: some flagship models (for example, Dell XPS 15 7590 or MacBook Pro 16" 2019) received a module update even before the official release.

1. Checking via Device Manager (Windows)

The fastest way for users Windows — view the network adapter's name in Device Manager. Here's how:

1. Click Win + X and select "Device Manager"**.
2. Expand the section Network Adapters**.
3. Find the device with the words Wireless, Wi-Fi or Network Adapter in the title.

Now, carefully examine the adapter model. If the name contains one of these designations, your laptop supports Wi-Fi 6:

• 🔹 AX (For example, Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX200, Qualcomm FastConnect 6800)
• 🔹 802.11ax (full name of the standard)
• 🔹 Wi-Fi 6 or WiFi 6 (less common, but possible)
• 🔹 Gig+ (marketing designation for some manufacturers, for example, Killer Wireless-AC 1550 → Killer AX1650)

AX in the model (AX200, AX210, etc.)|Mention of 802.11ax|The word Wi-Fi 6 or WiFi 6|Marketing designations like Gig+-->

If the adapter name contains only AC (For example, Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 8265), this means support Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), but not Wi-Fi 6Also, pay attention to the driver's release year—if it's older than 2019, the adapter likely hasn't been updated to support the new standard.

⚠️ Attention: Some manufacturers (eg Realtek) may not indicate the standard in the adapter name. In this case, proceed to the next method - checking via command line.

2. Command line: detailed information about the adapter

If the Device Manager doesn't give you a clear answer, use command line to obtain extended data. This method works even if the adapter driver is not installed correctly.

Open Command line as administrator (click Win + S, enter cmd, then select Run as administrator**) and run the command:

netsh wlan show drivers

In the results, find the following lines:

• 📋 Radio Type** — must be specified 802.11ax (if supported).
• 📋 "Supported Radio Types"** - there may be a list of standards here, including 802.11ax.

If there is no mention in the command output 802.11ax, but there is 802.11ac, your adapter is limited Wi-Fi 5. Also pay attention to the line Wi-Fi Direct Support** - if it is there, this indirectly indicates a modern adapter, but does not guarantee Wi-Fi 6.

For more detailed information, use the command:

netsh wlan show interfaces

Pay attention to the line here Physical Address** (MAC) - you can use it to find the exact adapter model on the Internet.

3. Checking via System Information (msinfo32)

Another built-in tool Windows - utility msinfo32, which collects detailed hardware data. To open it:

1. Click Win + R, enter msinfo32 and press Enter.
2. Go to the section “Components” → “Network” → “Adapter”**.
3. Find your wireless adapter in the list.

This window will indicate full name of the model And manufacturerCopy this data and search it on the Internet (for example, on the website Intel ARK or Wi-Fi Alliance). If the adapter supports Wi-Fi 6, this will be indicated in the specifications.

Example: for adapter Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX200 on the website Intel indicated:

Supported standards: 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6), 802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5), 802.11a/b/g/n

Intel|Qualcomm (Atheros)|Broadcom|Realtek|Mediattek|Other/I don't know-->

4. Checking on macOS (for Apple laptops)

For users MacBook the easiest way is - Apple Clearly indicates the supported standards in the specifications. Here's how to check:

1. Click on the logo Apple in the upper left corner and select About This Mac**.
2. Go to the tab System Report**.
3. In the left menu, select "Network" → "Wi-Fi"**.

There will be a line on the right side of the window Supported PHY Modes**. If there is one there 802.11ax, yours MacBook supports Wi-Fi 6You can also use this model as a guide:

If your model is not listed in the table, check it on Apple's official website (section "Technical specifications"). Apple started to implement Wi-Fi 6 from chips M1, that's why everything MacBook on Apple Silicon (2020 and newer) support the standard, and most models on Intel (until 2020) it is not available.

5. Checking in Linux (via terminal)

IN Linux You can get information about your network adapter through the terminal. Use the command:

lspci -v | grep -i wireless -A 10

In the output, find the line with «Network controller»** — the adapter model will be indicated there. For example:

Network controller: Intel Corporation Wi-Fi 6 AX200 (rev 1a)

If the title contains AX or 802.11ax, the adapter supports Wi-Fi 6For more detailed information, please use:

iw list

In the results, look for the section «Supported interface modes» And «Band 1/2» - it should indicate the supported standards, including HE (High Efficiency, that is Wi-Fi 6).

If the terminal gives an error command not found, install the package iw:

sudo apt install iw # For Debian/Ubuntu
sudo dnf install iw # For Fedora

6. Checking via BIOS/UEFI (without loading the OS)

If your laptop won't turn on or you want to check the adapter without starting the operating system, you can go to BIOS/UEFITo do this:

1. Restart your laptop and press the login key BIOS (usually F2, Del, Esc or F12 - depends on the manufacturer).
2. Find the section «Advanced» or «System Information».
3. Look for information about «Wireless Adapter» or «Network Controller».

IN BIOS usually only indicated adapter model name, without details about the standards. Write down this model and check its specifications online. For example, if it says Intel Wireless-AC 9560, This Wi-Fi 5, A Killer AX1650 - already Wi-Fi 6.

⚠️ Attention: In some laptops (especially budget ones), information about the network adapter in BIOS may be missing. In this case, use other methods.

7. Checking the markings on the body or documentation

Some manufacturers mark the supported standards on the laptop case or packaging. Look for the following markings:

• 📌 Logo sticker «Wi-Fi CERTIFIED 6»** (official sign Wi-Fi Alliance).
• 📌 Mention 802.11ax or AX next to the technical specifications on the bottom of the laptop.
• 📌 Inscription «Gig+ Wi-Fi» or «Wi-Fi 6 Ready» (marketing designations).

Also check documentation, which came with the laptop, or find the model on the manufacturer's website. For example, ASUS, Lenovo And HP There are filters by characteristics where you can choose «Wi-Fi 6»** and see if your model is on the list.

Where can I find my laptop model?

The model is usually indicated on a sticker on the back of the case (for example, Lenovo ThinkPad T14 Gen 2 or HP Pavilion 15-eg0000). It can also be found in the BIOS, on the box, or on the purchase receipt.

If the laptop was bought second-hand or without documentation, use utilities like CPU-Z (tab «Mainboard») or HWiNFO (chapter «Network») to determine the exact adapter model.

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

My laptop supports Wi-Fi 6, but the speed is no faster than Wi-Fi 5. What's wrong?

There may be several reasons:

• 🔌 The router does not support Wi-Fi 6 (check its specifications).
• 🔌 You are connected to the network 2.4 GHz — Wi-Fi 6 works better on 5 GHz.
• 🔌 The adapter driver is out of date (update it through the manufacturer's website).
• 🔌 The router settings are disabled OFDMA or MU-MIMO, which are responsible for the benefits Wi-Fi 6.

Also make sure that the adapter settings (in the Device Manager) are enabled. 802.11ax.

Is it possible to install a Wi-Fi 6 adapter in an old laptop?

Technically Yes, If:

• 🔧 There is a slot in the laptop M.2 or NGFF under the module Wi-Fi (usually 2230 or 2242).
• 🔧 BIOS does not block non-original adapters (for some brands, for example, Lenovo, there are “white lists” of allowed devices).
• 🔧 You have an adapter that supports it Wi-Fi 6 and compatible connectors (for example, Intel AX200).

Before purchasing, check compatibility on forums (for example, NotebookReview) or in databases like TonyMacx86.

Which Wi-Fi 6-enabled Wi-Fi adapter would you recommend for an upgrade?

Popular replacement models:

• 🛒 Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX200 (supports 2.4 GHz And 5 GHz, compatible with most laptops).
• 🛒 Intel Wi-Fi 6E AX210 (adds support 6 GHz, but requires compatibility testing).
• 🛒 Killer AX1650 (optimized for games, but may conflict with some systems).

Before purchasing, please check which one form factor needed for your laptop (M.2 2230 or M.2 1216).

Does my laptop support Wi-Fi 6E (6GHz)?

Wi-Fi 6E - this is an extension Wi-Fi 6, which adds range support 6 GHz. Check:

• 🔍 The adapter model must contain AX210 or AX411 (For example, Intel AX210).
• 🔍 The specifications should state 6 GHz band or Wi-Fi 6E.
• 🔍 The router must also support 6 GHz (this is still a rarity in budget models).

For now Wi-Fi 6E only laptops are supported 2021 and newer (For example, Dell XPS 13 9310, Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 9).

Can a 2018 laptop have Wi-Fi 6?

Unlikely, but exceptions are possible. The first adapters Wi-Fi 6 appeared in In 2019, and mass implementation began in 2020However, some flagship models 2018–2019 (For example, MacBook Pro 16" Late 2019 or Dell XPS 15 7590) may have received module upgrades in later revisions. Check the exact production date of your laptop (usually indicated on the sticker) and compare it with the official specifications.