How to find out your Wi-Fi adapter model: all the methods for PCs and laptops

Are you trying to update drivers, set up an access point, or just want to know what Wi-Fi adapter installed on your device? Without the exact model name, it's difficult to select the right software, diagnose connection issues, or assess the supported standards (e.g., Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 6E). In this article, we'll cover all the current methods—from built-in operating system tools to physical inspection of the hardware.

Errors in determining the adapter model can lead to the installation of incompatible drivers, which is fraught with loss of network connection or even a blue screen of death (BSOD) in Windows. Therefore, it is important to use reliable methods rather than relying on guesswork. Below you will find instructions for Windows 10/11, Linux (including Ubuntu/Debian), macOS, as well as universal tips for any device—from desktop PCs to ultrabooks.

1. Method via Device Manager (Windows)

The easiest method for users Windows - use built-in device ManagerIt displays all hardware components, including network adapters, with models indicated (if the drivers are installed correctly).

To open Device Manager:

• 🖱️ Click Win + X and select "Device Manager";
• 🔍 Expand the “Network adapters” section;
• 📋 Find the device with the mention Wireless, Wi-Fi or 802.11 (For example, Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX200 or Qualcomm Atheros QCA9377).

If the adapter name contains the words "WAN Miniport" or "Virtual," these are virtual devices, not physical Wi-Fi modules. Exception: adapters that support Wi-Fi Direct or Miracast can be displayed as virtual, but still be part of the main module.

2. Identification by hardware ID (Windows)

When the driver is missing or installed incorrectly, the adapter name may not appear in Device Manager. In this case, Hardware ID — a unique code by which you can find the model on the Internet.

Instructions:

1. Open device Manager (as in the previous method).
2. Find the unknown device (usually under "Other devices" with a yellow triangle).
3. Right-click on it → “Properties” → “Details” tab.
4. From the drop-down menu, select "Hardware ID".
5. Copy the first line from the list (it starts with PCI\VEN_ or USB\VID_).

Next, enter the copied ID into a search engine (for example, PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_2723). The first results usually lead to sites like pcidatabase.com or forums where the exact name of the adapter is indicated. For example, for the code VEN_8086 this will be a device from Intel, and for VEN_10EC — from Realtek.

Copy ID from Device Manager|

Paste into Google or pcidatabase.com|

Check first 3-5 results|

Check the name with the manufacturer's official website-->

3. Command Prompt and PowerShell (Windows)

For experienced users it is more convenient to use command line or PowerShellThese tools allow you to quickly obtain information about network adapters without a graphical interface.

Method 1: via ipconfig And netsh:

netsh wlan show drivers

In the output, find the line “Radio Name” (Radio types supported) - the adapter model will be indicated there (for example, Intel(R) Dual Band Wireless-AC 3168).

Method 2: via wmiconfig (for Intel adapters only):

wmic nic where "NetEnabled='true'" get Name, Manufacturer, Description

This command will list all network devices with their manufacturer and description.

What to do if the command doesn't work?

If netsh wlan show drivers returns the error "WLAN AutoConfig service is not running", run:

1. Click Win + R, enter services.msc.

2. Find the WLAN AutoConfig service (WLAN AutoConfig).

3. Run it (click the "Run" button) and set the startup type to "Automatic".

4. Methods for Linux (Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora, etc.)

In systems based on Linux Information about the Wi-Fi adapter can be obtained through the terminal. The basic commands depend on the adapter connection type: built-in (PCI/PCIe) or external (USB).

For PCI/PCIe adapters (built into a laptop or PC):

lspci -v | grep -i network

Example output:

03:00.0 Network controller: Intel Corporation Wi-Fi 6 AX200 (rev 1a)

For USB adapters:

lsusb

Look for lines mentioning Wireless or the manufacturer's name (eg TP-Link, ASUS). To get details, use:

lsusb -v | grep -A 5 "Wireless"

If the adapter is detected but does not work, check the loaded kernel modules:

lsmod | grep -i wifi

For example, for adapters Realtek RTL8821CU there must be a module 8821cu.

5. Physical inspection of the adapter (for PCs and laptops)

If software methods do not help (for example, the adapter is not detected by the system), the solution remains physical examinationThis is relevant for desktop PCs, where the Wi-Fi module can be connected to the motherboard via a connector. M.2 or PCIe, as well as for some laptops with replaceable modules.

For desktop PC:

• 🔧 Turn off the power and remove the side cover of the case.
• 🔍 Find the small board with antenna connectors (usually marked as Wi-Fi or WLAN).
• 📷 Take a photo of the sticker on the adapter - it indicates the model (for example, TP-Link TL-WDN4800).

For laptops:

• ⚠️ Attention: Disassembling your laptop may void your warranty! If you're unsure, contact a service center.
• 🔧 Remove the back cover (sometimes it is enough to unscrew one screw marked Wi-Fi).
• 📋 The Wi-Fi module is usually located next to the connector M.2 and connected to two antennas (black and white wires).

⚠️ Attention: In some ultrabooks (for example, Dell XPS or MacBookThe Wi-Fi module is integrated into the motherboard and is not replaceable. Before disassembling, please check the service manual for your model!

6. macOS: How to find out your Wi-Fi adapter model

IN macOS Information about the network adapter can be obtained through System report or terminal. This method works on all versions, including Ventura And Sonoma.

Method 1: via graphical interface:

1. Click the Apple logo (☰) → About This Mac → System Report.
2. Go to "Network" → "Wi-Fi".
3. The "Map" field will indicate the model (for example, Broadcom BCM43xx 1.0).

Method 2: via terminal:

networksetup -listallhardwareports

Look for the block Wi-Fi or AirPort (on older Macs). For example:

Hardware Port: Wi-Fi
Device: en0
Ethernet Address: a8:20:66:xx:xx:xx
Chipset Model:    Broadcom BCM4360

On new MacBooks (with chips Apple Silicon M1/M2) The Wi-Fi adapter is integrated into the processor and can be displayed as Apple Wi-Fi without a specific model. In this case, the exact specifications can be found on the official support page. Apple by the model number of your device.

7. Specialized utilities for model identification

If standard methods don't work, you can use third-party utilities. They will not only show the adapter model but also provide additional information: supported standards (802.11ac/ax), maximum speed, driver version, etc.

Popular programs:

• 🛠️ HWiNFO (Windows) — displays detailed information about all hardware, including Wi-Fi adapters. A free version is available on the official website.
• 📊 Speccy (Windows) - a user-friendly interface with a "Network" section that displays the adapter model and current status.
• 🐧 lshw (Linux) - A utility for displaying the complete system configuration. Install via your package manager (sudo apt install lshw) and run with superuser rights:

sudo lshw -class network

For macOS the utility will do Macs Fan Control (shows temperature and hardware configuration) or EtreCheck (generates a report about the system, including network devices).

⚠️ Attention: Download utilities only from official websites or trusted sources (for example, NirSoft, Piriform). Installers from third-party websites may contain adware or viruses.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Wi-Fi adapters

Is it possible to find out the model of the Wi-Fi adapter on an Android smartphone?

Yes, but the methods depend on the manufacturer. For example, on Samsung go to Settings → About phone → Status → Kernel version (Sometimes the adapter model is listed there). The app will work for most devices. CPU-Z (section “Device” → “Wi-Fi”). On Xiaomi The model can be found out through the engineering menu: enter in the dialer ##4636## and select "Wi-Fi Information".

Why does Device Manager show "Microsoft Wi-Fi Direct Virtual Adapter"?

It is a virtual device created by Windows to support technologies Wi-Fi Direct And MiracastIt is not a physical adapter. Your actual Wi-Fi module will be displayed separately (for example, Intel Wi-Fi 6 or Realtek RTL8822BE).

How do I tell if my adapter supports Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)?

Look at the model name:

• If the title contains AX (For example, Intel AX200, Killer AX1650) — the adapter supports Wi-Fi 6.
• If there is AC (For example, Broadcom BCM4360) - This Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac).
• For an accurate check, use the utility HWiNFO (Wireless section) or check the specifications on the manufacturer's website.

My adapter isn't detected by the system. What should I do?

Possible causes and solutions:

1. Driver missing - download it from the laptop/motherboard manufacturer's website (not from the Microsoft website!).
2. The adapter is disabled in BIOS. - go to BIOS (usually the key F2 or Del when loading) and check the settings Wireless or Onboard Devices.
3. Physical malfunction — if the adapter is not detected even in the BIOS, it may be disconnected from the connector or burned out.

Is it possible to replace the Wi-Fi adapter in a laptop with a more powerful one?

Depends on the laptop model:

• 🔧 With replaceable module (For example, Lenovo ThinkPad, Dell Latitude) - you can install a compatible adapter (usually form factor M.2 2230 or 1216).
• 🚫 With integrated adapter (For example, MacBook, many HP Pavilion) - replacement is impossible without soldering.

Before purchasing a new adapter, please check:

• Form factor (M.2 Key A/E).
• Supported standards (eg. Wi-Fi 6E requires 6 GHz support).
• BIOS compatibility (some laptops block non-original adapters).