Most computer users do not bother to check the Bluetooth adapter or Wi-Fi adapter version before or after buying a computer, as they are only concerned about the more crucial parts, such as the processor, RAM, and storage.
Computer manufacturers generally offer the most recent versions of Wi-Fi adapters. However, there are users who want to ensure that they have the latest technology on their PCs.
Users who have installed the latest Wi-Fi routers might want to check whether their Windows 11 PC has the latest Wi-Fi router as well, so they can take full advantage of the latest technology and the fastest possible speed. For instance, users with Wi-Fi 7 routers might want to know whether their Windows 11 PC has a Wi-Fi 7 adapter to ensure they can use the full supported speed.
If you own a Windows 11 PC, there are a couple of ways to know the Wi-Fi adapter version number without using third-party tools. You can use the Device Manager, Command Prompt, and the Settings app to know the Wi-Fi version number.
Method 1 of 2
Use the Device Manager to know if your Windows 11 PC has Wi-Fi 6 or 7
Step 1: Right-click the Windows logo button (also called the Start button) and then click Device Manager to open it.
Step 2: In the Device Manager, look for Network adapters and expand the same to see your Wi-Fi adapter entry. If your PC supports Wi-Fi 7, an 802.11be entry should appear. An 802.11ac entry indicates that the Wi-Fi supports Wi-Fi 5, and 802.11 ax appears if it supports Wi-Fi 6.
Method 2 of 2
Use Command Prompt to know if your PC has Wi-Fi 6 or 7 in Windows 11
Step 1: Open the Command Prompt window using the search. No need to run it as an administrator.
Step 2: At the Command Prompt window, type the following command and then hit the Enter key.
netsh wlan show drivers
Step 3: Check the Radio types supported field. An 802.11 entry shows that Wi-Fi 7 is supported, 802.11 ax indicates that Wi-Fi 6 is supported, and 802.11ac shows that Wi-Fi 5 is supported.
Please note that your PC may support multiple Wi-Fi versions. For instance, it might support both Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 7.
Can I connect a Wi-Fi 6-supported Windows 11 PC to a Wi-Fi 7 router to get the maximum supported speed?
If you connect a Wi-Fi 6-supported Windows 11 PC to a Wi-Fi 7 router, the maximum supported speed will be the speed of Wi-Fi 6. In order to get the maximum speed, both your PC and router should be on the same version.
If both your PC and router are on the same version, but you are unable to reach the maximum supported speed, check with your internet service provider and update the Wi-Fi drivers on your Windows 11 PC.
Can I upgrade from Wi-Fi 5/6 to Wi-Fi 7?
Yes, you can upgrade to the latest Wi-Fi technology by installing a new Wi-Fi adapter in your PC. But since upgrading a Wi-Fi adapter isn’t easy on laptops, desktop users generally upgrade their Wi-Fi cards.
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