How to Tell If My PC Has WiFi 6

Wondering if your PC is ready for the latest in wireless technology? As WiFi 6 becomes the new standard, finding out if your device can handle its blazing fast speeds and improved connectivity can be a game-changer for streaming, gaming, and everyday online activities.

In this guide, you’ll learn simple steps to check if your PC supports WiFi 6, helping you make the most of your network’s potential. Enjoy smoother streaming, quicker downloads, and a more reliable connection — all from the comfort of your own device.

Whether you’re aiming to maximize productivity or enjoy seamless entertainment, knowing if your PC is WiFi 6 compatible is the first step. Follow along as we guide you through checking your device settings, understanding compatibility indicators, and identifying the right upgrades if needed.

Ready to tap into the next level of wireless performance? Click through to start your check and prepare your PC for a faster, more responsive online experience!

In this topic we will cover:-

• Understanding WiFi 6
• Checking Your PC’s Compatibility
• What If My PC Does Not Support WiFi 6?

1.Understanding WiFi 6

WiFi 6, also known as 802.11ax, is the latest wireless networking standard designed to enhance network efficiency, speed, and capacity, particularly in environments with numerous connected devices.

Introduced to address the growing demand for high-speed and reliable wireless connectivity, WiFi 6 is a leap forward from its predecessor, WiFi 5 (802.11ac), and it incorporates several key technologies that improve overall network performance.

Key Features of WiFi 6

1. Higher Data Rates: WiFi 6 supports data rates up to 9.6 Gbps, nearly three times faster than WiFi 5, which has a maximum theoretical speed of 3.5 Gbps. This is achieved through advancements like 1024-QAM (Quadrature Amplitude Modulation), allowing each data packet to carry more information.
2. Improved Capacity: With OFDMA (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access), WiFi 6 can split a single channel into smaller sub-channels, allowing multiple devices to communicate simultaneously. This improves network capacity, especially in high-density environments like stadiums, airports, or office buildings.
3. MU-MIMO (Multi-User, Multiple Input, Multiple Output): WiFi 6 enhances MU-MIMO, allowing routers to communicate with multiple devices at the same time, rather than sequentially. WiFi 5 had MU-MIMO capabilities, but only for downloads. WiFi 6 extends MU-MIMO to uploads, enhancing two-way traffic.
4. Target Wake Time (TWT): TWT is a power-saving feature that schedules device communication with the network, allowing devices to “sleep” when not needed. This extends battery life on connected devices like smartphones, IoT devices, and laptops.
5. BSS (Basic Service Set) Coloring: WiFi 6 reduces interference in crowded environments with BSS coloring. This feature tags data packets from different networks with unique colors, making it easier for devices to ignore irrelevant data and focus on their specific network.
6. Enhanced Security: WiFi 6 requires WPA3 (Wi-Fi Protected Access 3), which offers improved encryption over WPA2 and mitigates some vulnerabilities seen in previous standards, providing stronger protection against network intrusions.

Comparison with Previous Standards (WiFi 5/802.11ac)

Feature	WiFi 5 (802.11ac)	WiFi 6 (802.11ax)
Maximum Speed	3.5 Gbps	9.6 Gbps
Frequency Bands	5 GHz	2.4 GHz and 5 GHz
Modulation Scheme	256-QAM	1024-QAM
Channel Width	Up to 80 MHz	Up to 160 MHz
OFDMA	No	Yes
MU-MIMO	Downlink Only	Uplink and Downlink
Battery Efficiency	Standard	Target Wake Time (TWT)
Security	WPA2	WPA3

Benefits of WiFi 6

1. Faster Speeds: WiFi 6’s increased data rates allow for faster internet speeds and efficient handling of data-heavy applications such as streaming in 4K/8K, VR, and cloud-based gaming.
2. Improved Network Capacity: In environments with multiple devices connected to the same network (e.g., smart homes, offices), WiFi 6’s ability to handle more devices without a decrease in speed or stability is a significant advantage. This is due to OFDMA and improved MU-MIMO capabilities, which optimize traffic and reduce bottlenecks.
3. Lower Latency: WiFi 6’s improved handling of multiple simultaneous data streams leads to lower latency, making it ideal for real-time applications such as online gaming, virtual reality, and video conferencing, where minimal delay is crucial.
4. Energy Efficiency: With the addition of Target Wake Time (TWT), WiFi 6 can schedule communication times for devices, allowing them to conserve energy by entering sleep mode when not in use. This is especially beneficial for battery-powered devices, as it can significantly extend their battery life.
5. Enhanced Security: By enforcing WPA3 as the minimum security protocol, WiFi 6 provides stronger encryption and more robust protection against brute-force attacks. This ensures safer connections and makes it more challenging for unauthorized users to access the network.

---

2. Checking Your PC’s Compatibility

• Method 1: Using Command Prompt
  • Step-by-step guide:
    • Open Windows Search and type cmd.
    • Select Command Prompt from the results.
    • Enter the command: netsh wlan show drivers.
    • Interpret the results, focusing on “Radio types supported” to find if 802.11ax is listed.
• Method 2: Checking Device Manager
  • Instructions on how to access Device Manager:
    • Search for Device Manager in Windows.
    • Expand the “Network adapters” section.
    • Right-click on the Wi-Fi adapter and select Properties.
    • Check the Advanced tab for supported wireless modes.
• Method 3: Consulting Manufacturer Specifications
  • Importance of checking the user manual or manufacturer’s website.
  • How to find model specifications online to confirm WiFi 6 support.

Verifying Your Connection to a WiFi 6 Network

• Steps to check if connected to a WiFi 6 network:
  • Navigate to Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi.
  • Click on your Wi-Fi properties tab.
  • Scroll down to find the protocol version listed.

---

3. What If My PC Does Not Support WiFi 6?

If your PC doesn’t support Wi-Fi 6, there are several upgrade options to enhance your wireless connectivity:

1. Install a New Wi-Fi Adapter (for Desktops)

• PCIe Wi-Fi Card: Many desktops have open PCIe slots on the motherboard. Installing a Wi-Fi 6 card in one of these slots can provide robust wireless capabilities. Look for Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) cards that also support Bluetooth 5.0 or higher, which can improve Bluetooth connectivity alongside Wi-Fi.
• USB Wi-Fi Adapter: A USB Wi-Fi 6 adapter is a more straightforward option for desktops without open PCIe slots or for those who want an easier, plug-and-play setup. These adapters vary in performance, with some models offering high data rates suitable for gaming or streaming.

2. Consider Upgrading Your Laptop or Desktop

• If you have a laptop or older desktop that doesn’t support Wi-Fi 6, upgrading to a new system that natively supports Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 6E (an extended version that operates on the 6 GHz band) might be worthwhile. Many modern laptops and desktops now come with Wi-Fi 6 support as a standard, which can improve network stability, speed, and device capacity.

3. Replace the Internal Wi-Fi Card (for Laptops)

• Some laptops allow for the replacement of their internal Wi-Fi card, which can be a cost-effective way to add Wi-Fi 6 support. Check your laptop’s compatibility and warranty coverage, as replacing the Wi-Fi card may void the warranty. If your laptop has a swappable M.2 or mini-PCIe Wi-Fi card, upgrading to a Wi-Fi 6 card can significantly improve network performance.

4. Assess Compatibility with Your Router

• Upgrading to Wi-Fi 6 also depends on your router. If your router is an older model (Wi-Fi 5 or below), you may want to invest in a Wi-Fi 6 router to fully utilize the capabilities of your new adapter or device. A Wi-Fi 6 router improves network efficiency and performance, especially if you have many connected devices.

Benefits of Upgrading to Wi-Fi 6

• Higher Speeds: Wi-Fi 6 offers faster data rates, which is beneficial for high-bandwidth activities like gaming and streaming.
• Improved Network Capacity: Wi-Fi 6 is designed to handle more devices on the same network, reducing lag and improving stability.
• Better Battery Life for Devices: Wi-Fi 6 features Target Wake Time (TWT), which can help extend battery life for connected devices like laptops, tablets, and phones.

---

Conclusion

Having a compatible device is essential to fully experience the benefits of WiFi 6. While upgrading to a WiFi 6 router provides a strong foundation for faster speeds, lower latency, and better handling of multiple devices, your connected devices also need to support WiFi 6 to take advantage of these improvements.

The synergy between a WiFi 6 router and compatible devices can transform your network experience, particularly in homes with heavy internet use or many connected devices.

If you’re looking for enhanced connectivity, now is a great time to consider upgrading both your router and devices. Doing so will set you up for the future of internet connectivity, providing a smoother, more responsive experience across all your online activities.