There’s no switch that turns on Wi-Fi 6 in Windows 10. Windows uses Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) automatically when three things are in place: a Wi-Fi 6 network adapter in your PC, an up-to-date driver for it, and a Wi-Fi 6 router. To check whether you’re connected with Wi-Fi 6, go to Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi, click your network, and look at Protocol. It should say Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax). If it doesn’t, update the adapter’s driver and check its wireless mode setting in Device Manager.
Step 1: Check whether your adapter supports Wi-Fi 6
- Right-click Start and choose Windows PowerShell or Command Prompt.
- Type
netsh wlan show driversand press Enter. - Look for Radio types supported. If it lists 802.11ax, your adapter supports Wi-Fi 6.
You can also check the adapter’s name in Device Manager > Network adapters. Names with “AX” (for example, AX200 or AX210) are usually Wi-Fi 6 or 6E. If your adapter only lists 802.11ac or older, you’ll need a new adapter, such as a PCIe card or a USB Wi-Fi 6 adapter.
Step 2: Check your current connection
- Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi.
- Click the name of your network (or Hardware properties).
- Look at Protocol and Link speed.
You can also run netsh wlan show interfaces and look at Radio type.
Step 3: Update the Wi-Fi driver
- Download the latest driver for your adapter from your PC maker’s support site or the adapter maker’s website (for example, Intel’s Driver & Support Assistant for Intel adapters).
- Or open Device Manager, expand Network adapters, right-click your Wi-Fi adapter, and choose Update driver > Search automatically for drivers.
- Restart your PC.
Wi-Fi 6 works best on Windows 10 version 1903 or later, so also install any pending Windows updates.
Step 4: Check the adapter’s wireless mode
- In Device Manager, right-click your Wi-Fi adapter and choose Properties.
- Click the Advanced tab.
- Look for a property like 802.11ax/ac Wireless Mode, Wireless Mode, or 802.11ax Mode. Set it to 802.11ax, Enabled, or Auto.
- Click OK.
Property names vary by adapter. If you don’t see one, the adapter uses Wi-Fi 6 automatically.
Step 5: Make sure your router uses Wi-Fi 6
- Your router must support Wi-Fi 6 (look for “AX” in the model name, like AX1800 or AX3000).
- Sign in to the router’s settings and make sure 802.11ax or Wi-Fi 6 mode is turned on. Some routers turn it off in a “legacy” or “compatibility” mode.
- Update the router’s firmware.
What about Wi-Fi 6E?
Wi-Fi 6E uses the new 6 GHz band and requires Windows 11, a 6E adapter, and a 6E router. On Windows 10, a Wi-Fi 6E adapter works as Wi-Fi 6 on the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands.
Related: Enable 5GHz Wi-Fi on Windows 10.
Frequently asked questions
Will Wi-Fi 6 make my internet faster?
It can improve speed and reliability on your home network, especially with many devices connected. Your internet plan’s speed still sets the upper limit.
Can I use Wi-Fi 6 with an older router?
Yes, but you’ll connect at the router’s older standard, such as Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac).
Does Windows 10 support Wi-Fi 6?
Yes. Windows 10 supports Wi-Fi 6 with a compatible adapter and driver.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.