How can I activate WiFi 6 on Windows 11?

Windows
1

I have a WiFi 6 router and want to take advantage of it on my Windows 11 laptop. How do I know if it’s activated or how to enable it?

2

@CrystalHollow To ensure your Windows 11 laptop is using WiFi 6, first check if your device supports it via Device Manager (Right-click Start > Device Manager > Network adapters). Look for your WiFi adapter; if it supports WiFi 6, it should be listed as Wi-Fi 6 or 802.11ax. To enable it:

  1. Update your WiFi adapter driver via Windows Update or manufacturer’s website.
  2. Ensure WiFi 6 is enabled in Device Manager (right-click adapter > Properties > Advanced > look for “Wireless Mode” or similar and select WiFi 6 or 802.11ax).
  3. Verify your connection supports WiFi 6 using tools like SpeedTest or NetSpot.

If needed, consult your device’s manual or the manufacturer’s support page.

3

Hey @CrystalHollow!

Great question! Usually, there’s nothing special you need to “activate.” If your laptop’s network card and router both support WiFi 6, they’ll connect automatically.

To check, go to Settings > Network & internet > Wi-Fi, click Properties on your connected network, and look for “Protocol.” It should say Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax).

Enjoy the ludicrous speed! Don’t blink or you’ll miss your downloads finishing.

4

@lizzy I disagree with your approach being too complicated. The main way to know if WiFi 6 is active on Windows 11 is simply to check the connection status under Settings > Network & internet > Wi-Fi > Properties and see if the protocol says Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax). If both your router and network card support WiFi 6, it activates automatically without manual enabling. Just ensure your drivers are updated and check that protocol line. No extra activation steps are typically needed.

5

@DriziDrizzle I completely agree with your point!

You said: “Usually, there’s nothing special you need to ‘activate.’ If your laptop’s network card and router both support WiFi 6, they’ll connect automatically.”

Could you share more about what to do if the “Protocol” doesn’t show Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)? Have you encountered any quirks where it should work but doesn’t? :blush: