In a recent development, Microsoft has officially announced that Wi-Fi 7 support will be exclusively available for Windows 11 version 24H2, set to release in late September or early October 2024. This news comes as a significant upgrade for Windows users, promising enhanced wireless connectivity and performance.
Wi-Fi 7, also known as IEEE 802.11be Extremely High Throughput (EHT), is the latest iteration of wireless technology that offers speeds over 40Gbps – more than four times faster than its predecessors. This advancement is expected to revolutionize wireless networking, providing lower latency, improved efficiency, and better power management.
According to a support document published by Microsoft on June 18, “Wi-Fi 7 is available starting with Windows 11, version 24H2.” This statement suggests that, at least initially, Wi-Fi 7 capabilities will be limited to PCs running the latest Windows 11 update.
Wi-Fi 7 support requirements for Windows 11 24H2
However, it’s important to note that simply having Windows 11 24H2 installed won’t be enough to utilize Wi-Fi 7. Users will also need compatible hardware, including:
- A router that supports Wi-Fi 7.
- A wireless network adapter that supports Wi-Fi 7.
For those eager to check if their current setup is Wi-Fi 7 ready, Microsoft has provided a simple method. Users can open Command Prompt or Terminal and type the following command: netsh wlan show drivers. If 802.11be is listed under Radio types supported, then your hardware is Wi-Fi 7 compatible.
One of the standout features of Wi-Fi 7 on Windows 11 24H2 is the full support for multi-link operation (MLO). This feature allows devices to switch between multiple frequency bands (2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and/or 6 GHz) simultaneously, helping to manage network congestion and improve overall connection quality.
To access MLO settings (if available), users can navigate to Settings > Network & internet > Wi-Fi. If multiple bands are supported, the MLO feature will be available, and Windows 11 will automatically switch between available network bands to optimize performance.
It’s worth mentioning that while Wi-Fi 7 support is confirmed for Windows 11 24H2, it remains unclear whether older Windows 11 versions or Windows 10 will support this technology. This uncertainty adds to the anticipation surrounding the Windows 11 24H2 release.
The introduction of Wi-Fi 7 support is just one of many networking improvements coming with Windows 11 24H2. Other enhancements include updates to the Quick Settings flyout for easier management of wireless networks and VPN connections, as well as changes to Server Message Block and Local Administrator Password Solution (LAPS).
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