Microsoft Initiates Wi-Fi 7 Testing in Windows 11

Microsoft has commenced testing Wi-Fi 7 compatibility within the Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26063. Initially available only in the Canary Channel, a potential expansion to Dev Channel users could transpire in the coming weeks.

All about Wi-Fi 7

Wi-Fi 7 is the next generation of Wi-Fi technology, following Wi-Fi 6. It promises significant improvements in speed, capacity, and efficiency compared to previous iterations. While exact specifications may evolve as the standard is finalized, Wi-Fi 7 aims to deliver faster data rates, lower latency, and better performance in congested environments. It also introduces new features to enhance security and support emerging technologies like augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR).

Navigating modern Wi-Fi standards can bewilder users. However, hardware manufacturers and ISPs are actively promoting the adoption of Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6E, marking a significant shift from the prevalent use of Wi-Fi 5 over the past decade. These next-generation connectivity standards offer speeds of up to 9.6Gbps, a substantial improvement over Wi-Fi 5’s maximum speed. Additionally, Wi-Fi 6E introduces the utilization of the 6GHz band, effectively establishing a new “lane” for internet traffic and alleviating network congestion.

Microsoft Initiates Wi-Fi 7 Testing

With the average home internet speed in the United States hovering around 224Mbps, only a handful of households can fully leverage Wi-Fi 6 or 6E capabilities. However, certain top-tier laptops and smartphones now feature Wi-Fi 7 connectivity, boasting a theoretical throughput exceeding 40Gbps. Nonetheless, real-world performance may fluctuate, and while most Wi-Fi 7 routers advertise wireless speeds of 19Gbps, it’s evident that Wi-Fi 7 is far beyond the average person’s needs in 2024.

Nevertheless, Wi-Fi 7 products have already made their way onto the market, including Windows 11 laptops. Recognizing the demand for Wi-Fi 7 connectivity among businesses and individuals, Microsoft is taking steps to ensure compatibility by testing Wi-Fi 7 in Windows 11.

Manufacturers are currently not equipping Windows 10 laptops with Wi-Fi 7 cards, making a similar rollout for Windows 10 appear improbable despite various rumors surrounding Wi-Fi 7 integration into the operating system.

Additionally, Wi-Fi 7 routers are expected to remain relatively scarce by the time Windows 10 reaches end-of-life in October 2025. If Microsoft does opt to extend Wi-Fi 7 support to Windows 10, it would only benefit a tiny fraction of the PC user base.

To clarify once more, Wi-Fi 7 connectivity testing is solely available in Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26063. This build is specifically allocated to the Canary Channel, while Microsoft utilizes the Dev Channel to prime its servicing pipeline for the upcoming Windows 11 24H2 annual feature update. Wi-Fi 7 support will be extended to all mainstream Windows 11 users later this year.