Believe it or not, Windows 11 doesn't support Wi-Fi 7 and USB4 2.0 yet — but it soon will

Wi-Fi 7
Wi-Fi 7 (Image credit: Shutterstock)

You might not know or believe it, but Windows 11 currently doesn't support Wi-Fi 7, despite the already-shipping routers that have begun to take over the list of best routers, or USB4 version 2.0. Microsoft has started integrating Wi-Fi 7 support into Windows 11, reports XDA. Just last month, the Wi-Fi Alliance introduced the Wi-Fi Certified 7 program, so it is about time Microsoft started working to add Wi-Fi 7 support to its operating system. 

Microsoft is currently testing Wi-Fi 7 support in the Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26063, released in the Canary Channel. This testing phase is crucial for ensuring the seamless integration and functionality of Wi-Fi 7 within the Windows 11 ecosystem. Alongside Wi-Fi 7, Microsoft has also announced upcoming support for the USB4 Version 2.0 specification in Windows 11, which promises increased USB transfer speeds of up to 80 Gbps over USB Type-C cables. 

To harness the capabilities of Wi-Fi 7, users will need both an access point and a computer compatible with the new standard. By now, many vendors have already introduced Wi-Fi 7-compatible products to the market, making it accessible for early adopters to upgrade their systems and experience the benefits of this technology. 

Wi-Fi 7, or the IEEE 802.11be technology, boasts data transfer speeds of up to 40 Gbit/s, which makes it a compelling option for many users, potentially replacing traditional wired Ethernet connections. It achieves these impressive speeds by using three frequency bands, 2.40 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz, and expanding channel width to 320 MHz, along with 4096-QAM modulation.  

One of the important features of Wi-Fi 7 is the Multi-Link Operation (MLO) support, which significantly improves traffic distribution among links. This results in increased throughput and enhanced reliability, ensuring a smoother and more stable wireless connection. Additionally, adopting the 4096-QAM advanced modulation technique contributes to a 20% increase in transmission rates compared to Wi-Fi 6's 1024 QAM, further boosting data transfer efficiency. 

Also, Wi-Fi 7 builds upon the foundations laid by Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6E, incorporating features like MU-MIMO and OFDMA to enhance connection speeds.

Anton Shilov
Contributing Writer

Anton Shilov is a contributing writer at Tom’s Hardware. Over the past couple of decades, he has covered everything from CPUs and GPUs to supercomputers and from modern process technologies and latest fab tools to high-tech industry trends.

  • Alvar "Miles" Udell
    Tell me, how many Windows USB 4 2.0 and WiFi 7 laptops and desktops are currently or announced to soon be on the market waiting for this update?
    Reply
  • 3ogdy
    Wait a minute, it's April fools already? USB4 2.0.
    Oh, look, we'll simplify the name and call it USB4 instead of USB 4.0.
    Now it's USB4 2.0?
    Reply
  • spongiemaster
    Believe it or not? I didn't even know there was a USB 4 2.0. What is wrong with the people responsible for USB standards naming? It's as if the have competitions to come up with the most confusing names and then pick the winners for the actual names.
    Reply
  • Amdlova
    Windows 11 is beta launch, users can try if works when comes to alpha version the gran finale... Will be called Windows 12... So windows 11 users still working for microbug for free.
    Reply
  • peachpuff
    3ogdy said:
    Wait a minute, it's April fools already? USB4 2.0.
    Oh, look, we'll simplify the name and call it USB4 instead of USB 4.0.
    Now it's USB4 2.0?
    USB420

    Reply
  • umeng2002_2
    USB 4.0 2.0

    Lol
    Reply
  • excalibur1814
    "80 Gbps over USB Type-C"

    Yet another cable to buy.

    This is obvious, but I bet many don't bother and use whatever usb-c cables they have. Seriously... I was using such a cable, moving files to an Asus Rog Strix enclosure. It was taking AGES! Bought a certified (supposedly) 20Gbps cable and.... good lord, much faster. It's the simple and obvious things that we often forget.
    Reply
  • PEnns
    Not sure what's the issue here.

    Are WiFi 7 and USB 4.2.0 widely available and in use at all? And is anybody complaining about that, except for the author??
    Reply
  • ekio
    3ogdy said:
    Wait a minute, it's April fools already? USB4 2.0.
    Oh, look, we'll simplify the name and call it USB4 instead of USB 4.0.
    Now it's USB4 2.0?
    The biggest morons even born on earth all joined the USB forum marketing.
    Reply