WiFi 7 will be a big deal for wireless connections when devices that use it come out later this year. But here’s the catch: If you’re using Windows 10, you won’t get to use this technology. It will only work with Windows 11 and updated Linux and Chrome OS versions.
An Intel document spilled the beans on this, and it was shared on Twitter by someone named chi11eddog. They found a table that said WiFi 7 will only work with those operating systems.
A document reveals Windows 10 doesn’t support Wi-Fi 7, due to lack of Windows 10 driver certified by Microsoft.
Qualcomm and MediaTek Wi-Fi 7 don’t support Windows 10 either. Microsoft limits Wi-Fi 7 to Windows 11 only?
GaP2/MtP2: Intel Wi-Fi 7 BE200/BE202 pic.twitter.com/m5tIJoOI4O— chi11eddog (@g01d3nm4ng0) August 23, 2023
This is because Windows 10 doesn’t have the right driver, like a tool that makes your computer work with new technology like WiFi 7. This isn’t just Windows 10 – recent platforms from companies like Qualcomm and MediaTek won’t work with WiFi 7 either.
This might disappoint many people since about 70% of computers run on Windows 10 as of March this year. But on the bright side, more folks might switch to Microsoft’s newest operating system, Windows 11, because of this change.
WiFi 7 will be available on new Intel CPUs
WiFi 7 is a big step forward in wireless technology. It can work on frequencies like 2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz, and it’s about 2.4 times faster than WiFi 6E. Intel did some tests last year, and they found that it can transfer data at around 5 billion bits per second (Gbps).
Soon, products like Intel Meteor Lake processors for laptops and Raptor Lake Refresh for desktops will be among the first to use this new WiFi in October. ASUS also said they’re bringing out new Z790 motherboards with WiFi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 for desktop computers. To use WiFi 7, laptops and motherboards will need unique cards and adapters. Intel has the Gale Peak 2 “BE200” boards and the Killer 1750X.
