How to Check WiFi Signal Strength in Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

By / September 16, 2025

Ever notice your WiFi seems slow or keeps dropping in Windows 11? One of the first things to check is the WiFi signal strength. Knowing your signal strength helps you troubleshoot connection issues, optimize router placement, and ensure smooth internet performance.

In this guide, we’ll show you how to check WiFi signal strength in Windows 11 using built-in tools, command-line methods, and third-party apps.

Key Takeaways

  • WiFi signal strength indicates how well your device is connected to a network.

  • Windows 11 provides multiple ways to check it, including Settings, Taskbar, Command Prompt, and third-party apps.

  • Signal strength is measured in bars or dBm (decibels relative to a milliwatt).

  • Stronger signals (closer to 0 dBm) mean faster and more stable connections.

Why Check WiFi Signal Strength?

Understanding WiFi strength helps you:

  • Troubleshoot slow or unstable connections.

  • Optimize router placement for better coverage.

  • Identify interference issues from walls, devices, or neighboring networks.

  • Decide whether to use WiFi extenders or mesh systems.

💡 Tip: A strong WiFi signal is usually -50 dBm to -60 dBm, moderate is -60 dBm to -70 dBm, and weak is below -80 dBm.

Step 1: Check WiFi Signal from the Taskbar

Windows 11 makes it easy to see signal strength quickly.

Steps:

  1. Look at the WiFi icon in the taskbar.

  2. Hover your mouse over the icon to see the network name and bars.

  3. More bars = stronger signal; fewer bars = weaker signal.

✅ Quick and easy, but it shows only a relative estimate, not exact numbers.

Step 2: Use Windows Settings

For a bit more detail:

  1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.

  2. Go to Network & Internet > Wi-Fi.

  3. Click your connected network to see details, including signal strength, security type, and network band (2.4 GHz or 5 GHz).

💡 Tip: 5 GHz networks often have higher speed but shorter range than 2.4 GHz networks.

Step 3: Check Signal Strength Using Command Prompt

For exact signal strength in dBm:

Steps:

  1. Press Windows + S, type cmd, and open Command Prompt.

  2. Type the following command and press Enter:

netsh wlan show interfaces

  1. Look for Signal — it shows strength as a percentage (100% = excellent).

  2. You’ll also see SSID, BSSID, radio type, and channel for troubleshooting.

✅ This method gives more technical detail for precise analysis.

Step 4: Use PowerShell for WiFi Signal Info

PowerShell can also give quick results:

Steps:

  1. Press Windows + S, type PowerShell, and open it.

  2. Enter the command:

Get-NetAdapter | Where-Object {$_.Status -eq "Up"}

  1. Check your WiFi adapter to see connection status and speed.

  2. For signal bars:

(netsh wlan show interfaces) -match '^\s+Signal'

✅ Useful for advanced users and scripting automated checks.

Step 5: Use Third-Party Apps

If you want visual graphs or continuous monitoring, try:

App Features
WiFi Analyzer (Microsoft Store) Graphical signal strength, network channel info
NetSpot Heatmaps, coverage analysis, troubleshooting
Acrylic Wi-Fi Detailed network stats, signal quality in dBm

💡 Tip: These apps are great if you’re optimizing router placement or analyzing multiple networks.

Step 6: Tips to Improve Weak WiFi Signals

  • Move your PC closer to the router.

  • Reduce interference from walls, metal objects, or other electronics.

  • Switch to a less crowded channel via your router settings.

  • Consider a WiFi extender or mesh network for larger areas.

  • Use 5 GHz for speed, 2.4 GHz for range.

Common Issues and Fixes

Issue Solution
Signal shows full bars but slow internet Restart router, check ISP speed, or change channel.
WiFi drops intermittently Update WiFi driver or adjust router placement.
Cannot see signal strength percentage Use netsh wlan show interfaces for exact numbers.
Multiple networks interfering Use WiFi analyzer to choose the best network/channel.

Conclusion

Checking WiFi signal strength in Windows 11 is essential for optimal connectivity and troubleshooting.

  1. Use taskbar icons for quick visual cues.

  2. Check Settings for basic network details.

  3. Use Command Prompt or PowerShell for exact percentages.

  4. Use third-party apps for advanced analysis.

  5. Apply simple tweaks to improve weak signals.

👉 With these methods, you can ensure your Windows 11 PC always has the best possible WiFi connection.

FAQs About WiFi Signal Strength in Windows 11

1. What is a good WiFi signal strength?

  • Excellent: -50 to -60 dBm

  • Moderate: -60 to -70 dBm

  • Weak: below -80 dBm

2. How do I check WiFi signal percentage in Windows 11?
Use netsh wlan show interfaces in Command Prompt.

3. Can I check signal for a network I’m not connected to?
Yes, using third-party apps like WiFi Analyzer or NetSpot.

4. Does Windows 11 show 2.4 GHz vs 5 GHz networks?
Yes, network details in Settings or netsh show the band.

5. How can I improve weak WiFi signals?
Move closer to the router, reduce interference, switch channels, or use extenders/mesh networks.

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