No known third-party solutions or hacks exist for enabling Wifi 7 on Windows 10.
No known third-party solutions or hacks exist for enabling Wifi 7 on Windows 10.
Despite initial expectations, the lack of Windows 10 support remains a concern. Although official backing ends for regular users later this year, companies and individuals still rely on extended support. Businesses often keep operating systems beyond their typical lifespan. The situation with Wifi 7 is particularly puzzling. As someone outside development, I’m unsure about the technical challenges involved in adapting drivers for Windows 10 versus Windows 11. However, it seems there might be specific hurdles unique to Wifi 7 that aren’t present in earlier versions. Community efforts sometimes help niche projects, but the main barrier here appears to be the end of mainstream consumer support this year.
Support doesn't mean all features are added, Windows 10 being supported mean security fixes and major bug fixes. New features like support for Wifi 7 aren't getting added, and I don't see any reason for microsoft to do so. I also think all Wifi 7 hardware has come out after Windows 11, so all new Wifi 7 systems should have shipped with 11 any ways. Also generally Wifi 7 won't be a noticable jump for almost all users performance wise. It might be nice for large file copes, but for what most people are doing like browsing the web, streaming media and more the difference is likely to not matter, or be limited by their ISP anyways.
You're suggesting the main issue is the end of Win 10 support and that no further technical barriers exist. It sounds like this might be a situation where there are additional factors at play, but perhaps not as complex as it seems. I didn't come across any hacks or solutions yet to get Wifi 7 working in 10. I tried disabling the device in Device Manager and left it alone. I have a PCIe X1 Wi-Fi card and an available PCIe slot on the new motherboard, so I could try that approach. However, I'm not sure if it's possible to modify the IO panel or downgrade the 7 module. Luckily, everything else on the new board functions properly in 10, including Bluetooth.
Sorry, I didn't mean to imply the pcie card was also Wifi 7. It's older, and will work fine in win10. For now, though, I'm solely using ethernet. The only real reason I use wifi on my desktop is as a backup, so I can tether to my phone. I can do that with a usb cable as well, but then I can't walk off anywhere in the house with my phone. Small drawbacks, but it's manageable. But yeah. What I've learned so far: Wifi 7 does not work at all in Win10 and there's no hack in existence that will make it work. And kind of like Season 8 of GoT, everyone who was remotely interested in seeing it work at one point has wandered off, moved on, and forgot about it now.
It's unusual, but a Windows 10 driver might arrive soon. While waiting, consider using Ubuntu or Kubuntu Linux. Kubuntu offers a classic Windows feel, whereas Ubuntu provides a distinct look more akin to macOS.