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While using your computer, sometimes you may feel that the Wi-Fi network is slow or unstable. You might think this experience stems from serious network issues. However, before resorting to troubleshooting methods, you should check whether the Wi-Fi signal is good or not.
I. What is Wi-Fi Signal Strength?
Wi-Fi signal strength refers to the wireless signals your device receives from the wireless modem/router. Initially, this strength is measured in Decibels Milliwatts (dBm).
Windows 10 cannot measure signal strength in dBm, but it provides us with information about Wi-Fi quality, measured as a percentage.
II. What makes a good Wi-Fi signal?
Wi-Fi signal strength ranges from -30 dBm to -90 dBm. The higher the number, the stronger the signal. This means -30 dBm represents maximum signal strength, and -90 dBm means no signal at all.
Below is a table of Wi-Fi signal strength and its quality assessment:
The quickest way to check Wi-Fi signal strength is through the Wi-Fi icon on the Taskbar.
The more bars on the Wi-Fi icon, the stronger the network signal. Each bar represents 25% Wi-Fi signal strength. So, in the image above, the device is receiving Wi-Fi signals ranging from 70% to 100%. If you see fewer bars, it means the Wi-Fi signal is weak.
2. Checking Wi-Fi strength from the Settings app
The Settings app is also where you can determine Wi-Fi signal strength. First, press Windows + I to open Settings, then select Network & Internet.
In the Status tab, you'll immediately notice the Wi-Fi icon indicating the signal strength received by the device.
Similar to the first method, using the Settings app to check Wi-Fi signal strength only provides you with range-based data, not specifics. So, if you need precise signal strength information, follow the next two methods.
3. Check Wi-Fi signal strength from Control Panel
Step 1: Type control panel into the Windows search bar and open this application.
Step 2: Navigate to Network and Internet >> Network and Sharing Center.
Upon reaching this page, you'll notice a small Wi-Fi icon under Connections. This icon has 5 bars indicating network signal strength. This means you'll have a clearer understanding of your network signal, divided into 20%, 40%, 60%, 80%, and 100% levels.
4. Check Wi-Fi signal strength via Command Prompt
This is the most precise method to check Wi-Fi signal strength, providing you with the exact percentage of network signal your computer is receiving.
Step 1: Search for Command Prompt and run it As Administrator.
Step 2: Enter the following command and press Enter.
netsh wlan show interfaces | find 'Signal'
This command line will allow you to accurately determine the percentage of Wi-Fi signal strength your computer is receiving.
Now that you know the quality of your Wi-Fi signal strength, it's time to convert it to dBm and determine how your device is connecting.
IV. Converting Wi-Fi signal strength from percentage to dBm
After knowing the percentage of signal strength your device is receiving, you can convert it to decibels to understand if the signal strength is optimal.
Use the formula below:
- dBm = (percentage/2) – 100
For instance, if your signal strength percentage is determined to be 80%, then apply the formula to convert it to dBm.
(80/2) – 100 = -60 dBm
Comparing with the quality evaluation chart above, you'll know that your network signal is at the “Excellent” level.
V. Check Wi-Fi signal strength with NetSpot
Third-party applications are also great methods as they can accurately measure the network signal received by your computer. Among them, I introduce you to the NetSpot application.
Step 1: Download the NetSpot application for free here.
Step 2: After downloading, click Install now to install the software.
Step 3: Complete the installation and open the application, pay attention to the Wi-Fi you are connected to as well as the signal it provides. This is the precise measurement in dBm.
Additionally, the application displays nearby Wi-Fi networks and informs you about their signal strength.
So those were the ways for you to check and measure the Wi-Fi signal strength of your connection. If you find that the connection has good quality but the experience is not quite right, then it's likely that the Wi-Fi network is encountering some issues!
