Users running Microsoft Windows

Microsoft Windows users can determine the NIC (network interface card) currently installed in their computer by following the steps below.

Windows 8 and 10 users

  • In Windows 8, start typing system info while on the Start screen and select the System Information option in the search results.In Windows 10, type system info in the search bar on the taskbar and select the System Information option in the search results.
  • In the System Information window, click the + symbol next to Components in the left navigation area.
  • Click the + next to Network and highlight Adapter. The right side of the window should display complete information about the network card. For example, under Name, if it says Intel(R) Dual Band Wireless-AC 7265, the computer has Wi-Fi (wireless.)

Windows 7 and earlier users

  • Click Start and then click the Programs or All Programs option.
  • Click the Accessories and then the System Tools folder.
  • In the System Tools folder, click the System Information program.
  • In the System Information window, click the + symbol next to Components in the left navigation area.
  • Click the + next to Network and highlight Adapter. The right side of the window should display complete information about the network card.

Other methods of determining the network card type

  • Looking at the back of the desktop or side of a laptop, if you see an RJ-45 LAN (local area network) port, the computer has an Ethernet network card.
  • Another method of determining the network card in the computer is by physically looking at the network card. Many times the network card lists the manufacturer and part number on the actual card.
  • If you cannot locate a manufacturer or model number of the network card, but can locate an FCC identification number, we recommend you perform an FCC search using that number. For additional information about FCC numbers, see our FCC definition page.

Product listing or specifications

If you’re trying to list all the specific information about your computer network card, specifying the manufacturer, type, model, and speed of the network card is sufficient. Below is an example of how this may look.

Microsoft may install a different, but compatible driver for some network cards. As a result, the network card listed may not actually be the exact manufacturer or model that is installed on your computer.

PCI 3COM 3C905B 10/100 Ethernet

Drivers or installation

  • Computer network drivers.
  • How to install a computer network card.

Replacement or repair

If you’re trying to determine the network card because it needs replaced or repaired, we recommend the network card be replaced with another network card. If you are replacing an old 10 MB network card, we recommend it be replaced with a 10/100 network card.

  • Computer network card and equipment buying tips.
  • How to find what hardware is installed in the computer.
  • Network and network card help and support.