Wi-Fi signal strength describes how well your computer receives the wireless signal from a router or access point. A stronger signal generally helps maintain a more reliable connection, while a weak signal may contribute to slow performance or interruptions.
Signal strength can be shown as a percentage or as RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator). RSSI is commonly displayed in dBm as a negative number: a value closer to zero, such as −50 dBm, represents a stronger signal than −80 dBm.
Note: Signal strength is only one part of connection quality. Interference, network congestion and internet service speed also matter.
Check Your Connection in Windows
Windows includes a networking command that you can run from either PowerShell or Command Prompt.
- Connect your laptop or desktop computer to the Wi-Fi network you want to check.
- Select the Start menu, search for PowerShell (or Command Prompt) and open it. You do not normally need administrator access for this check.
- Enter the following command and press Enter:
netsh wlan show interfaces
The command displays information about the wireless connection, which may include the network name, radio type, channel and signal strength. Look for a line labelled Signal. It may look like this:
Signal : 78%
On Windows versions or adapters that also show an RSSI value, look for a reading in dBm. The fields displayed can vary depending on your Windows version, wireless adapter and driver.
Understanding Percentage and RSSI Readings
The Signal percentage is useful for comparing reception in different locations. For example, run the command in one room, move to another room and run it again. A higher percentage generally indicates a stronger reported signal.
However, a percentage is not the same as a direct RSSI measurement. If your output shows only a percentage, do not treat it as an exact dBm reading. You may need a Wi-Fi monitoring application or another tool that reports RSSI in dBm if you want to use the ranges below.
You may also see more than one wireless interface in the output. In that case, check the section for the adapter that is connected to the network you want to measure.
RSSI Reading Guide
The following ranges are general guidelines, not guaranteed performance levels. Your experience will depend on the application, wireless environment and other network conditions.
| RSSI reading | General signal level | What it may mean |
|---|---|---|
| −30 to −49 dBm | Very strong | Usually indicates that the device is close to the access point. |
| −50 to −59 dBm | Strong | Generally suitable for most everyday activities. |
| −60 to −67 dBm | Good | Often suitable for video calls, streaming and regular work. |
| −68 to −74 dBm | Moderate | May work for browsing, though demanding activities could be less consistent. |
| −75 to −79 dBm | Weak | You may notice slower speeds or interruptions. |
| −80 dBm or lower | Very weak | The connection may be unreliable or difficult to maintain. |
Remember that −80 dBm is lower than −60 dBm. With negative numbers, the reading closer to zero represents the stronger signal.
What to Do If the Signal Is Weak
Some measures can be taken to improve strength of the wi-fi.
Move closer and test again. Start by moving closer to the router or access point, then run the command again. Walls, floors, furniture and other obstacles can weaken a wireless signal, so even a small change in location may make a difference.
Check your router placement. A more open, central position may provide better coverage than a location inside a cupboard or behind large objects. If you use a laptop in several rooms, compare the readings in each location to identify areas with weaker reception.
Consider a Wi-Fi booster. A booster, also called a Wi-Fi extender, receives the existing signal from your router and helps extend coverage to an area where reception is weak.
Place it somewhere it can still receive a good signal from the router, rather than in an area where the signal has already disappeared. A booster can improve coverage, although it may not deliver the same speed as a direct connection to the router.
For larger homes or more consistent coverage, a mesh Wi-Fi system may be another option.
Try a different Wi-Fi band. A 2.4 GHz connection often reaches farther, while a 5 GHz connection may offer higher speeds when you are closer to the router. The best choice depends on your equipment and surroundings.
Final Thoughts
A strong signal does not guarantee a fast internet connection. If the signal is good but websites or calls are still slow, test the connection on another device and consider whether network congestion or the internet service itself may be involved.
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