How to Check eSIM Support on Windows 10 and Windows 11 (Step-by-Step Guide)

eSIM (Embedded SIM) is becoming standard in modern laptops and tablets, allowing you to connect to cellular networks without a physical SIM card. If you’re unsure whether your Windows 10 or Windows 11 device supports eSIM, here are quick ways to check.

Method 1: Check via Settings

Windows 11

1. Press Win + I to open Settings.
2. Go to Network & internet > Cellular.
3. Look for a dropdown menu under Use this SIM for cellular data.
   • If eSIM is listed, your device supports it.
   • Sometimes it may appear as SIM 1 or SIM 2.

Windows 10

1. Open Settings with Win + I.
2. Navigate to Network & Internet > Cellular.
3. If you see Manage eSIM profiles, then your PC supports eSIM.

Tip: If you don’t even see a Cellular option in Settings, that’s a clear sign your device does not support eSIM.

Method 2: Use Command Prompt

• Open Command Prompt (Win + R → type cmd).
• Enter this command:

netsh mbn sh interface

• If eSIM is available, you’ll see details of a Mobile Broadband (MBN) interface with SIM/eSIM info.
• If nothing shows, eSIM isn’t supported.

Method 3: Check Device Manager

1. Right-click Start and select Device Manager.
2. Expand Network adapters.
3. Look for LTE/WWAN entries such as:
   • Intel XMM 7360 LTE Advanced
   • Qualcomm Snapdragon LTE adapter
   • Mobile Broadband Device

If one is listed, eSIM support may be enabled via Settings → Cellular.

Method 4: Use PowerShell (Advanced)

• Open PowerShell as Administrator.
• Run this command:

Get-WmiObject -Namespace root\cimv2\mdm\dmmap -Class MBN_ProvisionedContexts

• If details are returned, eSIM provisioning is supported.

Quick Tip

• Many modern Windows laptops with built-in LTE modules, such as the Dell XPS 13 (with optional WWAN), support both eSIM and physical SIM cards.
• Microsoft’s Surface lineup (Surface Pro X, Surface Go LTE, Surface Laptop with LTE) also has eSIM functionality built in.
• HP Elite Dragonfly G2/G3 and Dell Latitude 9430 are business-class ultrabooks that ship with eSIM-ready WWAN modules.
• Acer TravelMate P6 and Samsung Galaxy Book 5G also include LTE/5G connectivity with eSIM options.
• On the other hand, budget laptops and traditional desktops generally don’t support eSIM, as they lack WWAN hardware.

FAQs: eSIM support on Windows 10 and Windows 11

Q1: Can I install an eSIM on any Windows laptop?
No, only laptops/tablets with LTE/5G modems and eSIM firmware support it.

Q2: Do I need a physical SIM slot if I have eSIM?
No, eSIM works digitally, but some devices include both options.

Q3: Can I switch carriers with eSIM on Windows?
Yes, you can download carrier profiles directly from Settings.

Q4: Is eSIM available in all countries?
Not all carriers support eSIM yet, so availability depends on your region.

Q5: How do I add a carrier eSIM profile?
Go to Settings > Network & internet > Cellular > Manage eSIM profiles > Add profile.