How to Change Network Band to 5GHz on Windows 11 – A Step-by-Step Guide

By / October 3, 2025

Why Switch to 5GHz Wi-Fi?

Have you noticed your Wi-Fi slowing down, even though your internet plan is fast? Often, that’s because your device is connected to the 2.4GHz band, which is crowded and slower compared to 5GHz Wi-Fi.

Think of it like a highway with two lanes:

  • 2.4GHz = old, busy lane with lots of traffic.

  • 5GHz = faster, newer lane with fewer cars.

Switching to 5GHz can mean:

  • Faster browsing, downloads, and streaming.

  • Less interference from microwaves, Bluetooth, and neighbors’ Wi-Fi.

  • More stable online gaming or video calls.

Let’s walk through how to change your Wi-Fi network band to 5GHz in Windows 11.

Summary (Key Takeaways)

  • Many Windows 11 laptops and PCs support dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4GHz & 5GHz).

  • Switching to 5GHz improves speed and reduces interference, but only if your router and Wi-Fi card support it.

  • The easiest way: Device Manager → Wi-Fi adapter properties → Preferred Band → 5GHz.

  • You can also adjust router settings or manually connect to the 5GHz SSID.

  • This guide covers all methods, troubleshooting steps, and FAQs.

Method 1: Check If Your PC Supports 5GHz

Before making changes, confirm your Wi-Fi adapter supports 5GHz.

Steps:

  1. Press Windows + R, type cmd, and hit Enter.

  2. In Command Prompt, type:

    netsh wlan show drivers

  3. Look for Radio types supported.

  • If you see 802.11a / 802.11n / 802.11ac / 802.11ax, your adapter supports 5GHz.

  • If only 802.11b / g / n appears, you may be limited to 2.4GHz.

Method 2: Force Windows 11 to Use 5GHz (Device Manager)

This is the most direct way to switch.

Step 1: Open Device Manager

  • Press Windows + X → Select Device Manager.

Step 2: Locate Wi-Fi Adapter

  • Expand Network adapters.

  • Right-click your Wi-Fi adapter → Select Properties.

Step 3: Set Preferred Band

  1. Go to the Advanced tab.

  2. Scroll to Preferred Band (sometimes called “Band” or “Wireless Mode”).

  3. From the dropdown, choose Prefer 5GHz.

  4. Click OK and reconnect to Wi-Fi.

✅ Now Windows will prioritize 5GHz whenever it’s available.

Method 3: Manually Connect to 5GHz Wi-Fi Network

Sometimes your router broadcasts two separate names (SSIDs):

  • MyWiFi_2.4GHz

  • MyWiFi_5GHz

Steps:

  1. Click the Wi-Fi icon in the taskbar.

  2. Select the 5GHz network name.

  3. Enter your password and connect.

Method 4: Change Router Settings

If you can’t see a 5GHz network:

  • Log in to your router’s admin page (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1).

  • Look under Wireless settings.

  • Ensure 5GHz band is enabled.

  • Set different SSIDs for 2.4GHz and 5GHz for easier selection.

Method 5: Update Wi-Fi Drivers

Outdated drivers can block band switching.

  1. Open Device Manager.

  2. Right-click your Wi-Fi adapter → Update driver.

  3. Choose Search automatically for drivers.

Or download the latest drivers from your laptop manufacturer’s website.

Troubleshooting: When 5GHz Doesn’t Work

  • 5GHz option not showing in Device Manager
    → Your Wi-Fi card may not support it. Consider a USB Wi-Fi dongle with dual-band.

  • Can’t see 5GHz Wi-Fi in the list
    → Check if your router is broadcasting 5GHz SSID.

  • Connection keeps dropping
    → Try switching to a different 5GHz channel in your router settings.

Table: 2.4GHz vs 5GHz Wi-Fi

Feature 2.4GHz Wi-Fi 5GHz Wi-Fi
Speed Slower Faster
Range Longer Shorter
Interference Higher (crowded) Lower
Best Use Browsing, smart devices Gaming, streaming, video calls

Preventive Tips

  • Always update your Wi-Fi drivers.

  • Label your Wi-Fi SSIDs clearly (HomeWiFi_2.4 and HomeWiFi_5).

  • Place your router centrally for better 5GHz coverage.

  • Use a Wi-Fi analyzer app to check signal strength.

Conclusion

Switching to 5GHz Wi-Fi on Windows 11 is one of the easiest ways to boost speed and reliability. Whether you do it via Device Manager, router settings, or by manually selecting the SSID, the benefits are noticeable right away.

If you still can’t access 5GHz, it might be time to upgrade your Wi-Fi adapter or router.

FAQs

1. How do I know if my PC supports 5GHz Wi-Fi?
Run netsh wlan show drivers in Command Prompt and check supported radio types.

2. Why can’t I see my 5GHz Wi-Fi network?
Your router may have 5GHz disabled, or your Wi-Fi card may not support it.

3. Does 5GHz Wi-Fi cover the same range as 2.4GHz?
No—5GHz is faster but has shorter range.

4. Can I force Windows 11 to always use 5GHz?
Yes—set Preferred Band = 5GHz in Device Manager.

5. What if my laptop only supports 2.4GHz?
You can buy a cheap dual-band USB Wi-Fi adapter to enable 5GHz.

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