How to Enable 5GHz WiFi on Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

Have you ever wondered why your Wi-Fi speed isn’t as fast as it should be, even though you have a high-speed internet plan? The problem might not be your internet connection — it could be your Wi-Fi band.

Windows 11 devices can connect to both 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi networks, but many users don’t realize that their system might still be using the slower 2.4GHz band by default. Switching to 5GHz Wi-Fi can dramatically boost your internet speed, reduce lag, and improve performance for streaming, gaming, and large downloads.

In this detailed, step-by-step guide, we’ll show you exactly how to enable 5GHz WiFi on Windows 11, what to do if you don’t see the option, and how to fix common 5GHz connection issues.

What Is 5GHz Wi-Fi?

Wi-Fi operates on two main frequency bands: 2.4GHz and 5GHz.
The 5GHz band offers faster speeds and less interference compared to 2.4GHz. It’s ideal for:

• Streaming HD/4K videos

• Online gaming

• Large file transfers

• Video conferencing

However, 5GHz has a shorter range and struggles to pass through thick walls.

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2.4GHz vs. 5GHz: What’s the Difference?

Here’s a quick comparison:

If your router and computer both support 5GHz, it’s almost always better to connect to that band for smoother, faster performance.

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Benefits of Using 5GHz Wi-Fi on Windows 11

• ⚡ Higher speeds: Perfect for HD streaming or gaming.

• 🚫 Less congestion: Fewer devices use the 5GHz band.

• 🎮 Lower latency: Great for real-time online play.

• 📶 Better stability: Fewer dropped connections.

• 🖥️ Improved multitasking: Handles multiple high-speed devices easily.

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Check if Your Computer Supports 5GHz Wi-Fi

Before enabling 5GHz, confirm that your network adapter supports it.

Steps:

1. Press Windows + S → type cmd → right-click → Run as administrator.

2. Type this command:

   netsh wlan show drivers


3. Look for this line in the results:

   Radio types supported


   If you see 802.11a, 802.11n, 802.11ac, or 802.11ax, your PC supports 5GHz.
   If you only see 802.11b/g, your adapter supports only 2.4GHz.

💡 Tip:
If your adapter doesn’t support 5GHz, you can buy an inexpensive USB Wi-Fi adapter that does.

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Check If Your Wi-Fi Router Supports 5GHz

Not all routers support dual-band connections.

1. Open your router’s admin page (type your router’s IP, like 192.168.1.1, in your browser).

2. Log in with your credentials.

3. Look for Wireless Settings or Network Mode.

4. Ensure 5GHz band or Dual-Band Mode is enabled.

If 5GHz isn’t listed, your router might be 2.4GHz-only — consider upgrading to a dual-band or tri-band router.

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How to Enable 5GHz WiFi on Windows 11 (Quick Steps)

Here’s a quick overview before we dive deeper:

1. Check if your network adapter supports 5GHz.

2. Open Device Manager.

3. Locate your Wi-Fi adapter → open Properties.

4. Go to Advanced → Preferred Band.

5. Select Prefer 5GHz band.

6. Reconnect to your Wi-Fi network.

Now let’s break this down in detail.

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Method 1: Enable 5GHz Wi-Fi via Device Manager

1. Press Windows + X → select Device Manager.

2. Expand Network adapters.

3. Right-click your Wi-Fi adapter → choose Properties.

4. Go to the Advanced tab.

5. In the Property list, find Preferred Band or Band.

6. From the Value dropdown, select Prefer 5GHz band or 5GHz only.

7. Click OK to save changes.

8. Restart your PC and reconnect to your Wi-Fi.

✅ Result: Windows 11 will now prioritize the 5GHz band whenever available.

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Method 2: Enable 5GHz Wi-Fi via Network Settings

1. Click Start → Settings → Network & Internet → Wi-Fi.

2. Click Manage known networks.

3. Choose your current Wi-Fi network → Properties.

4. Scroll down to Network band.

5. Ensure your PC connects to the 5GHz SSID (it may appear as NetworkName_5G).

If you only see a 2.4GHz option, your router might not be broadcasting the 5GHz signal.

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Method 3: Enable 5GHz Wi-Fi Using Command Prompt

You can also use Command Prompt to view and manage Wi-Fi bands.

1. Open Command Prompt (Admin).

2. Type this to list all available networks:

   netsh wlan show networks mode=bssid


3. Look for a 5GHz network in the list (often shows frequencies like 5,180 MHz or 5,200 MHz).

4. If found, connect to it manually:

   netsh wlan connect name="Your_5GHz_Network_Name"


If the command fails, check if 5GHz is enabled in your adapter settings (see Method 1).

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Method 4: Manually Connect to a 5GHz Network

Sometimes your PC won’t automatically switch bands. You can manually connect to the 5GHz network.

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

2. Look for your network’s 5GHz version (e.g., MyHome_5G).

3. Click Connect, then enter your password.

4. Select Connect automatically for future use.

Now your PC should stay on the faster band by default.

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Method 5: Force Your Network Adapter to Prefer 5GHz

If both 2.4GHz and 5GHz networks share the same name (SSID), Windows might connect to the slower one automatically.

To fix this:

1. Open Device Manager → expand Network Adapters.

2. Right-click your Wi-Fi adapter → Properties.

3. Go to the Advanced tab.

4. Under Preferred Band, select Prefer 5GHz band.

5. Click OK, then reconnect to your Wi-Fi.

Now Windows 11 will always prioritize 5GHz when available.

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What If 5GHz Wi-Fi Doesn’t Show Up?

If your PC or router doesn’t show 5GHz networks, it could be due to one of these reasons:

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Update Wi-Fi Drivers to Enable 5GHz Support

Sometimes the solution is as simple as updating your drivers.

Steps:

1. Press Windows + X → select Device Manager.

2. Expand Network adapters.

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

4. Choose Search automatically for drivers.

5. Restart your PC after the update completes.

Alternatively, visit your laptop manufacturer’s support page (e.g., Dell, HP, Lenovo) to download the latest Wi-Fi drivers manually.

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Troubleshooting Common 5GHz Wi-Fi Issues

To reset your network settings, go to:
Settings → Network & Internet → Advanced network settings → Network reset → Reset now

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Tips for Improving 5GHz Wi-Fi Range and Speed

• Place your router in a central, elevated position.

• Avoid walls and metal objects that block the signal.

• Keep your router’s firmware updated.

• Use Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) routers and adapters for best performance.

• Add a Wi-Fi range extender if your home is large.

• Use the 5GHz band for devices that need speed, and leave 2.4GHz for smart devices.

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Conclusion

Enabling 5GHz Wi-Fi on Windows 11 is one of the simplest ways to boost your internet performance instantly.
With just a few clicks, you can unlock faster speeds, smoother streaming, and more stable connections.

If you don’t see the 5GHz option, don’t worry — check your adapter, router settings, or drivers, and you’ll be online at full speed in no time.

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FAQs About 5GHz Wi-Fi on Windows 11

1. Why can’t I see my 5GHz Wi-Fi network?

Your router might not be broadcasting 5GHz, or your network adapter doesn’t support it. Check both before troubleshooting further.

2. How do I know if my Windows 11 is connected to 5GHz?

Go to Settings → Network & Internet → Wi-Fi → Hardware properties. Look under Network band — it will show 5GHz if connected.

3. Can I use both 2.4GHz and 5GHz at the same time?

Yes. If your router supports dual-band, it broadcasts both, and your device can choose the better one automatically.

4. Does 5GHz use more battery on laptops?

Slightly, yes — but the difference is minimal compared to the performance gain.

5. What should I do if 5GHz Wi-Fi disconnects frequently?

Update your Wi-Fi drivers and router firmware, and avoid interference from other devices.

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Summary: Key Takeaways

🚀 Pro Tip: For the best performance, pair your Windows 11 PC with a Wi-Fi 6 dual-band router — it’ll unlock maximum speeds and reliability.