Are you struggling with slow Wi-Fi speeds on your Windows 11 laptop? Many users get stuck on the 2.4GHz band, which is slower and more congested than the 5GHz band. Switching to 5GHz can dramatically improve your internet speed, reduce latency, and provide a smoother online experience.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll show you how to switch from 2.4GHz to 5GHz in Windows 11, troubleshoot common issues, and optimize your Wi-Fi connection for the best performance.
🧭 Quick Summary: Key Takeaways
| Step | Action | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Check Wi-Fi adapter compatibility | Ensure your laptop supports 5GHz |
| 2 | Connect to 5GHz network | Use available Wi-Fi networks list |
| 3 | Change network priority | Force Windows to prefer 5GHz |
| 4 | Update Wi-Fi drivers | Prevent connection issues |
| 5 | Adjust adapter settings | Enable 5GHz only mode if needed |
Understanding 2.4GHz vs 5GHz Wi-Fi
Before switching, it’s important to understand the differences:
| Feature | 2.4GHz | 5GHz |
|---|---|---|
| Range | Long | Shorter |
| Speed | Slower | Faster |
| Interference | Higher (crowded) | Lower (less interference) |
| Best Use | Large homes, general browsing | Streaming, gaming, video calls |
⚡ Tip: Use 2.4GHz for coverage, and 5GHz for speed when near your router.
Step 1: Check if Your Wi-Fi Adapter Supports 5GHz
Not all laptops support 5GHz Wi-Fi. To check:
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Press Windows + X → select Device Manager.
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Expand Network adapters → locate your Wi-Fi adapter (e.g., Intel, Realtek).
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Right-click → Properties → Advanced tab.
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Look for Wireless Mode or Preferred Band.
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Ensure 5GHz or 802.11a/n/ac/ax is listed.
🔍 If your adapter only supports 2.4GHz, you’ll need a dual-band USB Wi-Fi adapter.
Step 2: Connect to Your 5GHz Network
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Click the Wi-Fi icon in the taskbar.
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Look for your 5GHz network name (SSID) — sometimes labeled with “_5G” or “_5GHz.”
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Click Connect and enter the password.
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Ensure you’re connected to the correct band by checking Network & Internet → Properties.
💡 Tip: Many routers broadcast the same SSID for both bands. You can separate them in router settings for clarity.
Step 3: Change Network Priority in Windows 11
If your laptop keeps connecting to 2.4GHz:
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Press Windows + S, type Command Prompt, and open as administrator.
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Type:
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Note your 5GHz network SSID.
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Set priority with:
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Press Enter. Windows will now prefer the 5GHz network.
Step 4: Adjust Wi-Fi Adapter Settings for 5GHz
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Press Windows + X → Device Manager.
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Expand Network adapters → Right-click your Wi-Fi adapter → Properties.
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Go to the Advanced tab.
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Find Wireless Mode / Preferred Band.
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Select 5GHz Only or Prefer 5GHz.
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Click OK and reconnect.
⚡ This forces your adapter to avoid 2.4GHz networks.
Step 5: Update Wi-Fi Drivers
Outdated drivers can prevent switching to 5GHz:
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Press Windows + X → Device Manager → Network adapters.
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Right-click your Wi-Fi adapter → Update driver → Search automatically.
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Restart your PC.
🔧 Optional: Visit your laptop manufacturer’s website for the latest driver version.
Step 6: Separate SSIDs on Your Router (If Needed)
If your device struggles to connect:
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Log in to your router admin panel (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1).
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Navigate to Wi-Fi Settings.
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Rename your 2.4GHz and 5GHz SSIDs differently.
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Save changes.
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Reconnect your Windows 11 laptop to the 5GHz network.
🛠️ This makes selecting the correct band easier and avoids automatic fallback to 2.4GHz.
Step 7: Verify Connection Speed
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Press Windows + I → Network & Internet → Wi-Fi → Properties.
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Check Link speed (Receive/Transmit).
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5GHz should show higher speeds (e.g., 300–1200 Mbps).
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Test using Speedtest.net.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
❌ 1. 5GHz Network Not Showing
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Ensure router supports 5GHz.
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Move closer to the router (5GHz has shorter range).
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Update your Wi-Fi adapter driver.
❌ 2. Laptop Keeps Connecting to 2.4GHz
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Use Preferred Band → 5GHz Only in adapter settings.
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Separate SSIDs on your router.
❌ 3. Weak Signal on 5GHz
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Reduce distance from router.
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Remove obstacles (walls, metal).
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Use a Wi-Fi extender for better coverage.
❌ 4. No Internet on 5GHz
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Reboot router and laptop.
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Forget the network and reconnect.
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Check router DHCP settings.
Bonus Tips for Faster Wi-Fi in Windows 11
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Enable 5GHz and 802.11ac/ax on your adapter.
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Use Wi-Fi Analyzer apps to check congestion.
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Avoid interference from microwaves, Bluetooth, and cordless phones.
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Place your router centrally for optimal coverage.
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Regularly restart your router for better performance.
Summary: Switch from 2.4GHz to 5GHz in Windows 11
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Check adapter supports 5GHz in Device Manager.
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Connect to 5GHz SSID from Wi-Fi menu.
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Change network priority using Command Prompt.
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Adjust adapter settings to prefer 5GHz.
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Update drivers for reliability.
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Separate SSIDs if needed.
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Verify connection speed to confirm faster performance.
Switching to 5GHz improves speed, reduces interference, and ensures smooth streaming, gaming, and video calls.
FAQs: How to Switch from 2.4GHz to 5GHz in Windows 11
1. How do I know if my laptop supports 5GHz?
Check your Wi-Fi adapter in Device Manager. Look for 802.11a/n/ac/ax or 5GHz support in Wireless Mode settings.
2. Can I connect to 5GHz if the signal is weak?
Yes, but 5GHz has shorter range. Move closer to the router or use a Wi-Fi extender.
3. Why does Windows 11 keep connecting to 2.4GHz?
Your laptop prioritizes stronger signals by default. Adjust adapter settings or network priority to prefer 5GHz.
4. Do I need a special router for 5GHz?
Yes, your router must be dual-band (2.4GHz + 5GHz). Most modern routers support it.
5. Does 5GHz use more power than 2.4GHz?
Slightly, but the difference is negligible for laptops. 5GHz offers faster speeds and lower interference.
✅ Final Tip
For the best Wi-Fi experience, always use 5GHz when close to the router and 2.4GHz for wider coverage. Updating drivers, separating SSIDs, and adjusting adapter settings in Windows 11 ensures reliable and fast connections.