17 Tried-and-True Steps to Connect Your Windows 11 Device to a 5GHz Wi-Fi Network
Check if Your Device Supports 5GHz Wi-Fi
Device Manager into the search bar (Win + S) and select it. Under “Network Adapters,” find your Wi-Fi card. If you see something like 802.11ac or 802.11ax, you’re in luck — that indicates it can handle 5GHz. Alternatively, run this in PowerShell: netsh wlan show drivers. Look for “Radio types supported.” If 5GHz is listed, you’re good to go. Just keep in mind, if your device is a bit older, it might not support the latest bands.
Navigate to Your Network Settings
Windows key), then click on Settings (the gear icon). Head over to Network & Internet. Make sure Wi-Fi is turned on—sometimes it’s switched off by default. You can toggle the Wi-Fi switch in that menu or click the Wi-Fi icon in the system tray to see available networks. This is your control centre for managing your wireless connections.
Select Your 5GHz Network
http://192.168.1.1. You can also run netsh wlan show networks in Command Prompt to see what’s available. Picking the right network ensures you get the fast speeds you’re after.
Type in the Network Password
Establish the Connection
Connect after entering the password. It should connect quickly most of the time, but occasionally it might take a moment. If it doesn’t connect, double-check everything — the device’s compatibility, signal strength, and the password again. You can also try clicking the Wi-Fi icon in the tray, selecting your 5GHz network, and ticking Connect automatically. For persistent convenience, you might want to manage your known networks under Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi > Manage known networks and prioritise your 5GHz network.
Getting connected to 5GHz can really boost your internet performance. Many users report smoother streaming and faster downloads. It’s especially handy if you have several gadgets connected, as 5GHz tends to be less crowded than 2.4GHz, leading to a more reliable connection overall.
Expert Tips to Make the Most of Your 5GHz Wi-Fi
To optimise your 5GHz connection, ensure your router is dual-band capable—this info is usually in the router’s manual or setup interface. Keep your Wi-Fi drivers up to date; the easiest way is via Device Manager > Network Adapters. Right-click your Wi-Fi adaptor, select Update driver, then choose Search automatically for drivers. If your network still isn’t appearing, try rebooting your router — that can often do the trick. You can do this with shutdown /r /t 0 in Command Prompt or simply unplug and replug the router. Getting your device closer to the router will also boost signal strength. Advanced users might consider Wi-Fi analyser apps to find less congested channels and optimise your settings in the router interface.
Common Questions About 5GHz Wi-Fi on Windows 11
Why can’t I see the 5GHz network?
This could be down to hardware limitations — some devices just aren’t compatible with 5GHz. It might also be a matter of distance or interference. Check if your adapter supports 802.11ac or 802.11ax by running netsh wlan show drivers, and try moving closer to your router to see if that helps.
How do I update my Wi-Fi drivers?
Open Device Manager (Win + X then select Device Manager), locate your Wi-Fi adapter, right-click, and click Update driver. Then choose Search automatically for drivers. Alternatively, visit the manufacturer’s website for the latest driver updates or check Windows Update via Settings → Windows Update.
Can I connect to both 2.4GHz and 5GHz networks at the same time?
Most of the time, Windows 11 doesn’t allow simultaneous connections to both bands on a single adapter. However, some more advanced adapters have features like band steering that can manage the switch for you. Otherwise, you’ll need to manually swap between networks through the Wi-Fi menu.
Does using 5GHz Wi-Fi drain my laptop’s battery?
Generally, it doesn’t impact battery life significantly. Modern devices are quite efficient at managing power. You can also enable Battery saver mode in Windows to get extra mileage if you’re running low.
What if my 5GHz connection keeps dropping?
If that happens, ensure your drivers are up to date (Update Driver), restart your router (shutdown /r /t 0), and try moving closer — ideally within 3-5 metres. You can also perform a network reset via Settings > Network & Internet > Advanced network settings > Network reset. That sometimes helps to stabilise your connection.
A Quick Recap on Connecting to 5GHz Wi-Fi
- Check if your device supports 5GHz with
netsh wlan show drivers. - Open Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi.
- Select your 5GHz network and tick Connect automatically.
- Type in the password carefully, noting case sensitivity.
- Wait for the connection to establish — the Wi-Fi icon will indicate success.
Wrapping Up Your Wi-Fi Setup