Moving from a 2.4GHz network to a 5GHz one on Windows 11 can really boost your internet speed and connection stability—if your gear supports it, that is. Sometimes, your Wi-Fi can feel a bit sluggish or cluttered with interference, especially in busy spots. Switching bands can help, but yeah, it’s not always just a matter of clicking a button. Here’s how to sort it out in the real world.
How to Switch from 2.4GHz to 5GHz in Windows 11
The main thing is changing your Wi-Fi network from the available list, but here’s the trick: your router needs to send out both bands, and your PC needs to support 5GHz. If you only see the 2.4GHz network, start there—double-check your router’s settings or whether your Wi-Fi card can handle 5GHz.
Step 1: Open Settings
Click the Start menu, then choose Settings, or just hit Windows + I. Once in, head over to the Network & Internet section. That’s where the magic happens.
Step 2: Go to Network & Internet
In the Settings, select Network & Internet. You’ll see your connection status and can tweak your Wi-Fi settings from here.
Step 3: Click on Wi-Fi
Inside, choose Wi-Fi. Make sure your Wi-Fi adapter is turned on—check in Device Manager or switch it on via quick settings. Sometimes, Wi-Fi doesn’t show all networks because of driver issues or it’s disabled.
Step 4: View available networks
Click Show available networks—this will list all nearby Wi-Fi networks. If your router broadcasts separate SSIDs for 2.4GHz and 5GHz, you should see both. On older gear, the 5GHz might not be separate or named differently, so you might need to poke around your router’s settings.
Step 5: Connect to the 5GHz network
Select the network with “5G” or “5GHz” in the name, like MyWiFi-5G. Enter the password and connect. If the 5GHz option isn’t showing up, log into your router’s admin panel—usually at 192.168.1.1 or similar—and check if the 5GHz band is enabled and broadcasting.
Sometimes, it might take a bit of time for it to pop up or need a reboot. Updating your Wi-Fi driver (via Device Manager or the manufacturer’s site) helps too. Rebooting the PC or toggling airplane mode might give it a nudge to refresh the available networks.
And yeah, Windows can be a bit funny with this stuff. One machine might sort it out on the first go, another might need a few tinkers—disabling and re-enabling the Wi-Fi adapter. It can be annoying, but hang in there.
Tips for Switching from 2.4GHz to 5GHz in Windows 11
- Make sure your router supports 5GHz and it’s turned on in its settings.
- Remember, 5GHz doesn’t go as far—if your signal’s weak, it might not show up.
- Keep your Wi-Fi drivers up to date—sometimes a quick update sorts out compatibility issues.
- Give your 5GHz network a clear, Aussie-friendly name to avoid confusion. Default names like “linksys” can make things tricky.
- If your device supports 5GHz but isn’t spotting the network, try forgetting it and reconnecting.
FAQs
Why can’t I see my 5GHz network?
This might be because your router isn’t broadcasting the 5GHz band, or your Wi-Fi adapter doesn’t support it. On some laptops, the driver might need an update too—without it, it might not recognise dual-band networks.
Is 5GHz always faster than 2.4GHz?
Most of the time, yep, but only if you’re close enough. The 5GHz band can drop out quicker because of walls or long distances. So if you’re a fair way from the router, 2.4GHz might be your best bet.
How do I check if my device supports 5GHz?
Open Device Manager (hit Windows + X and pick it). Find your Wi-Fi adapter under Network adapters. If it’s a basic model, check the specs online or in your device’s manual. If it supports dual-band, it’ll likely say so there.
Can I run both bands at once on Windows 11?
If your router supports dual-band, yeah. Your device might connect to one or the other, but with a bit of setup, you can have both active—though not always on the same interface at the same time.
Does switching to 5GHz drain my battery faster?
Not really much. The main difference is in power usage— but it’s generally a minor impact compared to other factors.
In summary
- Check if your router is broadcasting both 2.4GHz and 5GHz networks; they’re often on separate SSIDs.
- Make sure your Wi-Fi card supports 5GHz and drivers are up to date.
- Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi, then pick the right network.
- If needed, restart your PC or reset your Wi-Fi adapter in Device Manager.
- Rename your 5GHz network if it’s hard to find or confusing.
Hopefully, this saves someone a bit of hassle. Windows can be a pain sometimes, but with the right approach, you’ll be sorted in no time.