Switching to the 5GHz Wi-Fi Band on Windows 11: What You Need to Know
If your Wi-Fi has been feeling slower than a week in the wet, switching to the 5GHz band on your Windows 11 device could make a real difference. This band typically offers faster speeds and fewer dropouts because it’s less crowded than 2.4GHz. So, how do you make the switch? It’s not complicated, but a few hiccups can trip you up if you’re not careful.
Why Choose 5GHz?
What’s the point of jumping to a higher frequency? It’s pretty simple. The 5GHz band usually delivers quicker data transfer and is less affected by interference from other gadgets—neighbours’ routers, your microwave, and so on. The trade-off is, it doesn’t cover quite as much area and can struggle with walls and furniture. So, whether it’s worth it depends on your setup and needs.
First Up, Let’s Open Settings
Time to hop into Windows Settings. Click the Start button and select the gear icon, or press the Windows key + I. This is your centre for all things system-related, including network options.
Navigate to Network Settings
Go to the “Network & Internet” section. That’s where all the Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and connectivity controls live. Handy for switching between bands.
Access Wi-Fi Options
On the left, click on “Wi-Fi”. Once you do, a bunch of Wi-Fi options will appear, including available networks, saved connections, and some advanced settings for tech-savvy users.
Manage Known Networks
Scroll down a little until you see “Manage known networks”. This is a big help—here, you’ll find all the networks you’ve previously connected to, making it easy to switch without re-entering passwords every time.
Pick Your Faster 5GHz Network
This is the fun part. Look for your 5GHz network—often named with “5GHz” at the end to tell it apart from the 2.4GHz one. If your network names are quite similar, it can get confusing. You might want to check your router settings if needed.
Connect to the 5GHz Signal
Click the “Connect” button to switch over. It might ask you to re-enter your Wi-Fi password—that’s normal. Once connected, your device should be on that speedy 5GHz band. If it doesn’t feel faster immediately, don’t worry—sometimes the change just takes a moment to kick in.
A handy tip: run this command in PowerShell to verify it’s working:
netsh wlan show interfacesCheck the Radio type. It should say 802.11ac or ax for 5GHz support. If it still shows 802.11n or an older standard, your device may not be compatible.
Tips for a Better Connection
- Ensure your router supports dual-band (both 2.4GHz and 5GHz); some cheaper models only run one.
- Keep your Wi-Fi drivers up to date—outdated software can cause connection issues. Open Device Manager using
devmgmt.msc. - If you want a clearer signal, consider using Wi-Fi analysis apps like NetSpot or inSSIDer to find the best channel.
- Double-check the SSID before connecting; it’s easy to get mixed up if networks have similar names.
- If the 5GHz option isn’t showing up, try restarting both your router and your PC. Sometimes, a quick reboot can solve detection blips. You can also list available networks with:
netsh wlan show networksFrequently Asked Questions
Not Seeing the 5GHz Option?’
Your device might not support 5GHz. Check with this command:
netsh wlan show driversLook for Radio types supported. Also, make sure your router is broadcasting both bands via its admin settings.
5GHz vs. 2.4GHz: What’s the Difference?
Generally, 5GHz offers faster speeds and less congestion. However, it doesn’t travel as far and struggles with walls and obstacles. So, while you may enjoy better performance, if you’re too far from the router, the connection can suffer.
Do I Need a New Adapter for 5GHz?
Most likely, yes. If your current network card doesn’t support 5GHz, you might need to upgrade to get those faster speeds.
Does 5GHz Penetrate Walls?
Not really. It tends to lose strength passing through solid objects. If you’re in a brick house, sticking with 2.4GHz might give you a more reliable connection despite lower speeds.
Will All My Devices Switch to 5GHz Automatically?
Nope. Each device needs to connect separately. Just because your laptop is on 5GHz doesn’t mean your phone will be; it’s a manual setup for each.
To Sum Up
Switching your Windows 11 device to the 5GHz Wi-Fi band can really boost your internet experience—if your hardware supports it. If things go awry, updating your drivers or tweaking settings can often sort it out. And if you get stuck, plenty of support is just a few clicks away.
Give it a try—saving a few headaches down the track. A quick firmware update or driver refresh might be all you need to enjoy smoother, faster Wi-Fi.