A dual-band wireless adapter can connect to both 2.4GHz and 5GHz WiFi networks. While the 2.4GHz band offers better range, the 5GHz band provides faster internet speeds, lower latency, and reduced interference from nearby devices. Many Windows 11 and Windows 10 users prefer the 5GHz frequency for gaming, streaming, video calls, and large file downloads.
Sometimes, however, Windows automatically connects to the slower 2.4GHz network even when a 5GHz network is available. This usually happens because of incorrect adapter settings, outdated drivers, router configuration issues, or power management settings.
If you want to force your wireless adapter to use the 5GHz band, this guide explains every step in detail.
Why Windows Uses 2.4GHz Instead of 5GHz?
Before changing settings, it is important to understand why your computer may keep using the 2.4GHz band.
The 2.4GHz frequency has a longer signal range and can pass through walls more effectively than 5GHz. Because of this, Windows sometimes automatically chooses the 2.4GHz network when the 5GHz signal appears weak.
Another common reason is that some routers combine both frequencies under a single WiFi name. In this case, Windows decides which band to use automatically. Older wireless adapters and outdated drivers can also prevent proper 5GHz connectivity.
Fortunately, Windows allows you to prioritize the faster band manually.
Force Wireless Adapter to Use 5GHz in Windows 11/10
To force a wireless adapter to use 5GHz in Windows 11 or Windows 10, open Device Manager, locate your WiFi adapter, open its Properties, and change the Preferred Band setting to Prefer 5GHz Band. After that, reconnect to your WiFi network and confirm the connection frequency from the network properties page. Updating the wireless driver and enabling 5GHz on the router can also help.
Let’s learn in detail!
Step 1: Check Whether Your PC Supports 5GHz
Before changing any settings, verify that your wireless adapter supports the 5GHz frequency band.
Go to Start> type Command Prompt in the search box. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter:
netsh wlan show drivers
Look for the line named Radio types supported.
If you see entries such as 802.11a, 802.11ac, 802.11ax, or 802.11n, your adapter likely supports 5GHz. If you only see 802.11b or 802.11g, your adapter may support only the 2.4GHz band.
You should also check your router specifications because both the router and wireless adapter must support 5GHz for the connection to work correctly.
Step 2: Open Device Manager in Windows
The next step is to access the wireless adapter settings.
Go to Start> right click it and select Device Manager.
Inside Device Manager, expand the section called Network adapters. You will now see all network devices installed on your computer.
Locate your wireless adapter. It may contain names such as:
- Intel Wireless
- Realtek Wireless LAN
- Qualcomm Atheros
- Broadcom Wireless Adapter
- MediaTek WiFi Adapter
Right-click your wireless adapter and select Properties.
This section allows you to modify advanced wireless settings, including the preferred frequency band.
Step 3: Change the Preferred Band to 5GHz
After opening the adapter properties window, select the Advanced tab.
Under the Property section, look for settings such as:
- Preferred Band
- Band Selection
- Wireless Mode
- 802.11 Mode
- Roaming Preference
The exact name depends on your adapter manufacturer.
Select Preferred Band if available.
Now, under the Value section, choose one of the following options:
- Prefer 5GHz Band
- 5GHz Only
- 802.11a/n/ac
- Auto Prefer 5Ghz
Click OK to save the changes.
This forces Windows to prioritize the faster 5GHz network whenever it is available.
If you cannot find the Preferred Band option, your adapter driver may not support manual band selection. In that case, updating the driver usually resolves the issue.
Step 4: Update the Wireless Adapter Driver
An outdated or incompatible driver can prevent your wireless adapter from using the 5GHz band correctly.
Go to Start, then right-click it and select Device Manager.
Expand Network adapters and right-click your wireless adapter. Select Update driver. Choose Search automatically for drivers.
Windows will now search for the latest compatible driver and install it automatically.
After the installation finishes, restart your computer and check whether the Preferred Band setting appears.
You can also download the latest driver directly from the wireless adapter manufacturer’s website for better compatibility and performance.
Updated drivers often improve connection stability, speed, and dual-band support.
Step 5: Enable 5GHz on Your Router
Sometimes the problem is not related to Windows. Your router may have the 5GHz band disabled.
Open a web browser and enter your router’s IP address in the address bar. Common router addresses include:
192.168.0.1
192.168.1.1
Log in using your router username and password.
After signing in, go to:
Wireless Settings, then Band Settings or WiFi Settings
Look for the 5GHz Wireless option. Make sure the 5GHz network is enabled.
Some routers allow separate WiFi names for 2.4GHz and 5GHz. Giving each band a different name makes it easier to connect specifically to the 5GHz network.
For example:
HomeWiFi_2.4G
HomeWiFi_5G
Save the settings and restart the router if necessary.
Once completed, reconnect your computer to the 5GHz network manually.
Step 6: Connect Directly to the 5GHz WiFi Network
If your router broadcasts separate names for both frequency bands, connect directly to the 5GHz network.
Go to Start> Settings> Network & Internet> WiFi. Click Show available networks.
Select the network ending with 5G or the name assigned to the 5GHz band. Enter the WiFi password and click Connect.
You can also enable the Connect automatically option, so Windows always prioritizes this network in the future.
This method is one of the easiest ways to ensure your PC consistently uses the faster frequency.
Step 7: Disable Power Saving for the Wireless Adapter
Windows power management settings can sometimes interfere with wireless performance and frequency selection.
Right-click on Start and open Device Manager. Expand Network adapters and right-click your wireless adapter. Select Properties. Open the Power Management tab. Uncheck the option:
Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power
Click OK.
This prevents Windows from reducing adapter performance to conserve battery power, which may help maintain a stable 5GHz connection.
Laptop users especially benefit from this adjustment because aggressive power saving can force adapters to switch frequencies automatically.
Step 8: Configure Wireless Mode Settings
Some wireless adapters include advanced wireless mode options that affect 5GHz functionality.
Open Device Manager, then go to your wireless adapter properties.
Under the Advanced tab, look for settings such as:
- Wireless Mode
- 802.11n/ac/ax Mode
- HT Mode
- VHT Mode
Set the mode to support modern wireless standards, such as:
- 802.11ac
- 802.11ax
- Dual Band
- Auto
Avoid selecting legacy modes like 802.11b/g because they mainly support 2.4GHz connections.
Click OK after making changes.
Modern wireless standards provide better speed and improved compatibility with 5GHz networks.
Step 9: Forget Old WiFi Networks
Windows may continue reconnecting to a previously saved 2.4GHz network profile.
Removing old network profiles can help force a fresh connection to the 5GHz network.
Go to Start> Settings > Network & Internet> WiFi > Manage known networks. Select the old 2.4GHz network profile and click Forget.
Now reconnect manually to the 5GHz network.
This removes outdated preferences and allows Windows to prioritize the correct frequency band.
Step 10: Verify the Current WiFi Frequency
After completing all settings, confirm that your computer is actually connected to the 5GHz network.
Click on Start> Settings> Network & Internet> WiFi. Click your connected network. Look for the Network band information. If it shows 5 GHz, the configuration was successful.
You can also verify the connection using Command Prompt.
Open Command Prompt and type:
netsh wlan show interfaces
Press Enter.
Look for the line called Radio type or Channel.
Channels above 36 usually indicate a 5GHz connection.
Common Problems When Forcing 5GHz
Weak Signal Strength
The 5GHz frequency has a shorter range than 2.4GHz. If your computer is far from the router, the connection may become unstable.
Move closer to the router or reposition the router in a central location.
Missing Preferred Band Option
Some wireless adapters do not include manual band selection settings. Updating the driver often fixes this issue.
If the option still does not appear, your adapter may not support advanced frequency control.
5GHz Network Not Visible
If you cannot see the 5GHz WiFi network, possible causes include:
- The router does not support 5GHz
- The 5GHz band is disabled
- The adapter lacks 5GHz support
- Incorrect router channel settings
- Outdated drivers
Restarting the router and updating drivers usually resolves the problem.
Slow Speeds on 5GHz
Although 5GHz is generally faster, poor router placement, interference, or outdated hardware can reduce speed.
Using newer WiFi standards such as WiFi 5 or WiFi 6 significantly improves performance.
FAQs
Is 5GHz Better Than 2.4GHz?
Yes, 5GHz usually provides faster internet speeds, lower latency, and less interference. However, 2.4GHz offers better range over long distances.
Why Does My Laptop Keep Switching Back to 2.4GHz?
Windows may automatically switch frequencies if the 5GHz signal becomes weak. Setting the preferred band to 5GHz and moving closer to the router can help.
Can All Computers Use 5GHz WiFi?
No. Both the wireless adapter and router must support 5GHz technology. Older computers may only support 2.4GHz.
How Do I Know If I Am Connected to 5GHz?
Open Settings> Network & Internet> WiFi and check the Network band information. You can also use the Command Prompt method explained earlier.
Does 5GHz Improve Gaming Performance?
Yes. The 5GHz band generally reduces latency and interference, making it better for online gaming, video streaming, and video conferencing.
What Happens If I Force 5GHz on a Weak Signal?
You may experience slower speeds, connection drops, or unstable internet access. In such cases, moving closer to the router or using a WiFi extender can help.