Force Wireless Adapter to Use 5GHz in Windows 11/10

If your internet feels slow even though you’re close to the router, there’s a good chance your PC is connected to the 2.4GHz band instead of the faster 5GHz band. Most modern routers broadcast both, but Windows doesn’t always prioritize speed. It often chooses stability over performance, which means you can get stuck on a slower connection without realizing it.

The 5GHz band offers faster speeds, lower latency, and less interference, especially in crowded environments like apartments or offices. However, its range is shorter, which is why Windows sometimes defaults to 2.4GHz.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to force your wireless adapter to use 5GHz in Windows 11 and Windows 10.

Table of Contents

How to Force a Wireless Adapter to Use 5GHz in Windows 11/10?

Force Wireless Adapter to Use 5GHz in Windows 11 or 10

To force your wireless adapter to use 5GHz in Windows 11 or 10, open Device Manager, go to your Wi-Fi adapter properties, and change the Preferred Band setting to 5GHz under Advanced settings. If that option is missing, update your drivers and ensure your router broadcasts a separate 5GHz SSID.

Let’s learn in detail!

Step 1: Check if Your PC Supports 5GHz Wi-Fi

Before trying anything, make sure your system actually supports the 5GHz band. Not all older laptops and adapters do.

Go to Start> type Command Prompt>right-click it and select Run as administrator. In the command window, type:

netsh wlan show drivers

and press Enter.

Scroll through the results and look for the line labeled Radio types supported. If you see values like 802.11a, 802.11ac, or 802.11ax, your system supports 5GHz. If you only see 802.11b, g, or n, your adapter may be limited to 2.4GHz or partially compatible.

If your device doesn’t support 5GHz, you’ll need a USB Wi-Fi adapter that supports dual-band connectivity.

Step 2: Open Device Manager and Locate Your Wireless Adapter

Now that you’ve confirmed support, the next step is to access your adapter settings.

Go to Start, type Device Manager, then open it. In the Device Manager window, expand the section called Network adapters. Look for your wireless adapter, which usually includes words like Wireless, Wi-Fi, or 802.11 in its name.

Right-click your Wi-Fi adapter and choose Properties. This opens a new window where you can modify advanced settings that control how your adapter behaves.

Step 3: Change Preferred Band to 5GHz

This is the most important step, where you actually force the adapter to prioritize 5GHz.

In the adapter Properties window, go to the Advanced tab. You’ll see a list of properties in the left pane. Look for an option called Preferred Band, Band Selection, or something similar, depending on your adapter manufacturer.

Click on that option, then in the Value dropdown on the right, select Prefer 5GHz band or 5GHz only if available.

Click OK to save the changes.

This tells Windows to always choose the 5GHz network when both bands are available.

Step 4: Separate Your Wi-Fi Network Bands (Optional but Recommended)

If your router uses the same network name for both 2.4GHz and 5GHz, Windows may still switch between them. Separating the bands gives you full control.

Go to your router settings by opening a browser and typing your router’s IP address, usually something like 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1. Log in using your router credentials.

Look for the Wireless Settings section. Find the options for SSID or network name. Rename your 5GHz network to something different, like HomeWiFi_5G.

Save the settings and restart the router if needed.

Now, go back to your PC, open Wi-Fi settings, and manually connect to the 5GHz network. This ensures your device stays locked to the faster band.

Step 5: Update Your Wireless Adapter Driver

If you don’t see the Preferred Band option, your driver may be outdated or missing features.

Go to Start, type Device Manager, and open it. Expand Network adapters, right-click your Wi-Fi adapter, and select Update driver.

Choose Search automatically for drivers and let Windows install any available updates.

For better results, visit your laptop or adapter manufacturer’s website and download the latest driver manually. Updated drivers often unlock advanced settings and improve performance.

Step 6: Set Network Priority in Windows

Even after forcing 5GHz, Windows may reconnect to a different network if priorities are not set correctly.

Go to Start, then open Settings, then go to Network and Internet, then click Wi-Fi, then select Manage known networks.

Find your 5GHz network in the list, click it, and select Properties. Turn on Connect automatically when in range.

If you see both 2.4GHz and 5GHz networks saved, you can forget the 2.4GHz one by selecting it and clicking Forget. This prevents Windows from switching back.

Step 7: Disable Power Saving for the Wireless Adapter

Power-saving settings can sometimes reduce performance or cause your adapter to switch bands.

Go to Start, type Device Manager, then open it. Expand Network adapters and right-click your Wi-Fi adapter, then select Properties.

Go to the Power Management tab. Uncheck the option that says Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power.

Click OK to apply the change.

This ensures your adapter runs at full performance without interruptions.

Step 8: Verify You Are Connected to 5GHz

After making all these changes, it’s important to confirm everything is working correctly.

Go to Start, then open Settings, then go to Network and Internet, then click Wi-Fi, then select your connected network.

Scroll down and check the Network band or Protocol. It should show 5GHz or something like 802.11ac or 802.11ax.

Alternatively, open Command Prompt and type
netsh wlan show interfaces

Then press Enter. Look for the Radio type and Channel to confirm you’re on the 5GHz band.

FAQs

Why does Windows keep switching back to 2.4GHz?

Windows prioritizes stability over speed. If the 5GHz signal is weak, it may automatically switch to 2.4GHz. Separating SSIDs or moving closer to the router usually fixes this.

What if I don’t see the Preferred Band option?

This usually means your adapter driver doesn’t support that feature. Updating the driver or installing a newer adapter can resolve the issue.

Is 5GHz always better than 2.4GHz?

5GHz is faster and less crowded, but it has a shorter range. If you’re far from the router, 2.4GHz may still perform better.

Can I force 5GHz without changing adapter settings?

Yes, by connecting only to a separate 5GHz SSID and forgetting the 2.4GHz network, you can effectively force your system to use 5GHz.

Does this work on both Windows 11 and Windows 10?

Yes, the steps are nearly identical on both versions. The interface may look slightly different, but the settings are the same.