How to Make Windows 10 Use the 5GHz WiFi Band (Because Slow Speed Is the Worst)
If your WiFi feels like trudging through mud — especially in areas crowded with networks — switching your device to the 5GHz band can make all the difference. This band is generally less congested than the trusty old 2.4GHz, meaning fewer dropouts when streaming, gaming, or downloading that massive file. Time to tweak your Windows settings so your laptop naturally connects to the faster 5GHz network — like magnets attracting it.
Getting Your Windows 10 Set Up for the 5GHz Boost
First, head into Device Manager — think of it as the control centre for all your tech gadgets. You can right-click the Start menu and choose Device Manager, or press Windows key + X and select it from there. Prefer typing? Just type devmgmt.msc into the Run box (hit Windows key + R first) and press Enter. This shows all your hardware, including your WiFi adapter.
Look for the “Network adapters” section — it should stand out. Expand it, and you’ll see a list of devices. Find your wireless card, which might have names like “Intel Wireless” or “Realtek Wireless.” A quick right-click and selecting Properties helps you check details — handy if driver troubles crop up later.
Now, right-click your WiFi adapter again and choose Properties. You’ll see several tabs at the top. Resetting some options here can change how Windows handles WiFi networks.
Next, go to the Advanced tab. This is where the magic happens. You’ll find a few settings you can tune. Look for “Preferred Band” or “Wireless Mode”. Here’s where you can tell your device to prioritise the 5GHz band over 2.4GHz. If you don’t see these options, your driver might be a bit out of date — so check for updates.
Find the “Preferred Band” setting and change it to "5GHz" or something similar like “Prefer 5GHz”. Click OK to save your changes. This will prompt Windows to connect to the 5GHz network whenever it’s available, giving you a quicker, more stable connection.
Also, double-check that your WiFi network is set up as a dual-band with distinct SSIDs for both 2.4GHz and 5GHz. If your adapter isn’t cooperating, you might need to manually select the 5GHz network in Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi. Sometimes, network management can be a bit of a game of whack-a-mole.
Follow these steps, and your Windows 10 should start favouring the 5GHz band — boosting your browsing, streaming, and gaming experiences. Especially handy if you’re in a WiFi-heavy spot.
Pro Tips for Making Your 5GHz Connection Even Better
Before diving into these tweaks, it’s worth checking if your router actually supports 5GHz. Log into the router admin at http://192.168.1.1 or http://192.168.0.1 and see what’s supported. Also, update your WiFi driver via Device Manager. It’s usually straightforward, but Windows loves to throw in a few surprises now and then.
Staying close to your router — ideally within 3 to 5 metres — helps keep things smooth, with no big objects blocking your signal. Using apps like NetSpot or inSSIDer can assist in choosing the best channels with less interference. And a quick reboot of both your router and PC after setting changes can help clear out any hiccups — because, of course, Windows loves to keep you guessing.
Common Questions About 5GHz WiFi
What if my WiFi adapter doesn’t support 5GHz?
Time to face facts — if it doesn’t support 5GHz, you’ll need an upgrade. Fortunately, many newer models are wallet-friendly and easy to install. Look for cards that support 802.11ac or ax. Those tend to offer the best dual-band capabilities.
How do I know if my router supports 5GHz?
The quick way is to check the model number on the back or bottom of your router. A quick online search will tell you its features. If it’s a decent unit, you should see separate SSIDs like MyNetwork-2.4 and MyNetwork-5G.
Will switching to 5GHz really improve my speed?
Most likely, yes. The 5GHz band offers faster potential speeds and tends to be less crowded — especially useful if you live in a neighbourhood with lots of WiFi networks jostling for space.
Can I easily switch between 2.4GHz and 5GHz?
Absolutely. Windows lets you pick your preferred band either from your network settings or by manually connecting to the appropriate SSID. Just tweak the adapter settings or go through Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi. Flexibility is the name of the game.
What if the 5GHz option isn’t showing up?
First off, update your drivers — outdated ones can hide this feature. Head back into Device Manager and choose Update driver. Also, confirm your hardware actually supports 5GHz. Restarting your PC and router might just do the trick to reveal that elusive 5GHz option.
In a Nutshell
- Open Device Manager and check your WiFi hardware.
- Pick your WiFi adapter and go to its Properties.
- Navigate to the Advanced tab.
- Set “Preferred Band” or “Wireless Mode” to
"5GHz". - Save your settings and let Windows get on with it.
Getting your WiFi running at its best isn’t just about making a connection — it’s about making that connection work when you really need it. Follow these steps, update your drivers, keep an eye on your environment, and you’ll be surfing smoothly in no time. Cheers to better WiFi!