WiFi routers these days support multiple frequency bands such as 2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz. While 6GHz frequency is uncommon, 5GHz is pretty common and supported by most modern WiFi routers and Windows 11 devices. In general, higher frequency bands offer better signal strength and speed over shorter distances such as in home and office environments. Additionally, the 5GHz band also reduces latency even when multiple devices are connected to the same network. As such, it is better to use a 5GHz WiFi band on Windows 11 when available.
If the WiFi router is broadcasting both frequencies with the same SSID, it can be challenging to select the 5GHz WiFi on Windows 11. The good thing is, you can force Windows 11 to connect to 5GHz WiFi when it is available. To do that, you must set your preferred WiFi band to 5GHz from the WiFi properties dialog box. While simple, it can be a bit tricky to find and set the option. So, let me guide you through the steps.
Let’s get started.
Force Windows 11 to connect to 5GHz WiFi
To force 5GHz WiFi on Windows 11, you must set your preferred WiFi band to 5GHz. You can do that using the WiFi properties dialog box. Once you do that, Windows 11 automatically connects to the 5GHz WiFi when it is available. Follow the steps below:
Step 1: Launch the Windows 11 Settings app.
Use the Windows key + I to launch the settings window. You can also search for ‘Settings’ in the Start menu or click the gear icon in the Quick Settings panel.
Step 2: Open the Network Adapter options window.
Click on the “Network & Internet” tab on the sidebar of the Settings window. Then, navigate to the “Advanced network settings” page. Scroll down and click/tap on the “More network adapter options” option under Related settings. This opens the Network Adapters Control Panel window.
Step 3: Right-click on the WiFi adapter and select Properties.
Find your WiFi adapter in the Control Panel window. Right-click on it and choose the Properties option. This opens the WiFi adapter’s properties window.
Step 4: Click the Configure button.
In the WiFi properties window, navigate to the “Networking” tab and click/tap on the Configure button under the “Connect using” section. This opens the WiFi adapter properties window.
Step 5: Go to the Advanced tab and select Prefer 5GHz band from the Preferred Band dropdown.
In the WiFi adapter properties window, navigate to the Advanced tab. This is where you can configure several of the advanced adapter options. Click on the Preferred Band option under the Property section and select “Prefer 5GHz band” from the Value dropdown. Press the Ok button to save changes.
With this change, Windows 11 will automatically connect to the 5GHz WiFi, if it’s available. If a 5GHz WiFi is not available, it will connect to the 2.4GHz WiFi network.
Check if Windows 11 is connected to 5GHz WiFi
To check whether Windows 11 is connected to a 5GHz WiFi, follow the below steps:
- Connect to the WiFi network.
- Open Settings with Windows key + I.
- Click on “Network & Internet” on the sidebar.
- Click on the “Properties” option at the top of the right panel.
- The connected WiFi frequency band is displayed next to the “Network band.”
—
That is all. It is that simple to force 5GHz WiFi on Windows 11.
If you are stuck or need help, send an email, and I will try to help as much as possible.
Related network how-to articles:
- How to allow ping in Windows Firewall
- How to recover a forgotten WiFi password
- How to set bandwidth limit on Windows Update
- How to view network data usage on Windows 11
- How to check WiFi signal strength on Windows 11
- How to disable WiFi automatically when connected to ethernet
- How to see saved WiFi passwords on Windows 11
- How to turn on network discovery on Windows 11
- How to connect to hidden WiFi networks
- How to change network priority on Windows 11
- How to change DNS on Windows 11
- How to change public network to private on Windows 11
- Fix WiFi doesn’t have a valid IP configuration error
- How to set WiFi as a metered connection on Windows 11
- More Windows network how-to guides.
