How to Optimize Wi-Fi on Windows Using Preferred Band Settings

Wi-Fi networks typically operate on two frequency bands: 2.4GHz and 5GHz. Here's how to choose between them.

How are 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands different?

The main differences between 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi bands lie in range, speed, and interference.

Both bands work well for the average user, but each has its own strengths and limitations. Depending on the situation, switching to a particular band can improve your Wi-Fi performance.

The 2.4GHz band provides wider coverage, better wall and obstacle penetration, making it ideal for maintaining stable connections over longer distances.

The 5GHz band, on the other hand, has a shorter range and is less effective at penetrating walls and obstacles, but is less susceptible to interference. This is because many household appliances, such as microwaves, baby monitors, and cordless phones, operate on the 2.4GHz frequency. This makes it more susceptible to interference, while the 5GHz band is less susceptible to interference due to fewer devices using it.

This means you can generally rely on the 5GHz band to provide a more stable connection, as long as there aren't many walls or obstacles between your router and your device.

The 5GHz band also supports faster data transmission speeds due to less interference. However, the 2.4GHz band is slower due to congestion from other devices.

When should you use 2.4GHz vs 5GHz?

Based on how the bands work, you should choose the 2.4GHz band if you need Wi-Fi to cover a larger area. This is ideal if your device is far away from the router, there are many walls or obstacles between the router and your computer, or you only use the Internet for basic tasks like browsing the web or checking email.

Avoid using the 2.4GHz band if you have other devices nearby that operate on the same frequency, as they may cause interference.

The 5GHz band is better if your device is close to the router with few barriers in between. It allows you to maintain a more stable connection and avoid interference from 2.4GHz devices. This band is also ideal for activities that require faster speeds, like gaming, streaming HD video, or transferring large files.

How to set preferred band in Windows

By default, the network adapter will automatically select the band with the best signal based on your distance from the router and other factors.

However, if you've determined which band suits your needs and the layout of your home or office, you can easily switch to your preferred band on Windows in just a few steps:

1. Right-click the Start button and select Device Manager .
2. Expand the Network adapters category and locate your network adapter.
3. Right-click on your network adapter and select Properties .
4. In the Properties window , go to the Advanced tab .
5. Look for an option labeled Preferred Band or Band in the Property list.
6. In the Value drop-down list , you can see the option is set to No Preference .
7. Select the desired band, 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz , based on your needs, click OK and reboot the device to apply the changes.

Keep your band set to No Preference if you frequently move your laptop between rooms and each band works better in different areas.

No band is perfect for every situation. You should try both bands to find the one that best suits your situation and needs. This will keep you from constantly switching bands. However, when you need faster speeds or a more stable connection, switching to a specific band will give you better performance.

Switching bands can improve both connection stability and speed, but tweaking other Wi-Fi settings is just as important for getting the best performance.

Jessica Tanner

Update 10 December 2024