Instructions on switching to the 5GHz WiFi band on Windows 10

5GHz WiFi is the key to achieving connection speeds up to 1300Mbps, far exceeding the limitations of the traditional 2.4GHz band. However, many laptops today, despite having powerful hardware, are automatically "stuck" on the 2.4GHz band due to the system's default settings. Switching to 5GHz not only increases download/upload speeds but also minimizes interference from other peripheral devices. In this guide, we will check device compatibility and perform configuration steps to prioritize the most stable 5GHz band.

Step 1: Check if your computer supports 5GHz WiFi.

 

Before configuring, you need to determine if your network card is eligible using the following command:

1. Press the Search key, type cmd, and select Run as administrator .

2. Enter the command: netsh wlan show driversand then press Enter .

3. Find the line "Radio types supported ":

   1. If it has 802.11a or 802.11ac/ax : Your device DOES support 5GHz.

   2. If you only have 802.11g/n/b : Your device only supports 2.4GHz.

Step 2: How to switch from 2.4GHz to 5GHz in Device Manager

This is the most common way to ask Windows to prioritize high bandwidth:

1. Right-click the Start button > Select Device Manager .
2. Expand the Network adapters section , right-click on the WiFi card you are using > Select Properties .
3. Switch to the Advanced tab. In the Property list , find the Preferred Band (or Band ) item.
4. In the Value column , select Prefer 5GHz band . Press OK to complete.

Step 3: How to force Windows to use 5GHz (Force 5GHz)

If you can't find the "Preferred Band" option, try "forcing" your network card to turn off 2.4GHz:

1. Still in the Advanced tab of the WiFi card.
2. Find the attribute named VHT 2.4G .
3. Set the value to Disabled .
4. This will force your network card to ignore the 2.4GHz signal and search for the available 5GHz signal from your router.

Comparison Table of 2.4GHz and 5GHz Frequency Bands

Characteristic	2.4GHz WiFi	5GHz WiFi
Maximum speed	450 - 600 Mbps	Up to 1300 Mbps (or more)
Coverage area	Wide, penetrates walls well.	Narrower, poorer penetration through walls.
Noise level	High (easily susceptible to interference from microwave ovens, wireless mice)	Lower (more stable)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why does it still show 2.4GHz even though I've set the Prefer 5GHz setting?

1. It's possible you're standing too far from the router. 5GHz signals have a narrow range, so try moving closer.

Will this change affect other devices?

1. No, this setting applies only to your computer.