Forcing 5GHz WiFi on Windows 10
Getting your Windows 10 to connect specifically to a 5GHz WiFi can boost your internet speed and reduce network congestion. This involves accessing your network settings and making a few changes to prioritize the 5GHz band. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you lock your connection to 5GHz WiFi.
Step-by-Step Tutorial to Force 5GHz WiFi on Windows 10
Here’s how to ensure your Windows 10 device uses the 5GHz WiFi band. Following these steps will make your computer prioritize the 5GHz network over the 2.4GHz network.
Step 1: Open Device Manager
Open the Device Manager by right-clicking the Start button and selecting ‘Device Manager’.
In the Device Manager, you see a list of hardware devices. This is where you can access your network adapter settings.
Step 2: Find Network Adapters
Click on ‘Network adapters’ to expand the list.
This expanded list shows you all the network adapters on your computer.
Step 3: Access Adapter Properties
Right-click on your WiFi adapter and select ‘Properties’.
This will open a new window where you can adjust your adapter settings.
Step 4: Go to the Advanced Tab
In the adapter properties window, click on the ‘Advanced’ tab.
The Advanced tab displays various settings you can tweak for your network adapter.
Step 5: Change Preferred Band
Find ‘Preferred Band’ in the list and set it to ‘5G First’.
This setting tells your network adapter to prioritize connecting to 5GHz networks.
Step 6: Save Settings
Click ‘OK’ to save your changes and close the properties window.
Your network adapter will now prioritize the 5GHz WiFi band.
Once you’ve completed these steps, your Windows 10 device will prefer the 5GHz WiFi band. This can lead to faster connections and less interference from other devices.
Tips to Force 5GHz WiFi on Windows 10
- Make sure your router supports 5GHz WiFi. Not all routers have this capability.
- Check if your network adapter supports 5GHz. Some older adapters don’t.
- Keep your router firmware updated for better performance.
- Place your device closer to the router for a stronger 5GHz signal.
- Disable older 2.4GHz networks on your router if they’re not needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will forcing 5GHz WiFi improve my internet speed?
Yes, 5GHz WiFi generally offers faster speeds and less interference compared to 2.4GHz.
Can all devices connect to 5GHz WiFi?
No, only devices with compatible network adapters can connect to 5GHz WiFi.
What if I can’t find the Preferred Band setting?
Your network adapter might not support 5GHz WiFi. Check the manufacturer’s specifications.
Does distance from the router affect 5GHz WiFi?
Yes, 5GHz WiFi has a shorter range than 2.4GHz. Being closer to the router improves the signal.
Is it safe to change network adapter settings?
Yes, but make sure you follow the steps correctly to avoid connectivity issues.
Summary
- Open Device Manager.
- Find Network Adapters.
- Access Adapter Properties.
- Go to the Advanced Tab.
- Change Preferred Band to ‘5G First’.
- Save Settings.
Conclusion
Forcing your Windows 10 device to connect to a 5GHz WiFi network can significantly improve your internet experience. By following this guide, you’ve learned how to adjust your network settings to prioritize the 5GHz band, ensuring faster speeds and reduced interference. Remember, not all devices and routers support 5GHz WiFi, so always check compatibility first.
If you found this guide helpful, consider exploring other ways to optimize your network settings for even better performance. Happy browsing!
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.