How to Connect to 5GHz Wi-Fi on Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

Connecting Your Windows 11 Device to a 5GHz Wi-Fi Network

Switching to a 5GHz Wi-Fi network on Windows 11 can really turbocharge your internet—think faster downloads, smoother streaming, and better online gaming. But actually connecting? That’s where the fun begins. If your router supports it, you’re only a few clicks away from jumping onto this faster Wi-Fi band.

Finding Your Way to the Right Settings

Start by clicking the Start button and opening Settings. This is your control centre for making all kinds of tweaks. No one likes digging through menus, but at this point, it’s the best way to adjust your network options.

If you prefer a quicker route, just press Windows + I.

Diving into Network & Internet

In the Settings window, select Network & Internet from the menu on the side. This is where all your network options live. Here, you can see your connections, troubleshoot issues, or switch between Wi-Fi bands. It’s all about taking control of your connection.

If you want to get there faster, just click on the network icon in the taskbar and choose Network & Internet settings. Simple as that—when it works.

Spotting Your Wi-Fi Options

Click on Wi-Fi to view your wireless settings. You’ll see the available networks nearby, and this is where you want to make sure your 5GHz network is visible. If it isn’t, you might be stuck on the slower 2.4GHz—nobody’s got time for that.

Managing Known Networks

Head over to Manage Known Networks to see all the networks your device remembers. It’s like a little hall of fame for your Wi-Fi networks. Here, you can forget networks, adjust their details, or prioritise which one your device tries to connect to first. If your 5GHz network isn’t showing up, check that it’s broadcasting its SSID separately — something like YourWiFi-5G. If both bands share the same name, you might need to change that in your router’s settings.

Finally, Connect to Your 5GHz Network

Find your 5GHz network in the list, click on it, then select Connect. If prompted, enter the password. Once connected, it’s a good idea to check which band you’re on:

Click on the network icon in the taskbar.
View the network details—that should specify whether you’re on 2.4GHz or 5GHz.

If you want to check more deeply, you can use PowerShell with this command:

netsh wlan show interfaces

This will give you comprehensive details about your wireless connection.

Switching to 5GHz can make a noticeable difference, especially for streaming or gaming.

Helpful Tips for a Smooth Switch

Keep in mind that not all routers are made equal—make sure yours is set to broadcast the 5GHz band and supports standards like 802.11ac or 802.11ax. Also, try to stay reasonably close to your router, as 5GHz signals don’t travel as far as 2.4GHz. Regular driver updates can help if you’re experiencing issues. To update your Wi-Fi driver, do this:

Press Windows + X, choose Device Manager. Expand Network adapters, right-click your Wi-Fi device, then select Update driver.

And while you’re at it, giving your networks clear, aussie-friendly names makes life a lot easier when you’re selecting the appropriate one later on. If issues persist, a quick reboot of the router often does the trick. You can do that via Command Prompt or PowerShell with:

shutdown /r /t 0

Common Questions About 5GHz Connectivity

Why can’t I see the 5GHz network?

This typically means either your device doesn’t support 5GHz, or your router isn’t broadcasting it where you are. Proximity and device capabilities matter. You can check support using Device Manager or with this command:

netsh wlan show drivers

Look for support for 802.11ac or 802.11ax to confirm.

How do I check if my PC can handle 5GHz?

Look up your network adapter’s specs in Device Manager, or run:

netsh wlan show interfaces

And find the “Radio type” — that’ll tell you what your device supports.

Can I force my device to connect only to 5GHz?

Absolutely. Some can be set to prefer or only connect to 5GHz via their properties in Device Manager. Alternatively, you might disable the 2.4GHz band on your router temporarily—this can usually be done in its admin interface at http://.

Does switching to 5GHz actually boost my speed?

Most of the time, yes! Especially if your environment has a lot of interference on 2.4GHz. Just remember, the closer you are to your router, the better the speeds you’ll get.

Is it safe to connect to public 5GHz Wi-Fi?

Be cautious! Public Wi-Fi networks can be dodgy, regardless of the band. Using a VPN is always a good idea when connecting to unfamiliar networks to keep your data safe.

Quick Checklist

Open Settings (Windows + I)
Navigate to Network & Internet
Select Wi-Fi
Manage Known Networks to find your 5GHz network
Connect to the 5GHz network of your choice

Getting your Windows 11 device onto a 5GHz Wi-Fi network isn’t always straightforward, but with a few adjustments, you can improve your internet performance. Make sure your gear supports it and that your drivers are up to date. Once set up, you’ll likely notice the difference—faster downloads, better streaming, and smoother gaming. Think of it as upgrading from a pushbike to a sports car on the digital highway. Whether upgrading your streaming quality or gaining a competitive edge in online games, the effort is well worth it.