How to Change Preferred Band for Wi-Fi adapter in Windows 11
This tutorial shows how to change the preferred band (6GHz, 5GHz, or 2.4GHz) for a Wi-Fi adapter in Windows 11.
Open Settings , navigate to Network & internet, then Wi-Fi , and click Hardware properties. Select Edit under More adapter options, click Configure, go to the Advanced tab, and choose your preferred band from the Value dropdown.
Why Change Your Wi-Fi Band?
Windows 11 defaults to the strongest wireless signal available, but that is rarely the fastest one. Automatic selection often picks the older 2.4GHz band instead of a faster 5GHz or 6GHz option.
Connecting to a network offering multiple frequency bands (like 2.4GHz, 5GHz, or 6GHz) triggers automatic connection to the strongest signal. However, this fallback frequently lands devices on the slower 2.4GHz band rather than a faster 5GHz or 6GHz band.
Setting a preferred Wi-Fi band tells the Windows 11 adapter which frequency to prioritize. This action boosts internet speed and connection stability, such as forcing the system to use the 5GHz band over the slower 2.4GHz band during video streaming.
Preferred Wi-Fi band settings do not guarantee a device always connects to the chosen band. Only one of the 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz bands functions as the preferred option. Forcing a device onto a specific Wi-Fi band requires configuring the router to broadcast separate bands rather than combined multiband signals. This separation enables direct connection to a specific network name associated with the desired band.
Understanding the Three Bands
2.4GHz
The 2.4 GHz band offers speeds up to 100 Mbps using older technology. While slower than 5 GHz, it provides a much longer wireless range and passes through walls far better.
5GHz
The 5 GHz Wi-Fi band offers faster internet speeds reaching up to 1 Gbps through wider and more numerous channels. Weather or radar interference can occasionally affect specific 5GHz channels, preventing maximum speeds.
6GHz
The 6 GHz Wi-Fi band functions as the newest and fastest option, delivering speeds up to 2 Gbps. This band requires newer hardware supporting Wi-Fi 6E, leveraging the latest wireless technology for maximum throughput.
Reference:
2.4 GHz vs. 5 GHz vs. 6 GHz: What's the Difference? - Intel This resource examines the differences between 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz frequencies and suitability for different scenarios.
Option 1Change Preferred Band Using Settings
Adjusting the adapter preferred band in Windows 11 via the Settings app ensures faster Wi-Fi speeds. Press Win+I to open Settings, navigate to Network & internet, and click Wi-Fi. Accessing Hardware properties reveals the menu for selecting the preferred band.
- Open Settings by pressing Win+I on your keyboard.
- Click or tap on Network & internet on the left side. Then click or tap on Wi-Fi on the right side. (See screenshot below)
- Click or tap on Hardware properties.
- Click or tap on the Edit button for More adapter options.
- Click or tap on the Configure button.
- Follow these steps to set a preferred band for your Wi-Fi adapter:
- Click or tap on the Advanced tab.
- Click or tap on Preferred band in the left "Property" pane.
- Select a band you prefer in the right "Value" dropdown menu. Only bands supported by your Wi-Fi adapter will be listed.
- Click or tap on OK.
Option 2Change Preferred Band Using Device Manager
Device Manager in Windows 11 provides direct control over network adapter settings. Opening Device Manager requires typing devmgmt.msc into the Run dialog. Expanding Network adapters and double-clicking the wireless adapter opens advanced settings for choosing the preferred band.
- Open Device Manager by typing
devmgmt.mscin the Run dialog. - Expand Network adapters in Device Manager. Double click or tap on your wireless network adapter.
- Follow these steps to set a preferred band for your Wi-Fi adapter:
- Click or tap on the Advanced tab.
- Click or tap on Preferred band in the left "Property" pane.
- Select a band you prefer in the right "Value" dropdown menu. Only bands supported by your Wi-Fi adapter will be listed.
- Click or tap on OK.
Option 3Change Preferred Band Using Network and Sharing Center
The legacy Network and Sharing Center inside the Control Panel also allows band modification. Opening Control Panel, selecting Network and Sharing Center, and choosing Change adapter settings opens the required menus. Right-clicking the Wi-Fi adapter and picking Properties reveals the advanced configuration tab.
- Open Control Panel (icons view). Click or tap on the Network and Sharing Center icon.
- Click or tap on the Change adapter settings link on the left side of Network and Sharing Center.
- Right click on the Wi-Fi adapter you want. Click or tap on Properties.
- Click or tap on the Configure button.
- Follow these steps to set a preferred band for your Wi-Fi adapter:
- Click or tap on the Advanced tab.
- Click or tap on Preferred band in the left "Property" pane.
- Select a band you prefer in the right "Value" dropdown menu. Only bands supported by your Wi-Fi adapter will be listed.
- Click or tap on OK.
Summary
Three distinct methods exist for changing the Wi-Fi adapter preferred band in Windows 11 using Settings, Device Manager, or Control Panel. Selecting the appropriate band—2.4GHz for extended range, 5GHz for a balance of speed and range, or 6GHz for maximum performance—significantly improves connection quality.
How to change preferred Wi-Fi band in 🪟 Windows 11?
Changing the preferred Wi-Fi band in Windows 11 involves opening Device Manager and accessing the wireless adapter Properties. The Advanced tab contains a Preferred Band entry allowing selection of 5GHz or 6GHz. Saving changes forces the computer to attempt connections on that specific band.
How do I force my WiFi adapter to use 5GHZ 🪟 Windows 11?
Encouraging the Windows 11 Wi-Fi adapter to utilize 5GHz requires opening Device Manager, right-clicking the adapter, and selecting Properties. Setting Preferred Band to 'Prefer 5GHz band' on the Advanced tab handles the configuration. Guaranteed 5GHz connections require broadcasting separate network names on the router.
Is 20MHz or 40MHz better for 2.4 GHz?
A 20MHz channel width provides superior stability for the 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi band compared to 40MHz. While 40MHz offers higher speeds, it creates excessive interference in crowded environments by consuming more spectrum, making 20MHz the reliable choice.
How do I manually change Wi-Fi between 2.4 and 5GHZ?
Configuring the router to broadcast separate network names (SSIDs) for 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands creates the most effective manual switching method. Once separated, you can select the specific network name (SSID) in your Windows 11 Wi-Fi settings to force your device onto the desired frequency.
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Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.
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