How to Fix Windows 11 When It Can’t Connect to 5GHz Wi-Fi
Are you having trouble connecting to 5GHz Wi-Fi on your Windows 11 computer?
When encountering this problem, it might be difficult to identify the exact cause. It might be a problematic network driver, incorrect system settings, a Windows bug, or maybe you’re not using the right internet protocol.
If you’re sure your computer supports 5GHz connections but have no success when trying to connect to 5GHz Wi-Fi, go through the solutions below.
1. Update Windows
As always, when running into a problem, you should check if you’re running the latest Windows version. The 5GHz connectivity problem might be a glitch caused by an outdated OS version.
Here’s how to update Windows 11:
Now, if you don’t want to miss any more updates, you canhave Windows get the latest features as soon as they become available.
2. Check the Credentials
Before diving deep into the troubleshooting process, confirm you enter the correct password and username when connecting to the 5GHz band. Even if you’re using the same router, the network administrator might’ve set different passwords for the 2.4 GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi bands.
If you’ve previously connected your phone to the same network, you can check our guide onhow to view saved Wi-Fi passwords on Androidto find out the password.
3. Run the Network & Internet Troubleshooter
It can be really frustrating whenever you run into a network problem on your computer. Fortunately, Windows has a built-in troubleshooter to help you fix it, including when you may’t connect to 5GHz Wi-Fi.
4. Restart Your Router
Windows 11’s inability to connect to 5GHz Wi-Fi might be due to a router glitch. While we often ignore it, we should restart the router to keep it working smoothly. However, simply unplugging it for a few minutes might not be enough to fix the issue. Instead,use the correct way to restart your router.
5. Forget the Wi-Fi 2.4GHz Network
If your computer is automatically connecting to the 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi band, it might help to remove it from the known network lists. Here’s how you can manage your networks list in Windows 11:
6. Set 5GHz as Your Preferred Band
The 2.4GHz has better coverage, so it makes sense if you don’t want to remove it from your computer. However, you canhave Windows switch from 2.4 to 5 GHzif you want to enjoy higher speeds.
If you aren’t that close to the router and the signal is getting weak, you should manually switch back to the 2.4 GHz band.
7. Update the Network Driver
Another possible reason for Windows’s issue when it comes to connecting to the 5GHz band might be an outdated or corrupt Wi-Fi driver. Fortunately, you can easily update it through Device Manager.
If Windows is showingThe best drivers for your device are already installedmessage, head to the manufacturer’s website and check if there are any updates available.
8. Install a Different Wi-Fi Driver Version
If you’ve updated the Wi-Fi driver and still can’t connect to 5GHz, you can switch to a different Wi-Fi driver version.
9. Enable IPv6
Internet Protocol version 6 (or IPv6) is the newest version of Internet Protocol (or IP) and newer routers and networks are already using it. If IPv6 is turned off on your Windows computer, it might lead to conflict, which is why you can’t connect to the 5GHz band.
To fix it, you should turn on the IPv6 feature on your computer.
10. Use a Dual Band USB Wi-Fi Dongle
If you already own a Dual Band Wi-Fi Dongle, you may use it to solve the connectivity issue. However, if you plan on buying one, it might be better to just stick with using the 2.4GHz band asWi-Fi dongles don’t have the best performance.
11. Reset the Network Settings
If you could’t find anything wrong on your computer, there’s a chance that improper network settings are stopping you from connecting to the 5GHz band. In this case, you shouldreset your network settings to their default values. Before doing so, it’s best to save any work in progress as Windows will ask you to restart your device once the reset is complete.
Connect Windows 11 to 5GHz Wi-Fi Again
Fixing Windows network issues can be a frustrating task, especially when you’re able to’t find any logical reasons for them. However, we hope the above fixes helped you, and now you’re connected to 5GHZ Wi-Fi.
While 5GHz should provide better internet speed, it doesn’t have the same coverage ability as the 2.4GHz band. Especially if your Wi-Fi signal has to travel through thick concrete walls. If you move around the house, it might be better to switch between the two Wi-Fi bands to get the best of both options.
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