How to Use Preferred Band Settings to Optimize Wi-Fi for Windows 11

Wi-Fi networks typically use two distinct frequency bands – 2.4GHz and 5GHz. An easy way to separate them is to think of 2.4GHz as being slower, but with better range, and 5GHz as the faster option, but not as good over long distances.

Windows 11 is automatically programmed to tune into whichever band has the best available signal at any given time. It can fluctuate between 2.4GHz and 5GHz depending on the circumstances, but you can set preferred band settings for Windows 11 to decide exactly which band to use.

Set Preferred Band Settings for Windows 11: Step-by-Step

Step 1. Open the Device Manager. You can do this by either typing “Device Manager” into the search bar and clicking the top option, or right-clicking the Start icon and finding “Device Manager” in the pop-up menu.

Step 2. Scroll through the list of devices to find “Network adapters” and click the little arrow next to it to open the full list of adapters.

Step 3. Find the network adapter that has “Wi-Fi” as part of its name. Right-click on it and select “Properties.”

Step 4. Go to the “Advanced” tab. Find the setting marked “Preferred Band” and select it. You’ll then see a little drop-down menu on the right side that you can use to set your preferred band. You can choose to have “No preference” or set it to prefer either 2.4GHz or 5GHz. When you’re done, make sure to click “OK” to save your settings.

How to Verify Your Wi-Fi Band Connection in Windows 11

Now that you know how to set up your preferred band settings for Windows 11, there’s also a quick and easy way to tell, at any time, which band your device is using. You don’t need any extra tools and apps for this – just a quick trip into the “Settings” menu will suffice.

Step 1. Go to “Settings” either by using a shortcut in the Start menu or by pressing your “Windows” and “I” keys together.

Step 2. Click on “Network & internet.” Under the “Properties” header at the top of the page, you will see if you’re connected via 5GHz or 2.4GHz.

Step 3. If you don’t see which band you’re connected to right away, click “Properties” and look for the “Network band” part to see which Wi-Fi band is active.

Which Band Is Best?

Which band you should set as your preferred option depends on what you’re doing and where you’re situated in relation to your device.

Choose 2.4GHz for situations when you might be far away from the router, when there are many other devices on the network, or if walls are blocking the signal between your computer and the router.

Opt for 5GHz if you’re close to the router and you need the fastest speeds for activities like gaming, streaming, and downloading large files.

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