How to Change Preferred Band for Wireless Network Adapter in Windows
Wi-Fi can run on two different bands of radio frequency: 5 GHz and 2.4 GHz.
In an environment with other radiating devices nearby (such as microwave ovens, cordless telephones, access points, or client devices), in order to reduce interference, you may prefer the 5GHz band over the 2.4GHz band, or the reverse.
See also:
- Advanced Intel Wireless Adapter Settings | Intel Support
- What’s the Difference Between 2.4 and 5-Ghz Wi-Fi (and Which Should I Use)? | How-To-Geek
- 5 GHz Wi-Fi Isn’t Always Better Than 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi | How-To-Geek
This tutorial will show you how to change the preferred band (5 GHz or 2.4 GHz) to use by default for a wireless network adapter in Windows 7, Windows 8, and Windows 10.
Not all wireless network adapters will have a preferred band type setting available.
Here's How:
1 Open Device Manager (devmgmt.msc).
2 Expand open Network adapters in Device Manager, and double click/tap on your wireless network adapter (ex: "Intel(R) Wireless-AC 9560 160MHz"). (see screenshot below)
3 Click/tap on the Advanced tab in properties, click/tap on the Preferred Band property, select the 1. No Preference (default), 2. Prefer 2.4GHz band, or 3. Prefer 5GHz band value you want in the drop menu, and click/tap on OK. (see screenshot below)
4 You may temporarily lose your wireless connection briefly while your preferred band changes are applied.
5 You can now close Device Manager if you like.
That's it,
Shawn
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