We can say that wireless networks are essential today. They are essential to connect the multiple teams that are part of our day to day. We have more and more devices compatible with Wi-Fi technology and this allows us to have a wide range of options. However, certain factors must be taken into account that will influence the quality of the signal, in achieving a better speed and reducing the risk of problems. One of them is to correctly choose the Wi-Fi band to which we connect. We are going to explain how we can change it in Windows.
Why choosing the correct Wi-Fi band is important
Modern devices allow us to connect to the wireless network through the 5 GHz and 2.4 GHz bands. Keep in mind that each has its advantages and disadvantages, so there is no universal thing to do. choose one in all circumstances. In the end it will depend on different factors that we have to choose one or the other.
Broadly speaking, we can say that the 5 GHz band is the one that will offer the highest speed. There are more and more devices compatible with this option and that allows us to be faster when we browse the Internet or upload files to the cloud, for example. However, it has the problem of having a shorter range. It would not be the most suitable if we are going to connect from far away from the router or when there are many obstacles that may interfere.
On the other hand , the 2.4 GHz band offers a lower speed. We will not be able to take full advantage of the fiber optic that we have contracted if we connect wirelessly with this option. Now, it is the best if we are going to connect far from the access point or there are many obstacles. It is the one with the greatest stability.
Therefore, as we have seen, there are positive and negative points that could make us doubt which is the best one. In the end it will depend on the circumstances of each user. It may even happen that at one point it is better to be connected to one band and soon switch to another. For example if one is more saturated or if we are going to move away from the router.
Steps to change the Wi-Fi band in Windows
This that we have explained may cause us to need to change the Wi-Fi band in Windows 10. After all, it is the most used operating system on desktop computers. Luckily we can do it in a very simple and fast way. You simply have to follow a series of steps that we are going to show.
We are going to explain how to change the band from 5 GHz to 2.4 GHz or vice versa in Windows. In this way, we will always be able to make the most of the available resources and have the best wireless connectivity within our possibilities. Of course, we must bear in mind that we are going to need a network card that is dual band and also a compatible router.
Go to Device Manager
The first step to change the Wi-Fi band in Windows 10 is to go to Device Manager. To do this, we go to Start, look for Device Manager, enter Network Adapters and select the card that interests us, the one we are using to connect to the wireless network.
Once we have it selected, click with the right mouse button and enter Properties .
Select the band on the network card
When we are in Properties we will see that different tabs appear to be able to access the information and configuration. We are interested in the Advanced Options tab. We entered it.
You have to click on the Preferred Band option. By default it will be set to automatic. This means that you will connect to one band or the other depending on what you think is best. However, as we have seen, at some point we may need to use another. We can choose between the two options and change it at any time.
To do this, you simply have to mark the 5 GHz or 2.4 GHz band preference option, depending on the one that interests us. From there we will only have to click OK and the changes will take effect. If we are connected, it will be disconnected to restart automatically.
The network will connect to the chosen band
From that moment, our wireless network card will connect to the band we have chosen. If for example we have marked the preference of 5 GHz, what you will do is always use this Wi-Fi band. The same would happen if we have opted for 2.4 GHz.
Our Windows system, through the network card that we are using, will connect to the preferred band that we have chosen. If we have another Wi-Fi card, for example an external one to achieve better coverage, we would have to follow the same steps again. Thus we will always be connected to the band that interests us when we do not use the network cable.
Connect to another band from Windows
Without having to change anything that we have explained, we can also connect to another band easily from Windows on many occasions. Surely we have ever come across the option of connecting to two networks of the same router . They usually have the same name, except for some differential such as 5G or similar. Simply click on the Wi-Fi icon on the taskbar or enter through Start, Settings, Network and Internet, Wi-Fi, and Show available networks.
What we are going to do in this case is simply connect to the other network manually. We will have to put the corresponding password and we will automatically be connected to the 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz band, as we choose. We can quickly choose between the different bands, as long as there is availability.
In short, by following these steps that we have indicated, we can change the Wi-Fi band in Windows 10. As we have seen, it is a very simple and fast process. In many cases it may be necessary to avoid problems and make the connectivity work as well as possible. We will always have to choose one or the other depending on the characteristics of the network and after knowing which one interests us the most.
