How To “Fix 5GHz WiFi Not Showing Up In Windows 10” Issue

Question

Hello Microsoft:

I followed your instruction and enabled wireless  however, when clicking advance mine says LAN 802.11d not LAN 802.11n

1. Go to Desktop mode
2. Select Charms > Settings > PC Info
3. Click Device Manager (located in the top left of screen)
4. Click the > sign to expand the Network adapters entry.
5. Right-click the wireless adapter and click Properties.
6. Click the Advanced tab, click 802.11n mode, under value Select Enable.

However, when clicking advance mine saysLAN 802.11d not LAN 802.11n  ( I enabled anyway, so please advise if shouldn't have)

Either way I still don't have the option for 5GHz

I went as far as to follow the instructions from the Geek page:

Step 1: On your keyboard, press Windows + R keys at a time. This will open the Run dialog box.

Step 2: Type cmd in the Run box and press Enter to open Command Prompt.

Step 3: In the Command Prompt window, type the following command:

 netsh wlan show drivers

Step 4: From the result that opens up in the Command Prompt window, look for Radio types supported.

In this section, you will see 3 network modes. Following are the network modes with what they mean:

a) 802.11g 802.11n: Your computer only supports 2.4GHz bandwidth. 

b) 802.11n 802.11g 802.11b: Your computer only supports 2.4GHz bandwidth. 

c) 802.11a 802.11g 802.11n: Your computer supports both 2.4Ghz and 5GHz bandwidth.

Mine only has this B) 802.11n 802.11g 802.11b  not C) 802.11a 802.11g 802.11n

So after all this my question is: 

Is there anything I can do, buy etc. to add 5GHz to my network?

I am constantly losing my WIFI and I am constantly fighting with Optimum and all they can tell me there's a lot of traffic and that my computer is old that I should get another computer with 5GHz capability.

It's bad enough that I am a disabled & retiree old grams on a fix budget and also like I tell them if my computer ain't broke why should I get a new one? 

Please someone HELP! 

Thanks

Answer 1

Hi Lee -

Yes I thought maybe it might be too much so that's why I put the adapter choice first. But I always include all steps for those may want to know how to try to fix Wifi first, since recent Updates have caused Wifi issues.

But the adapter should be the fix for 5g and stabilize Wifi, so please post back to let us know how it works. It should install itself finding its driver in a few minutes. Then sign into your network looking for the 5g choice.

If Wifi problems persist then you have the steps to go over and you can always post back to ask for my help.

Let me know if there's anything else.

Also when ready please mark the post which helped most as the Answer, to help others. A rating is also appreciated.

Answer 2

Hi Lil. I'm Greg, an installation specialist, 10 year Windows MVP, and Volunteer Moderator here to help you.

It needs a 5g wireless adapter which you can install as a nano (flush so it doesn't break off) USB adapter like the one here:

https://www.amazon.com/OURLiNK-600Mbps-Wireless...

However since the wifi problems you describe are a known issue after Version 1903 we can go over the Wifi first so you know you've checked it out as best as possible.

I'll give you everything that works to fix Wifi so that at least something will work. Even if you've already tried a step please try or check it again in sequence. If you need any assistance I'll be standing by here to help:

Update your network adapter drivers from the PC maker's Support Downloads web page using the full model number, HP Serial Number or Dell Service Tag on sticker. Compare the latest drivers available for download with the ones presently installed in Device Manager reached by right clicking the Start Menu. Make sure you have the latest BIOS or UEFI firmware, Chipset, Display (Video), Sound, USB3, Bluetooth, Network and all other drivers, or else download and install the latest now.

If you have the latest network driver then try on it's Driver tab also to Roll Back, or Uninstall and then restart PC to reinstall the driver. Try also all older drivers from Update Driver > Browse > Let Me Pick list working backwards.

Go to Device Manager > Network Adapters, select Wifi adapter, then Power Management tab, clear the check box to "Allow the computer to turn off the device to save energy." Then on the Advanced tab disable any energy-saving options.

If this was caused by Windows Updates then you can check which were installed at Settings>Update & Security>Windows Update under Installed Updates, then uninstall them from the link there, and hide with the Hide Updates tool downloaded from here: http://download.microsoft.com/download/f/2/2/f2...

You can also use System Restore to get before the problem began, then check for Updates with the Hide Update tool and hide them: http://home.bt.com/tech-gadgets/computing/how-t...

If this was caused by Version update then you can roll it back in Settings>Update & Security>Recovery and then hide it until it matures using the Hide Updates Tool downloaded from here: http://download.microsoft.com/download/f/2/2/f2...

For Wifi won't connect after Version 1903:

https://windows101tricks.com/fix-wifi-keeps-dis...

https://www.techrepublic.com/article/wi-fi-and-...

https://pureinfotech.com/fix-wifi-problems-wind...

Enable IPv6 in the network adapter settings: https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/90033-enabl...

Run the fixit from https://support.microsoft.com/help/929852 (Re-enable IPv6 on all nontunnel interfaces) and reboot.

Right click the network icon in System Tray at bottom right end of task bar to Troubleshoot Problems.

Try all of these steps: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/10741/...

https://www.kapilarya.com/how-to-reset-network-...

Go to Settings > Network & Internet > WIfi > Manage Known Networks, highlight and remove the network having problems, restart PC to see if it shows up again.

Try plugging in by ethernet cable to the router to compare, then plug the ethernet cable into the modem (if separate) to see if this might be an issue with the router.

Try powering off modem, router and PC and then restarting in that order with 1 minute in between each. You may need to reset your router or even optimize it following these steps:

https://www.lifewire.com/resetting-a-home-netwo...

http://www.maximumpc.com/article/features/ultim...

Your router manual is always available from the manufacturer's website for your exact model.

You also are entitled to Support from your internet provider to get online on all devices. This is always included in the monthly bill. If your router is less than a year old they will also Support getting it connected and optimized.

I hope this helps. Feel free to ask back any questions and let us know how it goes. I will keep working with you until it's resolved.

______________________________________________

Standard Disclaimer: There are links to non-Microsoft websites. The pages appear to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the sites that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the sites before you decide to download and install it.

Answer 3

Hi again Greg! 

Yes, I understand.

I was just asking is  adapthat sthatthe only brand or are there others, is that the best, and is  Amazon the only option or only site or way to purchase? 

Thanks, 

Lil

Answer 4

Hi Lil. I'm Greg, an installation specialist, 10 year Windows MVP, and Volunteer Moderator here to help you.

It needs a 5g wireless adapter which you can install as a nano (flush so it doesn't break off) USB adapter like the one here:

https://www.amazon.com/OURLiNK-600Mbps-Wireless...

However since the wifi problems you describe are a known issue after Version 1903 we can go over the Wifi first so you know you've checked it out as best as possible.

I'll give you everything that works to fix Wifi so that at least something will work. Even if you've already tried a step please try or check it again in sequence. If you need any assistance I'll be standing by here to help:

Update your network adapter drivers from the PC maker's Support Downloads web page using the full model number, HP Serial Number or Dell Service Tag on sticker. Compare the latest drivers available for download with the ones presently installed in Device Manager reached by right clicking the Start Menu. Make sure you have the latest BIOS or UEFI firmware, Chipset, Display (Video), Sound, USB3, Bluetooth, Network and all other drivers, or else download and install the latest now.

If you have the latest network driver then try on it's Driver tab also to Roll Back, or Uninstall and then restart PC to reinstall the driver. Try also all older drivers from Update Driver > Browse > Let Me Pick list working backwards.

Go to Device Manager > Network Adapters, select Wifi adapter, then Power Management tab, clear the check box to "Allow the computer to turn off the device to save energy." Then on the Advanced tab disable any energy-saving options.

If this was caused by Windows Updates then you can check which were installed at Settings>Update & Security>Windows Update under Installed Updates, then uninstall them from the link there, and hide with the Hide Updates tool downloaded from here: http://download.microsoft.com/download/f/2/2/f2...

You can also use System Restore to get before the problem began, then check for Updates with the Hide Update tool and hide them: http://home.bt.com/tech-gadgets/computing/how-t...

If this was caused by Version update then you can roll it back in Settings>Update & Security>Recovery and then hide it until it matures using the Hide Updates Tool downloaded from here: http://download.microsoft.com/download/f/2/2/f2...

For Wifi won't connect after Version 1903:

https://windows101tricks.com/fix-wifi-keeps-dis...

https://www.techrepublic.com/article/wi-fi-and-...

https://pureinfotech.com/fix-wifi-problems-wind...

Enable IPv6 in the network adapter settings: https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/90033-enabl...

Run the fixit from https://support.microsoft.com/help/929852 (Re-enable IPv6 on all nontunnel interfaces) and reboot.

Right click the network icon in System Tray at bottom right end of task bar to Troubleshoot Problems.

Try all of these steps: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/10741/...

https://www.kapilarya.com/how-to-reset-network-...

Go to Settings > Network & Internet > WIfi > Manage Known Networks, highlight and remove the network having problems, restart PC to see if it shows up again.

Try plugging in by ethernet cable to the router to compare, then plug the ethernet cable into the modem (if separate) to see if this might be an issue with the router.

Try powering off modem, router and PC and then restarting in that order with 1 minute in between each. You may need to reset your router or even optimize it following these steps:

https://www.lifewire.com/resetting-a-home-netwo...

http://www.maximumpc.com/article/features/ultim...

Your router manual is always available from the manufacturer's website for your exact model.

You also are entitled to Support from your internet provider to get online on all devices. This is always included in the monthly bill. If your router is less than a year old they will also Support getting it connected and optimized.

I hope this helps. Feel free to ask back any questions and let us know how it goes. I will keep working with you until it's resolved.

______________________________________________

Standard Disclaimer: There are links to non-Microsoft websites. The pages appear to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the sites that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the sites before you decide to download and install it.

Hi Greg,

I thank you for your prompt response, but I think you by passed the part where I say, I'm an old lady and allow though I'm not that technically challenged these are too many steps to follow. 

I was able to follow the other steps easily because I found the same instructions on "The Geek Page" with visual steps and charts they provided. 

However, yes my laptop has been update, I clicked for updates and it said it was already updated. Now, that other stuff; the last time I tried following just instructions it didn't go to well and had to reset my laptop to factory settings. 

Also, like I mentioned I have optimum so I have their modem and their router and yes not only did they tell me my router does have 5GHz my Android phone's is set on the WIFI 5GHz. 

Therefore, I'd prefer to buy an adapter instead of risking messing up my laptop and frustrating myself.

In fact Optimum WIFI 2.4 is SO SLOW that when I received your reply I received and alert at 8:56pm and I entered and clicked message and it open at 9:11pm.

I am constantly frustrated and I take it out on Optimum via Tweets and make them find out why I'm constantly losing my WIFI but last night I spoke to a tech that said that there are USB adapters to insert and turn my laptop to access 5G.

So I'd prefer to do that, I'd like to remind you again Old Lady here on a fix budget so please give me as many options to buy. 

I remain, 

Very Truly Grateful 

Lil Lee