Why Your Laptop Doesn’t Support 5GHz Wi-Fi (And How to Fix It)

Laptop Doesn’t Support 5GHz Wi-Fi

If you’ve recently upgraded to WordLink’s high-speed internet and noticed your laptop can’t connect to the 5GHz Wi-Fi band, you’re not alone. Many users face this problem, especially with older laptops or budget models. In this article, we’ll help you understand why this happens and how you can make your laptop support 5GHz Wi-Fi with ease.

🧠 Understanding the Problem

Wi-Fi comes in two main frequency bands:

  • 2.4GHz – Slower but has a longer range.

  • 5GHz – Faster with more bandwidth but a shorter range.

Modern routers, like those from WordLink, support dual-band connections, offering both 2.4GHz and 5GHz. However, not all laptops are built to detect or connect to 5GHz. This mostly depends on your laptop’s wireless card.

🔍 Step 1: Does Your Laptop Even Support 5GHz?

To find out, follow these steps:

  1. Press Windows + R, type cmd, and hit Enter.

  2. Type the following command:

    netsh wlan show drivers
  3. Look for the line that says Radio types supported:

    • If you see 802.11a / ac / ax, then your laptop does support 5GHz.

    • If it only shows 802.11b / g / n, then your laptop does not support 5GHz.

5g doesn't support

✅ If Your Laptop Supports 5GHz But Won’t Connect

If your laptop is capable of connecting to 5GHz but still can’t find the network, try the following:

  • Update Wi-Fi drivers via Device Manager.

  • Restart your router and make sure dual-band is enabled.

  • Forget the network and reconnect manually.

  • Go to router settings and confirm 5GHz is active (log in using the router IP: usually 192.168.1.1).

❌ If Your Laptop Does NOT Support 5GHz

Don’t worry — you don’t have to buy a new laptop! You can make your laptop support 5GHz in two simple ways:

🔌 Option 1: Use a Dual-Band USB Wi-Fi Adapter

This is the cheapest and fastest solution. These are small USB devices that enable 5GHz Wi-Fi on any computer.

  • Price: NPR 800–2000 (in local stores or Daraz).

  • Just plug it in, install the driver (if required), and you’re good to go.

Popular brands in Nepal:

  • TP-Link Archer T2U Nano

  • D-Link DWA-171

  • Mercusys MU6H

📶 Option 2: Replace the Internal Wi-Fi Card

This is more technical and only recommended if you’re confident with hardware. Some laptops allow Wi-Fi card upgrades, but you’d need to:

  • Open your laptop carefully.

  • Purchase a compatible dual-band card (e.g., Intel AX200).

  • Install drivers manually.

🟢 Bonus Option: Use Ethernet for Super-Stable Internet

If your laptop has an Ethernet port, simply connect it directly to the router. You’ll get:

  • The fastest and most stable connection.

  • Zero interference or drop-outs.

📝 Final Thoughts

In 2025, 5GHz is the new standard for fast internet, especially in cities like Kathmandu where network congestion is high. If your laptop doesn’t support it, you don’t need to panic or replace your device. A small USB adapter is all it takes to enjoy blazing WordLink speeds.

Got questions or need help picking an adapter in Nepal? Just ask — I’ve got your back.