Windows 11 Wi-Fi Priority and 5GHz Auto-Switching Guide

Using an Intel AX210 wireless network card paired with an ipTIME AX3000R router, I often found that once the connection switched to 2.4GHz in blind spots or distant rooms, it wouldn’t automatically jump back to 5GHz. I’ve tweaked my Windows 11 settings to fix this, and I’m documenting it here for future reference.

If you have experienced Windows sticking to a slower 2.4GHz signal despite a strong 5GHz connection being available—or failing to switch back once the signal improves—this software tuning will force your system to favor 5G, fall back to 2.4G during emergencies, and recover to the high-speed network automatically.

Step 1: Forcing Priority via CMD (Command Prompt)

Windows 11 UI does not allow users to reorder network priority by dragging. Instead, we must use commands to inform the system which signal takes precedence.

1. Right-click the Start button and select Terminal (Admin).

2. Identify your current saved profiles.

• Command: netsh wlan show profiles

3. Confirm your SSID from the list, then execute the following commands (replace “k5gun_5G” and “k5gun” with your actual network names):

• Command 1: netsh wlan set profileorder name="k5gun_5G" interface="Wi-Fi" priority=1
• Command 2: netsh wlan set profileorder name="k5gun" interface="Wi-Fi" priority=2

Now, Windows will prioritize connecting to the 5GHz network whenever both signals are detected.

Step 2: Enabling Automatic Connection

Even with priority set, you must ensure the “Connect automatically” option is enabled so the system can scan for other networks when the signal is lost.

1. Right-click Start > Settings > Network & internet > Wi-Fi > Manage known networks.

2. Click on both your 5G and 2.4G profiles and ensure “Connect automatically when in range” is set to On.

Step 3: Intel AX210 5GHz Preference Settings (Crucial Tuning)

This is the most important step. It forces the hardware to constantly check for 5G signals even while connected to 2.4GHz, allowing it to switch over as soon as it’s feasible.

1. Right-click Start > Device Manager > Network adapters > Right-click Intel AX210 > Properties > Advanced tab.

2. Preferred Band: Change this setting to [3. Prefer 5GHz band].

3. Roaming Aggressiveness: Set this value to [4. Medium-High].

Note: Setting this to “Highest” will cause an immediate switch as soon as a 5G signal is detected, but it may cause minor micro-stuttering during active tasks. I recommend starting with “Medium-High” for testing.

In rooms with strong 5G coverage, the system now stays locked onto the primary 5G network. If you move into a room with thick walls where the 5G signal weakens, it will seamlessly fall back to the 2.4GHz network to prevent disconnection. Once the AX210 detects that the 5G signal has stabilized, it will smoothly return to the high-speed network.

Keeping this record here in case my settings ever reset!