When your 5GHz WiFi network stops working while the 2.4GHz band remains functional, the issue typically stems from router configuration problems, driver incompatibilities, or signal interference. The most effective solutions involve systematically checking router settings, updating network adapters, and adjusting physical placement. Start by verifying whether the 5GHz band is enabled in your router's admin panel, as this setting can accidentally get disabled during updates or power cycles. If the band is active but still not visible, try toggling it off and on again to reset the connection ^[1]. For Windows users, manually updating or rolling back WiFi drivers often resolves connectivity failures, particularly when devices suddenly lose access after system updates ^[3].

Key immediate actions to take:

• Restart your router - A simple reboot resolves temporary glitches in 70% of sudden 5GHz failure cases ^[4]
• Check adapter compatibility - Older devices or incorrect driver modes may only support 2.4GHz networks ^[6]
• Adjust channel settings - Changing the 5GHz channel and width can eliminate interference from neighboring networks ^[5]
• Test with multiple devices - If all devices fail on 5GHz, the issue lies with the router; if only one device fails, focus on its drivers ^[7]

Comprehensive Troubleshooting for 5GHz WiFi Issues

Router and Network Configuration Fixes

The router itself is often the root cause when 5GHz networks stop functioning. Begin by accessing your router's administrative interface (typically through 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1) to verify critical settings. Many users report that the 5GHz band appears disabled in settings without their knowledge, particularly after firmware updates or power outages. One Reddit user resolved their issue by:

1. Navigating to router settings and confirming 5GHz was enabled
2. Disabling the 5GHz band completely
3. Waiting for the router to restart (about 2 minutes)
4. Re-enabling the 5GHz band ^[1]

Channel interference represents another common problem, especially in densely populated areas. The TP-Link community recommends these specific adjustments:

• Change the 5GHz channel to 36, 40, 44, or 48 (lower DFS channels) which experience less interference
• Set channel width to 20MHz or 40MHz instead of 80MHz if you experience frequent disconnections
• Enable "Auto" channel selection if manual settings don't improve stability ^[5]

For persistent issues where the network appears but won't connect:

• Factory reset the router (hold reset button for 10+ seconds) to clear corrupted settings
• Update router firmware through the admin panel (check manufacturer's website for latest version)
• Separate SSIDs for 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands to prevent automatic switching to the slower network ^[8]

Physical placement matters significantly for 5GHz networks due to their shorter range. Lifewire emphasizes moving devices closer to the router as a primary troubleshooting step, noting that 5GHz signals degrade rapidly through walls and floors. Users should maintain line-of-sight when possible and avoid placing routers near:

• Microwaves (operate on 2.4GHz but can cause general interference)
• Cordless phones
• Thick concrete walls
• Large metal objects ^[2]

Device-Specific Solutions for Windows and Android

Windows systems frequently encounter 5GHz connectivity issues after driver updates or major Windows updates. The Microsoft Learn community identifies several effective solutions for Windows 10/11 devices:

For driver-related problems:

1. Open Device Manager (Win+R → type devmgmt.msc)
2. Expand "Network adapters"
3. Right-click your WiFi adapter (common models: Intel AX201, Qualcomm Atheros, Realtek)
4. Select "Update driver" → "Search automatically for updated driver software"
5. If issues persist, choose "Roll Back Driver" if available ^[3]

The YouTube tutorial by Lotus Geek provides these additional Windows-specific steps:

• Enable IPv6 in network adapter properties (Control Panel → Network and Sharing Center → Change adapter settings)
• Power cycle the router by unplugging for 30 seconds
• Run these commands in Command Prompt (Admin):

netsh winsock reset
netsh int ip reset ipconfig /release ipconfig /renew ipconfig /flushdns

• Check adapter mode in Device Manager → Advanced tab → ensure "802.11n/ac" or "Wireless Mode" is set to 5GHz preferred ^[6]

Android devices, particularly Google Pixels, may experience app-specific issues on 5GHz networks. Users report that while some apps work normally, others like Twitter or DoorDash fail to load. The Google Help forum suggests:

• Resetting network settings (Settings → System → Reset options → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile & Bluetooth)
• Changing DNS servers to Google (8.8.8.8) or Cloudflare (1.1.1.1)
• Disabling WiFi+ or WiFi calling features that may interfere with 5GHz connections
• Checking for Android system updates (Settings → System → System update) ^[7]

For both Windows and Android devices, temporarily disabling firewalls and antivirus software can identify if security programs are blocking 5GHz connections. The Microsoft community notes that some Intel WiFi drivers develop compatibility issues with specific routers, requiring manual driver installation from the motherboard manufacturer rather than Windows Update ^[9].