If your Windows-based computer has an 802.11a or 802.11n wireless network adapter, then it is compatible with a 5 GHz network band.  This article will show you how to check if the wireless adapter of your Windows computer has the 5 GHz network band capability.  

Windows® 8 and higher OS
Windows 7 / Vista®
Windows XP

IMPORTANT:  The Linksys AE3000 wireless network adapter is used for this example.

Windows 8® and higher OS

Step 1:
Press the Windows  key on your keyboard to access the Start screen.  

QUICK TIP:  Alternatively, for Windows 8.1 and Windows 10, you can right-click on the Start  button and select Command Prompt.  For touch-enabled computers, swipe from the right side of the screen to reveal the Charms bar with the system commands.

NOTE:  The Search section will automatically appear once you type in any character from your keyboard.

Step 3:
On the Command Prompt window, enter “netsh wlan show drivers” then press [Enter].

Step 4:
Look for the Radio types supported section.  If it says that the network adapter supports 802.11a or 802.11n network modes, this means that the computer that you are using has the 5 GHz network capability.

In this example, the wireless adapter supports 802.11b, 802.11a, 802.11g, and 802.11n network modes.  This means that the computer has the 5 GHz network band capability.

Windows 7 / Vista®

NOTE:  A built-in wireless network adapter of a laptop computer is used for this example.

Step 1:
Click the Pearl  button then enter “Device Manager” on the Search programs and files field.  Click the Device Manager link once it appears on the search results.

Step 2:
On the Device Manager window, click Network adapters.  Look for the name of your wireless adapter and check if it shows ABGN or AGN. 

In this example, the wireless adapter is Intel(R) Centrino(R) Ultimate-N 6300 AGN.  This means that the computer has the 5 GHz network band capability.

Windows XP

IMPORTANT:  A built-in wireless network adapter of a laptop computer is used for this example.

Step 1:
Click Start > Settings > Control Panel.

Step 2:
On the Control Panel window, double-click the System icon.

Step 3:
On the System Properties dialog box, click Hardware tab then click Device Manager.

Step 4:
On the Device Manager window, click Network Adapters.  Look for the name of your wireless adapter and check if it shows ABGN or AGN.

In this example, the wireless adapter is Intel^® WiFi Link 5300 AGN.  This means that the computer has the 5 GHz network band capability.

NOTE:  To identify Linksys dual-band routers and devices that support both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, click here.  For instructions on checking if your Mac® computer is compatible with the 5 GHz frequency, click here.

Do you have a Linksys dual-band wireless router?

Linksys dual-band routers support both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks.  You can use both networks simultaneously or use just one (1).  Choosing between the two (2) frequencies will enhance the application you will be using on the wireless network.  To know more about differentiating the 5 GHz and 2.4 GHz bands, click here.