2.4Ghz works but 5Ghz Won't (New Router)

I got a new Netgear 6250, the 2.4Ghz network works, but the 5Ghz network won't work. My computer (which does have a dualband wireless adapter) detects the 5Ghz network, and when I type in my password (100% sure it is correct), Windows 10 just says "can't connect to this network".

An iPhone does work, so not sure what is going on here. Wireless adapter is a TP-LINK N900. I'm typing from the 2.4Ghz network right now.
 
Solution
Definitely take control of the channel & set manually. You're more than tech-savvy enough that you don't need to go with the simple "auto" route.

That being said, that's highly unlikely to be the issue.

I'm assuming you have the latest drivers installed for the wifi adapter?

In the Network Settings > Change Adapter options, ensure "Prefer 5GHz is set (if not, it'll default to 2.4GHz when it's available) and ensure the region setting is set correctly.

Highly unlikely any of those will have changed (I'm reading you only changed the router, not the adapter) but it's worth checking.

I assuming 5GHz is enabled/set to broadcast via the routers settings? Stupid question, but is your router showing a light for 5GHz? (as in it's actually...
Slight update here. It seems to work on and off. So, the iPhone was connected, but could not connect to a webpage. Eventually I got lucky and managed to connect with my PC, and did manage to load web pages, so I had a stable connection. Now after walking my dog and turning on my PC, same issue is happening. My PC finds the 5Ghz network, but "Can't connect to this network" keeps happening.

Another strange thing, when I'm connected to the 2.4Ghz network, it will say that there is a 4 bar connection to the 5Ghz network from the wireless network menu at the bottom-right corner of Windows. However, if I disconnect from the 2.4Ghz network, it now shows 0 bars for the 5Ghz network. Overall, it all seems to be going bodoggles and I really have no idea what's going on.

Should I perhaps change the channel?

Edit: To be more clear, when the 5Ghz didn't work, it just put me on the 2.4Ghz. Is this normal?
 

Barty1884

Retired Moderator
Definitely take control of the channel & set manually. You're more than tech-savvy enough that you don't need to go with the simple "auto" route.

That being said, that's highly unlikely to be the issue.

I'm assuming you have the latest drivers installed for the wifi adapter?

In the Network Settings > Change Adapter options, ensure "Prefer 5GHz is set (if not, it'll default to 2.4GHz when it's available) and ensure the region setting is set correctly.

Highly unlikely any of those will have changed (I'm reading you only changed the router, not the adapter) but it's worth checking.

I assuming 5GHz is enabled/set to broadcast via the routers settings? Stupid question, but is your router showing a light for 5GHz? (as in it's actually broadcasting, not just 'in theory' set to broadcast).
 
Solution
Actually, crazy, but it's working now suddenly. :p It seems to be stable now, so that's good. Not sure what was causing the troubles earlier honestly. But I'll check those network settings to make it the default. Honestly, with TWC sucky speeds at like 50Mbps, there is no realistic benefit over the 2.4Ghz aside from less interference.
 

seang123

Great
Feb 19, 2018
49
0
60

Where do I find the prefer 5GHz option?