How to Optimize Wi-Fi on Windows 11 in 5 Steps

This guide will explain how to optimize Wi-Fi performance on a Windows 11 device. Windows 11's default settings are configured to save power, not to provide the fastest and most stable connection possible. By following the indicated steps, you can significantly improve the quality of your Wi-Fi connection.

This guide is useful for those who use Wi-Fi as their main connection, both on laptops and desktop PCs. The proposed changes do not require the installation of additional software and are safe to apply.

• Maximize transmission power: Increase the power of the Wi-Fi signal sent to the router.
• Disable power saving on the Wi-Fi adapter: Prevent Windows from putting the Wi-Fi adapter to sleep, improving connection stability.
• Set the preferred band to 5 GHz or 6 GHz: Prefer the 5 GHz or 6 GHz band for a faster connection, if the router supports it.
• Reduce roaming aggressiveness: Reduces micro-disconnections caused by the continuous search for better networks.
• Change the DNS servers: Use faster DNS servers like those of Cloudflare or Google to improve browsing responsiveness.

Prerequisites

• Hardware: A laptop or desktop PC with Windows 11 operating system.
• Software: Access to Windows 11 settings and Device Manager.
• Internet Connection: Access to a Wi-Fi network to test the changes made.

PROCEDURE: Wi-Fi Optimization on Windows 11

At the end of this guide, you will have configured your Wi-Fi adapter on Windows 11 to obtain a faster and more stable connection.

• Disable power saving on the Wi-Fi adapter
• Set the preferred band to 5 GHz or 6 GHz
• Reduce roaming aggressiveness
• Change the DNS servers

Step 1: Increase transmission power

Open Device Manager, right-click on the wireless adapter, select "Properties", go to the "Advanced" tab, and find the entry "Transmit Power Level". Set the value to "Highest".

Step 2: Disable power saving

In the "Properties" of the adapter in Device Manager, go to the "Power Management" tab and deselect the option "Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power".

Step 3: Set the preferred band

In the "Advanced" tab of the adapter "Properties", find the entry "Preferred Band" and set it to "Prefer 5GHz band" or "Prefer 6GHz band" depending on the support of your router.

Step 4: Reduce roaming aggressiveness

Step 5: Change the DNS servers

Go to "Settings" in Windows, "Network & Internet" section, click on "Wi-Fi", then on "Hardware properties", and finally on "Edit" next to "DNS server assignment". Enter the preferred DNS servers, such as those of Cloudflare (1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1) or Google (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4).

Verification and Troubleshooting

After applying the changes to the Wi-Fi parameters, it is important to verify the correct operation of the connection and solve any problems. Here's how to proceed.

Connection Test

• Speed Verification: Use online tools like Speedtest to measure download and upload speed. Compare the results before and after the changes to assess the impact of the settings.
• Stability Test: Leave a connection active for an extended period and monitor any disconnections or slowdowns. Use tools like PingPlotter to analyze connection stability.

Troubleshooting

• Connection Problems: If the connection is unstable or slow, verify that all settings have been applied correctly. Check the settings in the Network Adapter again.
• Frequent Disconnections: If the problem persists, try temporarily disabling other nearby Wi-Fi networks that may interfere with your connection.
• DNS Problems: If websites do not load correctly, verify that the DNS servers are set correctly. Try using different DNS servers such as those of Cloudflare or Google.

Restoring Default Settings

If the changes do not improve the connection or cause problems, you can restore the default settings by following these steps:

• Open Device Manager and go to the Properties of the Wi-Fi adapter.
• In the Advanced tab, restore the default values for each modified parameter.

Educational Summary and Invitation to Practice

At the end of this guide, you will have learned how to optimize the Wi-Fi performance of your Windows 11 device, improving connection speed and stability without installing additional software.

Here is a summary of the key steps:

• Change the DNS servers for more responsive browsing.

Try these changes right away and check the improvement in Wi-Fi performance. If you need additional tools to test DNS server speed, you can use DNS Speed Test.