How to fix Wi-Fi connection problem with 5GHz networks on Surface

How-to
By Mauro Huculak
last updated

Can't connect your Surface to a 5GHz wireless network? Then you're probably using the newest Marvell wireless driver, and this is how you can get around the problem on Windows 10.

If you're getting an "Unable to conntect to this network" error message with a 5GHz Wi-Fi network after installing the latest update on your Surface Book, Surface Laptop, or Surface Pro 5th Gen, you're not the only one. According to various users reports at the Microsoft forums and Reddit, the new Marvell Semiconductor, Inc. – Net – 15.68.17013.110 driver for the Surface Wi-Fi adapter is breaking the connection with wireless networks using the 5GHz band, leaving users with access only to the much slower 2.4GHz band.

The problem appears only to be affecting a small portion of Surface owners, and if you're one of them, the workaround to mitigate the issue (until Microsoft releases a permanent fix) is to rollback the Marvell driver to the previous version.

In this Windows 10 guide, we'll walk you through the steps to roll back to the previous version of the Marvell AVASTAR Wi-Fi driver on Surface devices to fix connectivity to 5GHz band networks.

How to reinstall older Wi-Fi driver on Surface

To remove the problematic Wi-Fi driver to temporarily fix the connectivity problem to a 5GHz wireless network, use these steps:

  1. Open Start.
  2. Search for Device Manager and click the top result to open the experience.
  3. Expand the Network adapters branch.
  4. Right-click the wireless adapter (Marvell AVASTAR Wireless-AC Network Controller) with the problem and select the Properties option.

  1. Click on the Driver tab.
  2. Click the Roll Back Driver button.

  1. Select one of the reasons you're rolling backup.Quick note: If you want you can select the For another reason option, and describe the problem:" Connecting to 5GHz network results in Unable to connect to this network" error message.
  2. Click the Yes button.

  1. Click the Yes button again to restart your Surface.

Once you complete the steps, the "Marvell Semiconductor, Inc. – Net – 15.68.17013.110" will be removed and the previous version of the driver will install automatically give access back to the 5GHz wireless network. Using the process will also prevent Windows Update from reinstalling the same driver again, but in future updates, a new version of the driver may download and install automatically.

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Mauro Huculak
Mauro Huculak

Mauro Huculak is technical writer for WindowsCentral.com. His primary focus is to write comprehensive how-tos to help users get the most out of Windows 10 and its many related technologies. He has an IT background with professional certifications from Microsoft, Cisco, and CompTIA, and he's a recognized member of the Microsoft MVP community.