Some Surfaces unable to connect to 5GHz networks following recent update

Surface Laptop 2
Surface Laptop 2 (Image credit: Windows Central)

What you need to know

  • Some Surface users can't connect to 5GHz networks following a recent update.
  • The Surface Laptop, Surface Book, and Surface Pro 5th Gen seem to be affected by the issue.
  • The update that seems to have caused the issue was supposed to improve Wi-Fi.

According to both posts, a user updated their Wi-Fi driver to "Marvell Semiconductor, Inc. – Net – 15.68.17013.110." Following the update, they couldn't connect to 5GHz networks on their Surface Book. Uninstalling the driver seemed to fix the issue and reinstalling the update seems to cause it again. Other users have chimed in saying they face the same issue on their Surface devices, including the Surface Laptop, Surface Book, and Surface Pro 5th Gen.

The extent of the issue is not yet determined. It seems to only affect a subset of Surface users, even on affected devices. Microsoft has not issued a response to the issue at time of publication.

Our favorite Surface accessories from Microsoft

Every one of these valuable Surface accessories is Windows Central Approved and guaranteed to please.

Surface Precision Mouse ($77 at Amazon)

The Surface Precision Mouse is not only one of favorite Surface accessories, it's one of our favorite mice for any PC. It's packed with valuable features and customizable buttons. Its scrolling and tracking are seamless and spot-on. And it's rechargeable so you never have to buy new batteries for it.

Surface Pen (From $72 at Amazon)

Every Surface owner needs this Pen. Period. It supports 4,096 levels of pressure sensitivity, tilt support for shading density, and enjoys supremely low latency. When paired with a Surface PC, the potential is endless. And it comes in a bunch of cool colors.

Surface Dock ($136 at Amazon)

With two Mini DisplayPorts, four USB-A 3.0 ports, an Ethernet port, and a 3.5mm audio jack, this dock gives you the ports you need to stay connected to all your favorite devices. Plus, it easily turns your Surface into a desktop power hub. We highly recommend it.

Sean Endicott
News Writer and apps editor

Sean Endicott is a news writer and apps editor for Windows Central with 11+ years of experience. A Nottingham Trent journalism graduate, Sean has covered the industry’s arc from the Lumia era to the launch of Windows 11 and generative AI. Having started at Thrifter, he uses his expertise in price tracking to help readers find genuine hardware value.

Beyond tech news, Sean is a UK sports media pioneer. In 2017, he became one of the first to stream via smartphone and is an expert in AP Capture systems. A tech-forward coach, he was named 2024 BAFA Youth Coach of the Year. He is focused on using technology—from AI to Clipchamp—to gain a practical edge.