HP EliteBook 1040 G11 WiFi 6E Slow Speed Fix Windows 11

The WiFi 6E on your HP EliteBook 1040 G11 is not delivering the expected speeds – throughput is similar to standard WiFi 5 performance even though both the laptop and router support WiFi 6E. The laptop may be connecting to the 5GHz band instead of the 6GHz band where WiFi 6E speeds are available.

This guide covers 6GHz band connection, Intel AX211 driver settings, and router configuration to achieve full WiFi 6E speeds on the HP EliteBook 1040 G11 in Windows 11.

“EliteBook 1040 G11 WiFi 6E speed was similar to my old laptop on 5GHz. It was connecting to 5GHz. Set up a separate 6GHz SSID and connected specifically to it. Speed jumped from 400Mbps to 1.8Gbps.” – Dr. Hamid, university lecturer from Johor

Why WiFi 6E Is Slow on HP EliteBook 1040 G11

WiFi 6E adds the 6GHz band for additional uncongested spectrum. When a router broadcasts both 5GHz and 6GHz on the same SSID (band steering mode), devices may connect to 5GHz rather than 6GHz because 5GHz has longer range and most device roaming algorithms prefer the connected band over switching to 6GHz. The HP EliteBook 1040 G11 Intel AX211 supports 6GHz but only connects to it automatically if band steering works correctly or if a dedicated 6GHz SSID is available.

• Router band steering keeping EliteBook on 5GHz despite 6GHz being available and faster
• Intel AX211 driver band preference set to 5GHz over 6GHz for compatibility reasons
• Router 6GHz band disabled or set to limited mode requiring dedicated 6GHz SSID
• Enterprise WiFi network not broadcasting 6GHz band on the EliteBook 1040 G11 corporate profile

Fix 1 – Create a Dedicated 6GHz SSID on the Router

Log into the router admin panel. In the 6GHz band settings, enable a separate SSID specifically for 6GHz (for example, MyNetwork_6G). On the HP EliteBook 1040 G11, go to Settings – WiFi and connect to the 6GHz SSID. When connected to the dedicated 6GHz SSID, the Intel AX211 must use the 6GHz band and WiFi 6E speeds become available. Speed tests should now show throughput above 1Gbps when the EliteBook is within 5-10 meters of the router.

Fix 2 – Update Intel AX211 Driver via HP Support

Go to HP Support, enter EliteBook 1040 G11 service tag, and download Intel Wi-Fi 6E AX211 driver from the Network section. Updated Intel AX211 drivers include improved 6GHz band preference algorithms that increase the likelihood of automatic 6GHz connection on band-steering routers. HP-qualified Intel drivers also include EliteBook 1040 G11-specific enterprise authentication improvements for WPA3-Enterprise networks.

Check Band Preference in Intel WiFi Advanced Settings

In Device Manager, right-click Intel Wi-Fi 6E AX211, Properties – Advanced. Find Preferred Band and set to 6GHz or Auto. Also look for 802.11ax 6GHz or similar setting and ensure it is enabled. The 6GHz band can also be individually enabled or disabled in Intel AX211 advanced properties. Verify it is set to Enabled rather than Disabled, as some enterprise IT configurations disable 6GHz for compliance reasons.

Fix 3 – Position Within 6GHz Optimal Range

The 6GHz band has shorter range than 5GHz due to higher frequency signal attenuation through walls and air. For full WiFi 6E throughput, position the HP EliteBook 1040 G11 within 5-10 meters of the router with clear line of sight. At distances above 15 meters or through multiple walls, the 6GHz signal attenuates significantly and the AX211 may fall back to 5GHz for reliability. Place the router centrally in the office for consistent 6GHz coverage.

Fix 4 – Enable WPA3 for WiFi 6E Security

WiFi 6E requires WPA3 security for 6GHz band access per the Wi-Fi Alliance specification. Ensure the router 6GHz SSID uses WPA3 or WPA2/WPA3 transitional mode. A router configured with WPA2-only security on the 6GHz SSID may prevent the Intel AX211 from connecting to 6GHz. In router settings, set the 6GHz security to WPA3-Personal or WPA3-Enterprise as appropriate for the HP EliteBook 1040 G11 usage environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is WiFi 6E slow on HP EliteBook 1040 G11?

Likely connecting to 5GHz instead of 6GHz band. Create a dedicated 6GHz SSID on the router and connect specifically to it for full WiFi 6E throughput.

How do I connect HP EliteBook 1040 G11 to 6GHz WiFi 6E band?

Create separate 6GHz SSID on router (e.g. NetworkName_6G). Connect EliteBook specifically to the 6GHz SSID. Intel AX211 then uses 6GHz for WiFi 6E speeds.

Does HP EliteBook 1040 G11 have WiFi 6E?

Yes – Intel Wi-Fi 6E AX211 with 2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz support. WiFi 6E on 6GHz provides up to 2.4Gbps with less interference than 5GHz.

What WiFi adapter does HP EliteBook 1040 G11 have?

Intel Wi-Fi 6E AX211 with Bluetooth 5.3. Supports WPA3 for enterprise and personal network authentication.

Conclusion

HP EliteBook 1040 G11 WiFi 6E slow speed in Windows 11 is resolved by creating a dedicated 6GHz SSID on the router and connecting the EliteBook to it directly, bypassing band steering that defaults to 5GHz. Updating the Intel AX211 driver via HP Support and setting the preferred band to 6GHz in advanced driver settings ensure automatic 6GHz preference. WPA3 security on the 6GHz SSID is required per WiFi 6E specification for full connectivity.