How to set up a laptop's Wi-Fi frequency: choosing 2.4 or 5 GHz

Have you noticed that your laptop's Wi-Fi is slow, even though your router supports high speeds? Or is the signal constantly dropping out, despite being close to an access point? The cause may be an incorrectly selected router. Wi-Fi frequencyModern routers broadcast the network simultaneously on two ranges - 2.4 GHz And 5 GHz, but the laptop does not always connect to the optimal one automatically.

In this article we will look at how to do it manually change the Wi-Fi frequency on a laptop under control Windows 10/11, macOS or Linux, even if your network isn't divided into separate SSIDs. You'll learn how to check the current frequency, why your laptop might get stuck on 2.4 GHz, and what to do if the desired band isn't showing up in the list of available networks. You'll also learn how to force the system to always connect to the preferred band without manually selecting it.

What's the difference between 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequencies: which one should you choose?

Before changing the settings, it's important to understand the key differences between the ranges:

• 📶 2.4 GHz — a larger coverage radius (passes through walls), but lower speed and higher channel congestion (neighboring networks interfere).
• ⚡ 5 GHz — higher speed (up to 1 Gbit/s) and less interference, but the signal passes weaker through obstacles.
• 🔄 Automatic selection (in most routers) often makes a mistake by connecting the laptop to the congested 2.4 GHz, even if 5 GHz is available.

Which band should I choose? If you're sitting next to the router— 5 GHz will give maximum speed. For remote rooms or thin walls, it's better 2.4 GHz. And if you see both options in the list of networks (for example, MyWiFi_2G And MyWiFi_5G) - just connect to the one you need manually.

How to check the current Wi-Fi frequency on a laptop

To find out what band your laptop is connected to right now, no need to install third-party programs. Use the built-in tools:

🪟 Windows 10/11

Open Command line (Win + R → enter cmd) and run:

netsh wlan show interfaces

In the line Channel (channel) the number will be indicated. If it is from 1 to 13 - This 2.4 GHz, If 36–165 — 5 GHz.

🍎 macOS

Clamp Option (Alt) and click on the Wi-Fi icon in the menu bar. In the section PHY Mode a range will be specified (for example, 802.11ac means 5 GHz).

🐧 Linux

In the terminal, run:

iwconfig

Look for the line Frequency. Meaning 2.4XX — 2.4 GHz, 5.XX — 5 GHz.

Why the laptop does not detect 5 GHz: possible reasons

If the range is missing from the list of networks 5 GHz, the problem may lie in:

• 🔌 Hardware limitationsOlder laptops (pre-2012) often only support 2.4 GHz. Check your model's specifications.
• 🔄 Router settings: 5 GHz can be disabled in the router admin panel (section Wireless → 5GHz Settings).
• 🚫 Regional restrictions: In some countries (for example, Russia until 2021), some 5 GHz channels were blocked.
• 🔧 Wi-Fi adapter driver: Outdated or corrupted software may cut off 5 GHz support.

How do I know if my laptop supports 5GHz?

Open device Manager (Win+X → Device Manager), find Network adapters and check the Wi-Fi module model. Google its name and search for "supported frequencies."

If the problem is with the driver, update it via device Manager (right click on the adapter → Update driver). For Windows The utility will also help Snappy Driver Installer, and for Linux - team:

sudo apt update && sudo apt install firmware-your_adapter_name

Manually configure Wi-Fi frequency in Windows 10/11

If the router broadcasts a single network (without division into MyWiFi_2G/MyWiFi_5G), but you want to prioritize 5 GHz, follow these steps:

1. Open Settings → Network and Internet → Wi-Fi.

2. Click Managing known networks → select your network → Properties.

3. Scroll down to Equipment settings and turn on the option Prefer 5 GHz (if any).

4. If there is no option, go to device Manager, find the Wi-Fi adapter, open Properties → Advanced and install:

   • Band or Preferred Band → 5G first or Prefer 5GHz.
   • Wireless Mode → 802.11a (5 GHz only) or 802.11ac.

Update your Wi-Fi adapter driver|Enable "Prefer 5 GHz" in Network Properties|Check adapter settings in Device Manager|Restart your laptop-->

Attention! If the network disappears after the changes, return the settings to Auto or 802.11a/b/g/n/ac.

Setting the frequency on macOS (Ventura, Sonoma, and later)

On MacBook the range priority changes through Terminal:

1. Open Terminal (Cmd + Space → enter Terminal).

2. Run the command to view the current settings:

   networksetup -getinfo Wi-Fi

3. To force macOS to prefer 5 GHz, enter:

   sudo networksetup -setpreferredwirelessband auto 5GHz

   You will be asked to enter an administrator password.

To return to automatic selection:

sudo networksetup -setpreferredwirelessband auto auto

Linux Configuration Features (Ubuntu, Mint, Fedora)

IN Linux Range management is up to the network manager. For NetworkManager (used in Ubuntu, Fedora):

1. Open a terminal and check your current connections:

   nmcli connection show

2. Find the name of your Wi-Fi network (column NAME) and run:

   nmcli connection modify "NetworkName" 802-11-wireless.band a

   Where a — 5 GHz priority, bg - only 2.4 GHz.

3. Restart the network:

   nmcli connection up "Network_Name"

For old versions (before 2020) may require editing the configuration file /etc/NetworkManager/system-connections/NetworkName and adding the line:

band=a

⚠️ Attention: In some distributions (for example, Arch Linux) network settings are controlled through wpa_supplicantIn this case, you will have to edit the config manually or use graphical utilities like WiFi Radar.

Table: Comparison of 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands for laptops

Parameter	2.4 GHz	5 GHz
Maximum speed	up to 150 Mbps (802.11n)	up to 1 Gbps (802.11ac)
Range of action	up to 50 m (indoors)	up to 20 m (depending heavily on obstacles)
Number of channels	3 disjoint (1, 6, 11)	up to 23 (in Russia usually 36–140)
Interference from other devices	High (microwaves, Bluetooth, nearby networks)	Low
Support for older devices	Yes (all laptops with Wi-Fi)	No (required) 802.11a/n/ac)

Common problems and solutions

Problem 1: The laptop connects to 2.4 GHz, although 5 GHz is available and the signal is strong.

Solution: Enable the option in your router Band Steering (in the section Wi-Fi → Advanced). It automatically switches devices to a less crowded band. If there is no option, separate the networks into separate SSIDs (MyWiFi_2G And MyWiFi_5G).

Problem 2: After switching to 5 GHz, the speed did not increase.

Solution: Check what standard your router uses. If it's in wireless mode, 802.11n (up to 300 Mbps), and the laptop supports 802.11ac (up to 1 Gbps), update the router firmware or turn on 11ac in the settings.

Problem 3: 5 GHz switches off periodically.

Solution: Change the channel in the router to a fixed one (for example, 36 or 149) instead of Auto. Disable it in your laptop settings. Saving energy for the Wi-Fi adapter (V Device Manager → Adapter Properties → Power Management).

⚠️ Attention: If you lose internet after changing the frequency, check whether your ISP is using MAC address binding to a specific band. In this case, you'll need to call support and provide the new MAC address (it may be different for 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz on some routers).

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

Is it possible to use 2.4GHz and 5GHz at the same time on one laptop?

No, a laptop can only connect to one band at a time. However, some routers support Band Steering — automatic switching between ranges without breaking the connection (if the signal of one weakens).

Why did my laptop stop seeing 5 GHz after updating Windows?

The update likely reset your Wi-Fi adapter driver to the default Microsoft driver, which doesn't support 5 GHz. Check your laptop manufacturer's website (e.g., Lenovo, HP, Dell), download the original driver for your model and install it manually.

How to make a laptop always connect to 5GHz, even if the signal is weaker?
IN Windows open device Manager, find the Wi-Fi adapter, go to Properties → Advanced and install:
• Roaming Aggressiveness → 1. Lowest (minimal roaming aggressiveness).
• Preferred Band → 5G first.

On macOS And Linux There are no such settings - you will have to manually select a network or configure the router.

Is it harmful for a laptop to frequently switch between 2.4 and 5 GHz?

No, this doesn't affect the device's health. However, frequent reconnections can drain the battery faster (due to the active Wi-Fi module). If you notice that your laptop is getting very hot when using 5 GHz, check the processor load—the adapter driver may be malfunctioning.

My router doesn't support 5 GHz. Should I buy a new one?

If your laptop and other devices (smartphones, TV) support 802.11ac, then yes—upgrading to 5 GHz will significantly improve speed and stability, especially in apartment buildings. For a budget upgrade, a router costing 2,000–3,000 rubles is sufficient (for example, TP-Link Archer C50 or Xiaomi Mi Router 4A Gigabit).