How to change the Wi-Fi frequency on a laptop: detailed instructions for Windows and macOS

Is your laptop's internet speed slow, videos are freezing, and pages are taking forever to load? The problem might be Wi-Fi frequency, which your adapter uses. Modern routers support two ranges: 2.4 GHz And 5 GHz, and each of them has its pros and cons. For example, 2.4 GHz It passes through walls better, but is often overloaded by neighboring networks, and 5 GHz faster, but loses signal faster over distance.

Many users aren't even aware that their laptop can automatically switch between frequencies—or, conversely, get stuck at a less optimal one. In this article, we'll look at how to manually change the Wi-Fi frequency on laptops with Windows 10/11 And macOS, and when it's really necessary. Spoiler: sometimes simply updating the adapter driver is enough to solve the problem without manual adjustments.

If you notice that your speed drops in certain rooms or during peak hours, it's a sure sign that you should experiment with different bands. But before messing with the settings, make sure your router even supports these bands. dual-band modeOlder models (eg TP-Link TL-WR740N) work only at 2.4 GHz, but ASUS RT-AX88U or Keenetic Ultra are already equipped with support for both standards.

Why is it important to choose the right Wi-Fi frequency?

Ranges 2.4 GHz And 5 GHz differ not only in speed, but also in coverage range, resistance to interference, and even energy consumption. For example, 2.4 GHz It's better suited for larger apartments with thick walls, as the signal attenuates less at this frequency. However, in apartment buildings, this frequency is often overcrowded—neighboring routers, microwaves, and even cordless phones can cause interference.

On the other side, 5 GHz offers:

• 🚀 High throughput (up to 1 Gbps versus 600 Mbps for 2.4 GHz in the standard 802.11ac).
• 📶 Less interference — the range is less commonly used by household appliances.
• ⚡ Lower latency (ping) — critical for online games and video calls.

But at 5 GHz There are also some downsides: the signal penetrates obstacles less effectively, and the range is shorter. If your laptop is in a different room from the router, the connection may be lost.

Critical detail: Some budget laptops (eg. Lenovo IdeaPad S145 or Acer Aspire 3) have Wi-Fi adapters that only support 2.4 GHz. Check the specifications of your model before setting up!

⚠️ Note: In some countries (such as Japan), the 5 GHz band has power and channel limitations. If you're traveling, your router may automatically disable 5 GHz to comply with local regulations.

How to find out what frequency your laptop is currently using

Before changing the settings, check the current range. Windows This can be done through Task Manager or Command line, and in macOS - through System monitoring.

For Windows 10/11:

1. Click Ctrl + Shift + Escto open Task Manager.
2. Go to the tab Performance → Wi-Fi.
3. In the section Connection information look at the line Network range.

For macOS:

1. Hold Option (Alt) and click on the Wi-Fi icon in the menu bar.
2. Find the line in the drop-down list Channel (channel). If the channel number is from 1 to 14, it is 2.4 GHz; if from 36 to 165, it is 5 GHz.

You can also use the command line in Windows:

netsh wlan show interfaces | findstr "Channel"

If in the answer you see Channel: 6 - this is 2.4 GHz, and Channel: 44 — 5 GHz.

How to change the Wi-Fi frequency on a laptop running Windows 10/11

There's no universal way to change the band in Windows—it all depends on the Wi-Fi adapter driver. However, there are two main methods: Network parameters or Driver Control Panel.

Method 1: Through "Options" (if supported)

• 🖥️ Open Start → Settings → Network & Internet → Wi-Fi.
• 🔧 Click Managing known networks → select your network → Properties.
• 📡 If there is an option Preferred range, select 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz.

Unfortunately, this method doesn't work on all laptops. If you don't see this option, proceed to the second method.

Method 2: Via driver settings (universal)

1. Click Win + X → device Manager.
2. Expand the section Network adapters, find your Wi-Fi module (for example, Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX200 or Qualcomm Atheros QCA9377).
3. Right click → Properties → tab Additionally.
4. Look for parameters like:
   • Preferred Band (preferred range),
   • Wireless Mode (wireless network mode),
   • 802.11n/ac Wireless Mode.

2. After changing the frequency, the Internet disappeared.

• 🔄 Restart your router and laptop.
• 🔧 Reset network settings:

  netsh int ip reset
  netsh winsock reset

• 📥 Update the adapter driver (download from the manufacturer's website, not through Windows Update).

3. The speed at 5 GHz is lower than at 2.4 GHz

• 📡 Check if the router is in standby mode 802.11n instead of 802.11ac.
• 🆔 Try changing the channel on your router (for example, from automatic to fixed) 36 or 149).
• 🔋 Make sure your laptop is connected to a power source—some adapters limit performance when running on battery power.
Why doesn't the router show the 5 GHz network?

Sometimes the problem lies in the router's regional settings. For example, in the US and Europe, 5 GHz channels 36 to 165 are available, while in Russia, only 36 to 64 are available. If the router is configured for the "incorrect" country, it may be hiding 5 GHz. This can be corrected in the router control panel under "Region" or "Country."

Additional tips for stable Wi-Fi

Changing your frequency isn't a panacea. If internet problems persist, try these recommendations:

1. Optimize your router's location

• 📍 Place the router in the center of the apartment, raising it to a height of 1–1.5 meters.
• 🚫 Keep away from metal surfaces and household appliances (refrigerator, microwave).
• 🌿 Avoid placing near aquariums or indoor plants - water absorbs the signal.

2. Tune channels manually

Automatic channel selection on a router isn't always optimal. Use utilities like Wi-Fi Analyzer (Android) or NetSpot (Windows/macOS) to find the least congested channel.

3. Update your router firmware

Old firmware may contain bugs that cause 5 GHz to become unstable. Updating resolves the issue in 70% of cases. Instructions:

1. Download the firmware from the manufacturer's official website.
2. Go to your router control panel (192.168.1.1).
3. Find the section Software update or Firmware Upgrade.
4. Download the file and wait for it to reboot (do not turn off the power!).

4. Use repeaters or mesh systems

If the 5 GHz signal does not reach some rooms, install repeater (For example, TP-Link RE605X) or go to Mesh system (Google Nest Wi-Fi, ASUS ZenWiFi). They automatically switch devices between ranges.

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 frequency at a time. However, some routers support this technology. Band Steering, which automatically switches devices between bands depending on the signal. For this to work, there must be one network (without division into MyNetwork_2G And MyNetwork_5G).

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

The Wi-Fi adapter driver is to blame. Windows sometimes installs a generic driver instead of the native one. Solution:

1. Uninstall the current driver in Device Manager.
2. Download the original driver from the laptop manufacturer's website (section Support).
3. Install it manually by selecting the option Perform a clean installation.

Which range is best for online gaming?

Low is critical for games ping, so it is preferable 5 GHzHowever, if the router is far away and the signal is weak, it is better to stay on 2.4 GHz, but choose the least loaded channel (for example, 1 or 11). Also, check your router's QoS settings to prioritize traffic for your laptop.

Is it possible to select a Wi-Fi frequency on an Android smartphone, like on a laptop?

Most Android devices don't have this option. However, some manufacturers (e.g., Samsung or Xiaomi) add it to the advanced Wi-Fi settings. Alternatively, separate networks on the router (as described above) and connect to the desired one manually.

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

No, this doesn't affect the health of the device. However, frequent connection and disconnection can drain the battery faster. If you're using a power source, this won't be an issue. To save battery life, you can disable automatic Wi-Fi connections in the power settings.