How to change the Wi-Fi frequency on your computer: 2.4 GHz vs. 5 GHz

Your computer's internet speed depends not only on your provider's plan but also on the correct Wi-Fi frequency selection. Many users aren't even aware that their adapter supports two frequency bands— 2.4 GHz And 5 GHz, and the router can broadcast both networks simultaneously. However, each band has its pros and cons: 2.4 GHz penetrates walls better but is often overloaded by neighboring networks, while 5 GHz is faster but weaker over distance.

In this article, we'll cover how to check your current connection frequency, how to manually change it on Windows 10 and 11, and what to do if the desired band isn't showing up in the list of available networks. You'll learn how to force the system to always connect to your preferred frequency, and which router settings may be blocking this choice.

We'll pay special attention to typical errors: why the speed doesn't increase after changing the frequency, how to check the adapter's compatibility with 5 GHz, and what to do if the tab is missing in the Device Manager Additionally for setting up Wi-Fi. All instructions are accompanied by screenshots and explanations for beginners.

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

Ranges 2.4 GHz And 5 GHz They work differently, and their choice directly impacts connection stability. Here are the key differences:

• 📶 2.4 GHz: Longer range (up to 50 meters under ideal conditions), but high channel congestion—especially in apartment buildings. Speeds rarely exceed 150–300 Mbps.
• ⚡ 5 GHz: Speeds up to 1–2 Gbps (in theory), but the signal is weaker through obstacles. Ideal for online gaming and 4K streaming at a short distance from the router.
• 🔄 Dual-BandModern routers broadcast both networks simultaneously, but the computer may become stuck on a less optimal frequency.

A practical example: if your PC is in the next room from the router, and the walls are thick, then 5 GHz may provide an unstable connection with drops, despite the high speed. Meanwhile, 2.4 GHz will work more reliably, albeit slower. The opposite situation: if you are sitting next to the router but playing Counter-Strike 2 or watch Netflix In 4K, 5GHz will reduce ping and eliminate buffering.

It is important to understand that Not all Wi-Fi adapters support 5 GHz.For example, old laptops with modules Intel Centrino Wireless-N 1000 or Broadcom 4313 They only work at 2.4 GHz. You can check this in Device Manager or via the command line (more on that in the next section).

How to check your current Wi-Fi frequency on your PC

Before changing any settings, you need to find out what frequency your computer is currently connected to. There are three ways to do this:

Method 1: Via Windows Settings

Open Start → Settings → Network & Internet → Wi-FiClick on your network name, then scroll down to the block PropertiesThere will be a line here Network frequency (for example, "2.4 GHz" or "5 GHz").

Method 2: Via the command line

Launch Command line (you can search by cmd) and enter:

netsh wlan show interfaces

Find the line in the results Radio type. If it is indicated there 802.11n or 802.11g - this is 2.4 GHz; if 802.11ac or 802.11ax - most likely 5 GHz (but not always, see below).

Method 3: Via Device Manager

Open device Manager (keys Win + X → Device Manager), find the section Network adapters and open it. Right-click on your Wi-Fi adapter (for example, Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX200) and select Properties. Go to the tab Additionally and look for parameters like Wireless Mode or Preferred Band.

If 5 GHz isn't mentioned in the list of parameters, your adapter doesn't support it. In this case, changing the frequency won't work—you'll need to purchase an external USB adapter (e.g., TP-Link Archer T3U).

Step-by-step instructions: how to change the Wi-Fi frequency on Windows

If your adapter supports both bands and your router broadcasts both networks, you can manually select your preferred frequency. Here's the universal algorithm for Windows 10 and 11:

Make sure your router is broadcasting both 2.4 and 5 GHz networks.

Check if your Wi-Fi adapter supports 5 GHz

Remember current network settings (password, SSID name)

Disable VPN or proxy if active-->

Step 1: Disable Automatic Network Selection

By default, Windows automatically decides which frequency to connect to. To fix this:

1. Open Settings → Network and Internet → Wi-Fi.
2. Click Managing known networks.
3. Select your network and click Properties.
4. Uncheck the box Connect automatically.

Step 2: Set the preferred frequency in Device Manager

Now we need to prioritize the desired range:

1. Open device Manager (Win + X → Device Manager).
2. Expand Network adapters, find your Wi-Fi module and open it Properties.
3. Go to the tab Additionally.
4. Find the parameter Preferred Band (or Wireless Mode, Band).
5. From the drop-down menu, select:
   • Prefer 5GHz band — for 5 GHz priority,
   • Prefer 2.4GHz band — for 2.4 GHz priority,
   • No Preference — automatic selection.

Click OK and restart your computer.

What if there is no "Advanced" tab?

If there is no tab in the adapter properties Additionally, this means that the driver does not support manual range adjustment. Solutions:

1. Update the driver through the manufacturer's official website (not through Windows Update!).

2. Install the utility from the manufacturer (for example, Intel PROSet/Wireless Software for Intel adapters).

3. If the adapter is older than 2015, it may not physically support 5 GHz - check the model specifications.

Step 3: Manually connect to the desired frequency

After reboot:

1. Open the list of available networks (Wi-Fi icon in the tray).
2. If the router is broadcasting both networks, they may appear as:
   • MyWiFi — 2.4 GHz,
   • MyWiFi_5G — 5 GHz.

Select the desired network and connect to it.

If there is only one network in the list, then the router does not separate SSIDs by frequency (see the "Router settings" section below).

Router settings: how to force broadcasting of both frequencies

Sometimes the problem isn't with the computer, but with the router. Many models by default combine 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz under one name (a feature Smart Connect or Band Steering). This is convenient, but it takes away your control over frequency selection. To fix this:

After making changes, save the settings and reboot the router. Two separate networks will now appear in the network list on your PC—select the one you want.

Common problems and their solutions

Even after all the settings are set up, difficulties may arise. Let's look at typical scenarios:

Problem 1: 5GHz does not appear in the network list

Possible causes and solutions:

• 🔌 The adapter does not support 5 GHz.: Check the model in the device manager. The solution is to buy an external USB adapter (for example, TP-Link Archer T2U Plus).
• 📡 The router is not broadcasting 5 GHz.: go to its settings and enable the range (usually in the section Wireless → Radio Settings).
• 🛡️ The driver is blocking 5 GHz.: Update the driver from the official website of the adapter manufacturer.

Problem 2: After changing the frequency, the speed did not increase

Reasons:

• 📉 Weak 5 GHz signal: check the signal level in Settings → Network → Wi-FiIf it is weak (1-2 bars), switch back to 2.4 GHz or move closer to the router.
• 🔧 Suboptimal router settings: for 5 GHz set the channel width 80 MHz (in the router settings, section Wireless → Channel Width).
• 🖥️ Provider restrictionsSome plans artificially limit Wi-Fi speed. Check with an Ethernet cable.

Issue 3: Windows keeps reverting to 2.4 GHz

This happens because of the power saving algorithm. To fix it:

1. Open Device Manager → Network Adapters → Properties of your adapter.
2. Go to the tab Power management.
3. Uncheck the box Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power.
4. On the tab Additionally find the parameter Roaming Aggressiveness and set the value 1. Lowest (minimal roaming aggressiveness).

Additional tips for stable Wi-Fi

Changing the frequency is only part of the optimization. Here's what else you can do:

• 📍 Router location: Place it in the center of the apartment, raise it to a height of 1–1.5 meters, avoid proximity to microwaves and cordless phones.
• 🔄 Automatic channel change: turn it on in your router settings Auto Channel Selection (if any).
• 🔒 Network protection: use WPA3 instead of WPA2 - this will reduce the load on the router's processor.
• 📶 Mesh systems: If the area is large, consider purchasing a Mesh router (for example, TP-Link Deco) for smooth switching between frequencies.

For gamers and streamers, it is useful to lock the device to a specific frequency via MAC address binding in your router settings. This will prevent accidental reconnections.

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

My adapter supports 5 GHz, but it's not in the list of networks. What should I do?

Please check the following points:

1. Make sure that the router is broadcasting 5 GHz (the mode must be enabled in its settings) 802.11a/n/ac/ax).
2. Try manually specifying the channel for 5 GHz in the router (for example, 36 or 149).
3. Update your Wi-Fi adapter driver from the manufacturer's official website.
4. If you are using a USB adapter, plug it into the port USB 3.0 (blue color).

How do I find out which Wi-Fi adapter is installed on my PC?

There are three ways:

1. Device Manager → Network Adapters — the model name will be indicated there.
2. Team in cmd:

   wmic nic get name, manufacturer

3. Programs like HWiNFO or AIDA64 will show detailed information.

Once you have identified the model, check its specifications on the manufacturer's website (e.g. Intel ARK for Intel adapters).

Is it possible to use 2.4 and 5 GHz simultaneously on one device?

No, one device can only connect to one frequency at a time. However, some routers support Band Steering — automatic switching between ranges depending on the load. This feature is available in class models ASUS RT-AX88U or Netgear Nighthawk.

If you need to separate devices by frequency (for example, a TV on 5 GHz and a smartphone on 2.4 GHz), set up separate SSIDs for each band in the router.

Why are my Wi-Fi settings lost after a Windows update?

Windows sometimes resets network adapter settings after major updates. To restore the frequency priority:

1. Roll back the adapter driver to the previous version (in the Device Manager, tab Driver).
2. Install the official driver from the manufacturer's website (not via Windows Update).
3. Check the parameters in Settings → Network → Wi-Fi → Manage known networks — the automatic connection settings may have been reset.

Which band is better for online gaming: 2.4 or 5 GHz?

For online gaming it is definitely preferable 5 GHz, because:

• Less latency (ping (10–30 ms lower).
• Less interference from neighboring networks.
• More stable speed (important for Fortnite, Call of Duty, Valorant).

Exception: if your PC is far from the router and the 5 GHz signal is weak (1–2 bars), it is better to stay on 2.4 GHz, but choose the least crowded channel (for example, 1 or 11).