Your computer is probably detecting only 2.4 GHz because your WiFi adapter doesn't support the 5 GHz band, your router isn't broadcasting 5 GHz, or your device's WiFi drivers are outdated
Most modern routers broadcast on two frequency bands: 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. The 2.4 GHz band travels farther and works through walls better, but the 5 GHz band is faster and less crowded. If your computer only shows 2.4 GHz networks when you scan for WiFi, one of three things is happening: your WiFi adapter hardware doesn't support 5 GHz, your router isn't set up to broadcast 5 GHz, or the software drivers controlling your adapter are out of date or misconfigured.
The fix depends on which of these is the actual problem. A computer with an older WiFi card straightforward cannot detect 5 GHz no matter what you do. A router that's turned off 5 GHz broadcasting will never show it. And outdated drivers can prevent a capable adapter from working properly. You'll need to check each one in order.
Key Takeaways
- WiFi adapters built before 2010 or in budget laptops often support only 2.4 GHz, and no software fix will change that.
- Your router may have 5 GHz disabled in its settings, which means it's not broadcasting that band at all.
- Outdated or corrupted WiFi drivers can prevent a capable adapter from seeing 5 GHz networks even though the hardware supports it.
- You can check your adapter's capabilities in Device Manager (Windows) or System Report (Mac) without opening your computer.
- If your adapter truly doesn't support 5 GHz, a USB WiFi dongle that does support it costs $20 to $50 and plugs into any computer.
Check whether your WiFi adapter actually supports 5 GHz
The first step is to learn about your adapter has the hardware to detect 5 GHz at all. On Windows, open Device Manager by right-clicking the Start button and selecting "Device Manager". Look for "Network adapters" and expand that section. Find your WiFi adapter—it usually has "Wireless" or "802.11" in the name. Right-click it and select "Properties", then click the "Advanced" tab.
Scroll through the list of properties and look for anything mentioning "802.11a", "802.11n", "802.11ac", or "5 GHz". If you see any of these, your adapter supports 5 GHz. If the properties only mention "802.11b" and "802.11g", your adapter is 2.4 GHz only and cannot be fixed with software.
On a Mac, click the Apple menu, select "About This Mac", then click "System Report". In the left sidebar, find "Network" and click "Wi-Fi". Look at the "Supported PHY Modes" line. If it lists "802.11a", "802.11ac", or "802.11ax", your Mac supports 5 GHz. If it only shows "802.11b/g/n", it does not.
Verify your router is actually broadcasting 5 GHz
Even if your adapter supports 5 GHz, your router might not be sending out that signal. Log into your router's settings by opening a web browser and typing your router's IP address—usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1. Check the sticker on the bottom of your router for the exact address. You'll need the admin password, which is also often on the sticker or in your router's manual.
Once you're logged in, look for a section called "Wireless", "WiFi", or "Radio". You should see options for both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. Make sure the 5 GHz option is turned on or enabled. Some routers have a setting that lets you choose to broadcast only 2.4 GHz, only 5 GHz, or both. If it's set to "2.4 GHz only", change it to broadcast both bands.
After you make any changes, save and reboot the router. Wait about two minutes for it to fully restart, then scan for networks on your computer again. The 5 GHz network should now appear if your adapter supports it.
Update or reinstall your WiFi drivers
Outdated drivers are a common reason a capable adapter stops working properly. On Windows, right-click your WiFi adapter in Device Manager again and select "Update driver". Choose "Search automatically for updated driver software". Windows will check for the latest version online and install it if one is available.
If that doesn't work, try uninstalling the driver completely. Right-click the adapter and select "Uninstall device". Restart your computer. Windows will automatically reinstall a basic driver on startup. For the best results, visit your computer manufacturer's website (Dell, HP, Lenovo, etc.) and read the latest WiFi driver for your exact model, then install it manually.
On a Mac, WiFi drivers are part of the operating system and update automatically when you install macOS updates. Go to the Apple menu, select "System Settings", click "General", then "Software Update". Install any available updates and restart.
Check for hardware damage or loose connections
If your adapter supports 5 GHz, your router broadcasts it, and your drivers are current, the problem might be physical. On a laptop, the WiFi antenna is usually built into the screen bezel or keyboard area. If your screen was recently damaged or the keyboard was replaced, the antenna connection might have been accidentally disconnected.
This is not something you should try to fix yourself unless you're comfortable opening your laptop. Take it to a repair shop and describe the problem—they can open it up and check whether the antenna cable is connected. On a desktop computer with a separate WiFi card, make sure the card is fully seated in its slot and any external antennas are screwed on tightly.
Consider a USB WiFi adapter if your hardware is too old
If your adapter genuinely doesn't support 5 GHz and it's built into your computer, you have one option: plug in an external USB WiFi adapter that does support 5 GHz. These cost between $20 and $50 and work on any computer with a USB port. Look for one that explicitly says it supports "802.11ac" or "WiFi 5" or "WiFi 6".
When you plug it in, your computer will detect it as a new network adapter. Install any drivers that come with it, then your computer should see both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks. You may need to disable the old built-in adapter in Device Manager to avoid confusion, but the USB adapter will work alongside it if you leave both enabled.
Restart your computer and router together
Before you assume there's a hardware problem, try a full restart of both devices. Shut down your computer completely—don't just put it to sleep. Unplug your router's power cable, wait 30 seconds, and plug it back in. Wait for the router to fully boot up (usually two to three minutes, when the lights stop blinking rapidly). Then turn your computer back on.
This clears temporary settings and resets the connection between your devices. Many WiFi detection problems are solved by this straightforward step. After everything is back on, scan for networks again and see if 5 GHz appears.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 5 GHz faster than 2.4 GHz?
Yes, 5 GHz is faster but has a shorter range. It's better for devices close to your router or in the same room. 2.4 GHz is slower but travels through walls and works from farther away. Most modern routers let you use both at the same time.
Can I force my computer to use 5 GHz if it supports it?
Yes. In your WiFi network list, look for two versions of your network name—one might say "5G" or have a different name entirely. Select the 5 GHz version. If you only see one network name, your router is probably broadcasting both bands under the same name, and your computer will automatically choose the best one.
What if I updated my drivers and still only see 2.4 GHz?
Your adapter probably doesn't support 5 GHz. Check the properties or System Report again to confirm. If it truly doesn't support 5 GHz, a USB adapter is your only option. They're inexpensive and work when ready.
Does my router need to be new to broadcast 5 GHz?
No. Most routers made after 2012 support 5 GHz. Check your router's manual or the manufacturer's website to confirm. If it's older than that, upgrading to a newer router is usually cheaper than buying a USB adapter.
Will switching to 5 GHz break my internet connection?
No. 5 GHz is just a different frequency band on the same internet connection. Switching between 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz won't disconnect you or change your internet speed—only the path the signal takes to your device changes.