Updated: May 17, 2026 | Reading time: approx. 2 minutes
Some ALFA WiFi USB adapters read your operating system’s regional settings to determine the maximum allowed transmission power. In these cases, the transmit power can only be adjusted by changing the computer’s country settings.
Changing the Region in Windows
You can easily change the computer’s country settings via the Windows Control Panel. In Windows, this setting can be found under Region and Language or Time and Region.
Select the desired country, save the settings, and restart your WiFi connection or your computer so the ALFA adapter driver can load the new regional limits.
FAQ: ALFA Adapters & Country Settings
Which zone should I use in Europe?
In Europe, you must operate the device under the "ETSI" zone (or select your specific European country). According to EU regulations, the maximum transmission power (EIRP) must not exceed 20 dBm (100 mW) on the 2.4 GHz band.
Why does the adapter throttle the power automatically?
The drivers are programmed to strictly comply with local telecommunication laws (e.g., CE/ETSI in Europe or FCC in the US) to prevent illegal radio interference.