When troubleshooting slow internet speeds in Windows, there are a few steps that should be taken to identify the cause of the problem and rectify the issue.
Step 1: Check Your Internet Speed
The first thing you need to do is check your actual internet speed. You can do this by using a reliable internet speed test website. This will give you an indication of whether your internet speed is what it should be or not. Download speeds should generally be at least 50 Mbps for stable connections, although this can vary depending on the plan you have with your internet service provider (ISP).
Step 2: Close Unnecessary Programs
It’s possible that the slow internet connection is due to a running program consuming bandwidth. To ensure that this is not an issue, close any unnecessary programs running in the background. This includes streaming services, such as Spotify or Netflix, as well as applications like Skype or Steam. It’s also a good idea to close any computer games running in the background.
Step 3: Check Your Router Settings
It’s also important to check your router settings. In many cases, incorrect router settings can cause slow internet speeds as well. You should ensure that the wireless connection mode is set to 802.11n, which is the fastest mode currently available. You should also check for any firmware updates for your router, as this can help to improve speeds. Additionally, if you are using a wireless connection, make sure that the signal strength is good. If the signal strength is low, move your router closer to the area where you are receiving the internet connection.
Step 4: Check Your Network Adapter Settings
If the issue persists after performing the above steps, it’s time to check the network adapter settings. Go to the Control Panel, select Network and Internet, and then Network and Sharing Center. From here, click on Change adapter settings. Right-click on the active network adapter, select Properties, and then Configure. Make sure that the Network Throttling Index is set to 0. This setting can cause slow internet speeds, so it needs to be set to 0 to ensure maximum performance.
Step 5: Disable Resource-Heavy Features
Windows has a number of features that can consume a lot of bandwidth, especially if multiple devices are connected to the same network. To prevent these features from consuming excessive bandwidth, you can disable them. One of these features is Windows Update Delivery Optimization (WUDO), which uses your own internet connection to distribute updates to other users on the same network. You can also disable the Windows Defender SmartScreen feature, as well as the Windows Store app.
Step 6: Try Different Browsers
It’s possible that a certain browser is consuming more resources than necessary. To see if this is the case, try switching to a different browser, such as Chrome, Firefox, or Edge. You may also want to try clearing the cache and history of your browser, as this can help to free up some extra bandwidth.
Step 7: Check Your Antivirus Software
Your antivirus software can also be the cause of slow internet speeds. To check this, open the program, go to the settings, and look for any options related to connection speed or web protection. If the settings are set to scan for viruses and malware in real-time, this can slow down the speed of your internet connection, as it takes additional resources to perform the scan. You can try disabling real-time scanning, which may improve your internet speed.
Step 8: Disable Unnecessary Services
Another potential cause of slow internet speeds is that some unnecessary services are running in the background. To disable these services, go to the Run dialog box by pressing Windows + R, type in “services.msc”, and hit enter. From here, look for services related to networking, such as Network Location Awareness or Network List Service, and disable them. Some of these services may be essential, so be careful not to disable the wrong ones.
Step 9: Contact Your ISP
If none of the steps above have worked, it is time to contact your ISP. They will be able to provide you with more information on the issue and try to resolve it. They may suggest changing plans or resetting your modem, which could potentially improve your internet speeds.
These are the main steps to take when troubleshooting slow internet speeds in Windows. By following these steps, you should be able to identify the cause of the issue and rectify the problem. It may be best to contact your ISP if the issue persists, as they may be able to provide additional assistance.