17 Ways to Fix Slow Internet on Windows 10 and Speed It Up
From a kid to an adult – nobody likes slow internet issues on Windows computers. Whether you are watching a YouTube video or Netflix show, no one likes buffering on Windows. If it has been happening for quite some time now, you can fix it quickly. However, it is imperative to recognize the issue as it may occur due to countless reasons. Therefore, we have covered some of the best tips and tricks to fix slow internet on Windows 10 so you get back to streaming quickly.
Tips and Tricks to Fix Slow Internet on Windows 10
1. Restart Computer
Restart works like a magic wand to fix common issues, irrespective of the OS or device you are using. At times, bugs may cause such problems, and a restart fixes it automatically without consuming much time. Therefore, before heading to some of the complex guides, it is better to restart your computer if you have not done already.
2. Restart Wi-Fi Router
If you are using a direct Ethernet connection coming from your ISP, you do not need to go through this solution. However, most of us use a Wi-Fi router to connect multiple devices. If you are doing the same, it is better to restart your router. At times, the router’s framework might hang, and as a result, you get a comparatively slow internet connection on Windows.
3. Check Ping Status
Ping is a command-line utilitythat allows users to know if their computer is getting a response from the ISP. You can ping various DNS servers to know whether there is any packet loss or not. For that, pressWin+Rto open the Run prompt, type the following command-
And press theEnterbutton.
If it shows the continuous response with a ping time, press theCtrl+Pause Breakbutton to find the percentage of packet loss. If there is any packet loss, it is recommended to note it down and mention it while calling customer care or ISP. Also, ask the ISP if some maintenance work is going on at their end or not.
4. Use Different Internet Source
It is essential to determine if your internet connection or computer is causing the issue. There are two ways to get to know that. One, you can use a different internet source. For example, if you are using a Wi-Fi router, try to opt for a mobile hotspot or vice versa. Two, check if all the connected devices have the same issue or not.
5. Pause Windows Updates
Let’s assume that you have a low-speed internet connection and want to watch YouTube videos or Netflix shows. In case you don’t know, Windows 10 automatically downloads updates behind closed doors so that you’re able to install them whenever possible. In other terms, while you watch the YouTube video, Windows 10 downloads updates using the same internet connection. Simple math – the more you split the connection, the less speed you get for each app. To pause Windows Updates, follow these steps –
1:PressWin+Ito open Windows Settings and go toUpdate & Security>Windows Update.
2:Click on thePause updates for 7 daysbutton.
6. Close Unnecessary Apps From Task Manager
Thanks to the Task Manager, you may terminate almost any app running in the background. Open the Task Manager, select an app that you think may be using internet in the background, select it, and click theEnd taskbutton. It is as simple as said.
7. Disable VPN/Proxy
VPN apps/servicesare handy when you need to bypass region-based content or browse anonymously. However, if there is some issue with the VPN’s server, you might get slower internet speed on Windows than regular. The same thing can happen if you have enabled proxy in your system. Therefore, it is suggested to turn off VPN apps and proxy on your Windows 10 PC to know if the problem lies in the third-party app or not. Different VPN apps have different processes to kill/quit it. However, most of them can be found in the System Tray. On the other hand, to disable proxy, go through the following steps.
1:PressWin+Ito open the Windows Settings and go toNetwork & Internetsection.
2:Switch to theProxytab and ensure these following options are set as mentioned-
If not, toggle the respective buttons to get the defined result.
8. Disable Browser Extensions
Nowadays, almost all popular browsers come with extensions to enrich and upgrade the user experience and productivity. However, sometimes,VPN or other extensionscan cause an issue due to some internal conflict leading to slow internet on Windows. Whether you have five or fifteen extensions installed in your browser, it is better to disable them all at once. Now, check if it solves the issue or not. If yes, activate extensions one by one to find the culprit.
Read:The Best Google Chrome Extensions
9. Disable Third-Party Firewall/Antivirus
Generally, a firewall or any security software scans every URL you open in your browser. As a result, it slows down the process and thereby the internet by a few milliseconds. However, if there is some issue in the security engine, it can increase the time. Therefore, turn off the third-party firewall or antimalware software you are using and check if it helps or not.
Read:Top 10 Free Portable Anti-Malware Software
10. Use Troubleshooter
Windows 10 comes with some in-built troubleshooters allowing users to solve common problems like this. For that, open theWindows Settingsand go toUpdate & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters. From here, run these following troubleshooters one after one-
Do follow the screen instructions to finish running them.
11. Change Default DNS Server
There are tons of DNS servers available for you, and you can opt for any one of them instead of the default one. We recommend you read this detailed guide tochange the DNS server process on Windows 10.
12. Flush DNS Cache
Flushing the DNS cacheis pretty straightforward as you canopen and use the Command Promptto get the job done. To get started, follow these steps-
1:Search forcmdin the Taskbar search box, and click on the respectiveRun as administratorbutton.
2:Enter the following command-
3:Restart your computer and check if the problem persists.
Are you still facing slow internet speeds on your Windows computer?
13. Check if Someone Is Stealing Your Connection
If your neighbors are stealing your Wi-Fi or bandwidth data, you will get this problem for sure. Nowadays, it is quite challenging tosecure your Wi-Fi network from hackers. However, there are a few things you can do tokick people off your Wi-Fi. For that, you must knowwho is connected to your networkso that you can take further steps.
14. Scan PC With Adware Removal Tool
Adware and malware are two of the most mordant things you can have on your PC. For obvious reasons, you must get rid of them as soon as possible. We recommend usingAdwCleaner(from Malwarebytes), a reliable and working tool to remove adware from your computer. On the other hand, you should install amalware removal tool on Windows 10PC and scan the whole system with it.
15. Update Network Adapter Driver
If you have an old network adapter driver installed on your computer, it is recommended to update to the latest version available. For that, follow these steps-
1:PressWin+Xand selectDevice Managerfrom the menu.
2:Expand theNetwork adapters, right-click on the network adapter driver, and selectUpdate driver.
3:Choose theSearch automatically for driversoption if you want to search for the driver update on the internet. The latter option,Browse my computer for drivers, helps you select the driver if you already have it on your computer.
Therefore, choose accordingly and follow the next screen’s instructions if there is any update available.
16. Disable Limit Reservable Bandwidth
1:PressWin+Rto open the Run prompt, typegpedit.msc, and press theEnterbutton.
2:Navigate to-
3:Double-click on theLimit reservable bandwidthsetting, choose theNot Configuredoption, and click theOKbutton.
17. Set Receive Window Auto-Tuning Level as Normal
Microsoft included this functionality to enhance the performance of TCP data receiving apps and services. By default, it shows the status asNormal. However, if you changed it earlier, there is a chance of getting a slow internet issue on Windows 10. Therefore, the following steps will let you check the current status and set it to factory defaults.
1:Search forcommand promptin the Start Menu, and click on the correspondingRun as administratoroption.
2:Enter the following command to know the current status-
If the status of Receive Window Auto-Tuning Level is set asnormal, there is nothing to do.
3:However, if it is something else, enter this command-
Wrapping up: Slow Internet on Windows 10
It is a common problem among Windows 10 users. However, as said earlier, it is crucial to recognize the root cause first to solve the issue quickly. However, these aforementioned steps include almost every possible cause and solution so that you do not have to go through something else on your own to fix slow internet issue on Windows 10.
Read:Fix to WiFi Connected But No Internet Access
Sudip is a freelance writer who has over nine years of experience in content writing. He loves to write about almost anything related to PC and mobile apps, how-to guides, tricks, and more.
