Boosting Internet Speeds on Windows 10: A Detailed Guide
As everyday computer users, we’ve all experienced the frustration of slow internet speeds. Pages fail to load, downloads crawl, and video buffering seems endless. For Windows 10 users plagued by lagging connectivity, the issue likely lies within the operating system’s configuration, not your internet service provider.
Fortunately, with a few tweaks and settings changes, you can optimize Windows 10 to maximize your available bandwidth and resume blazing-fast internet speeds. This comprehensive guide examines proven techniques to accelerate network performance. Follow our step-by-step instructions below to turbocharge your web browsing and downloading on a Windows 10 machine.
Disable Peer-to-Peer Updates
By default, Windows reserves 20% of your internet bandwidth for Peer-to-Peer updates, reducing your available connectivity for other tasks. To disable this bandwidth-hungry feature:
Are Internet connections always faster?
Internet connections could always be faster. Whether your downloads are crawling, streaming feels like a slideshow, or you just want to maximize your speeds, here’s how you can accelerate that connection.
How to increase internet speed on Windows 10?
Another way to increase the speeds is to move to Google DNS or OpenDNS. Step-1: Go to the Start Menu and type Control Panel in the search bar and click Open. Step-2: Once you open Control Panel, select Network & Internet. Step-3: Now, select Network and Sharing Center. Step-4: Under the View your active networks section, click on Wi-Fi.
- Type "Windows Update" into the search bar and select it.
- Click "Advanced options."
- Toggle "Updates from more than one place" to OFF.
With Peer-to-Peer disabled, Windows will pull updates directly from Microsoft’s servers, freeing your bandwidth for personal use.
Update Network Adapter Drivers
Outdated drivers can throttle internet speeds and cause intermittent connectivity. Upgrading to the latest drivers boosts performance. To update your drivers:
- Type "Device Manager" into the search bar.
- Expand the "Network adapters" section.
- Right click your WiFi/Ethernet adapter and select "Update driver."
- Click "Search automatically…" and follow the prompts.
This scans Windows Update for the newest drivers tailored to your hardware. For further optimization, visit your manufacturer’s website for specialized drivers.
Reset Network Settings
Over time, network settings may become corrupted, limiting bandwidth. Resetting erases these configurations and restores defaults.
- Type "Control Panel" into the search bar.
- Click "Network and Internet" > "Network and Sharing Center."
- In the left sidebar, click "Change adapter settings."
- Right click your network adapter and select "Properties."
- Click "Configure" and then "Restore factory defaults."
Once reset, Windows will reestablish ideal network configurations. For WiFi, you’ll need to reconnect to your router network.
Why is my download speed so slow?
If your speed score is fast — around 100-200 Mbps — this indicates that your slow download speed has nothing to do with the internet. If your speed score is low — below 100 Mbps — this could be an indication that the internet may be the problem. Keep in mind that your speeds vary depending on the number of users that are on your network at a time.
Does Windows 10 slow down Internet?
After executing the correct command, close the Command Prompt and restart your computer. Check if your internet’s slow speed has improved. Some users have reported that the built-in Windows 10 firewall often causes issues with network performance, and in turn slowing down their internet.
How to fix Internet speed lagging Windows 10?
Navigate to your Windows settings and click on “Windows Update” from “Update and recovery” menu. Click on “Choose how updates get installed” option and set your update preferences accordingly. Applications running in the background can be a very common and obvious reason for lagging Internet speeds.
Clean Up System Files
Corrupted system files can throttle internet speeds. Use the System File Checker to scan for errors and replace damaged files:
- Type "Command Prompt" into the search bar.
- Right click it and select "Run as administrator."
- Type "sfc /scannow" and press enter.
- Restart your computer once scanning completes.
This automates the process of restoring corrupted files that may be limiting bandwidth.
Change QoS Packet Scheduler
The Quality of Service (QoS) Packet Scheduler manages network traffic. Switching from a "Best Effort" algorithm to "Priority" can boost speeds:
- Type "Network connections" into the search bar.
- Right click your network adapter and select "Properties."
- Click the "Configure" button in the QoS section.
- Select "Priority" as the Packet Scheduler.
With the "Priority" setting, Windows will prioritize your network adapter traffic above others for faster speeds.
Contact Your ISP
If you’ve exhausted software solutions, contact your Internet Service Provider’s technical support. Describing connection issues aids representatives in diagnosing bandwidth bottlenecks from their end. Potential problems include:
How to speed up downloads & uploads on Windows 10?
Open Task Manager by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc. Click on the Open Resource Monitor link at the bottom. Browse the list under Processes with Network Activity. Right click on the app you want to close and select End Process. How to speed up downloads or uploads? Another effective way is to change the bandwidth limit on PC. Open Settings.
What should I do if my internet is slow?
Turn off background apps. Applications that run in the background and use the internet can interfere with download speeds, so disable any apps that take up a lot of bandwidth and resources. Use an Ethernet cable or move closer to the router.
How do I get faster internet speeds?
There are various things that a user can do to fix this issue and get faster Internet speeds. Configure the bandwidth allocation using the Group Policy Editor. Configure the router. Reset Windows Auto-Tuning Level. Check third party software intervention. Update, Rollback, or reinstall drivers.
How do I know if my internet is slow?
As on a Windows PC, conduct a speed test to see if your internet is slow or something is wrong with your setup. If your speed tests fine, many of the same tips listed above for Windows PCs will work for you too. Try moving closer to the router, switching to the 5 GHz band, and making sure you’re not performing multiple tasks.
- Throttling during peak congestion
- Line degradation from weather or aging
- Outdated routing equipment
ISPs can monitor connections and send technicians to resolve hardware issues limiting speed. As paying customers, selecting enhanced plans with higher bandwidth guarantees can also boost performance.
The Path to Faster Speeds
With the tips in this guide, you’re equipped to optimize Windows 10 for maximum internet speeds. Stuck with a sluggish connection? Implement our settings tweaks to breathe new life into your bandwidth. Happy surfing!
References
- https://www.drivereasy.com/knowledge/easy-fix-windows-10-slow-internet/
- https://softwarekeep.com/help-center/slow-internet-on-windows-10
How do I increase download speed on Windows 10?
Click Update & Security. Select Advanced options from the middle pane. Scroll down and click Delivery Optimization. Choose Advanced options at the bottom. You’ll see a slider for both Download settings and Upload settings. Here, you can specify the amount of bandwidth that Windows can use for core tasks.
What can I do if Windows 10 is slow?
Change the bandwidth limit. Windows reserves bandwidth for itself to update Microsoft apps and services. Fortunately, you can adjust the bandwidth limits in your settings to prioritize downloads. Upgrade your internet plan. Your internet package limits your connection speed. Contact your ISP to discuss switching to a faster one.
