The internet is a connection to the world of data and information. It provides quick access to all users around the world. But this process of sharing and receiving data can sometimes become slower, and we might not understand what has changed.
There can be many reasons behind slow network connections, and most of them are not exactly evident. Most people don’t even know that such things existed and caused significant speed loss in their PCs.
Well, no need to worry now; this article will tell you the reasons and their solution so that you can fix them as soon as possible.
Reasons Behind Slow Internet and How to Fix Them
Background Applications
When you are downloading something or watching a movie, some other programs might be running in the background, affecting your speed.
Many applications run automatically in the background without asking the user, even when the PC is not in use. This is a significant problem responsible for slow internet speed on Windows PC.
You can use task managers to kill the unnecessary processes running in the background so that they don’t interfere with your work when you need a fast-browsing experience.
Here’s how you can kill the applications running in the background:
- Press Control+Alt+Delete keys at the same time. A window will appear. Select the “Task Manager” option.
- A new window will open where you will see all the applications running in the background.
- Click on the application and press the End Task button at the bottom to close that application.
You can also prevent apps from running in the background.
Peer-to-Peer Update Process
The first step is to disconnect the channel from which you obtain data for applications and system updates from other PCs on the same server. Windows has unilaterally split up your internet bandwidth with unknown people without your consent.
It can help others receive their Windows updates faster by sacrificing your internet connection.
To disconnect this process, go to the Settings and select “Update and Security.”
- Next, click on the ‘Advanced Options’, and choose “Delivery Optimization.”
- Then search for this option: Allow downloads from other PCs and click the toggle to turn it Off.
DNS Settings of Your PC
There can be many reasons why your DNS might not be working correctly, resulting in slow internet connections. To fix the issue, you will have to change your DNS settings on your PC. You can either use the default DNS servers provided by your ISP or use Google DNS servers.
- To change your DNS server settings on Windows 10, go to Settings and select “Network and Sharing Center.”
- Next, select “Network & Internet Settings.” Then look at the right side of the screen; you will find Change your network settings here. Under this, select the option Change adapter options.
- Click on Properties from the menu that appears when you right-click on Internet Connection (ethernet or Wi-Fi).
- Then, select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and click Properties.
- Here you can enter the most common Google’s Public DNS. Use the following DNS server addresses. In the Preferred DNS server area, type 8.8.8.8, and for the Alternate one, 8.8.4.4.
- In the end, click OK to give confirmation.
Internet Throttling by Your ISP
It is possible that Windows users will engage in some bandwidth-heavy activities. For instance, gaming or streaming activities are typically heavy on your connection. To cope with your activities, Internet Service Providers can interfere with your connection. Then, you will notice significant speed drops when ISPs slow down your traffic due to bandwidth-heavy actions.
However, this throttling leaves users unable to perform the activities they want as quickly as possible. One solution to this unfortunate scenario is connecting to USA VPN servers and encrypting your traffic. Nearby servers will supply you with the best speed possible, and you will also prevent your ISP from learning about your activities. More specifically, since a VPN will encrypt everything, ISPs will not know when to throttle your traffic.
Install/Update Official Network Drivers on Your PC
Your internet performance would be slow if you don’t have updated drivers for your network adapter.
For any PC, it is necessary to install the official network driver from the hardware manufacturer so that your system and Wi-Fi adaptor can recognize and use all their features and functionalities.
Now let’s talk about some ways to update network drivers on Windows PC:
- For this, click on Settings on your PC> select Update & Security>Windows Update> Check for updates.
- If new updates are available, download them on your computer, then restart your PC to finish updates.
Disable LSO
This function is opposite to the Windows Auto-Tuning option. It’s designed to enhance network performance at the cost of your internet speed. This functionality is more focused on utilizing your background applications and forcing them to consume large amounts of data while you’re doing other things online.
Therefore, disabling it can help you boost internet speed.
- To disable LSO, right-click on the Windows icon and choose Device Manager.
- Then look for the Network Adapters option and expand it further to look for your network card. Once you find it, double-click on it.
- In the newly opened window, click on “Advanced,” go to the Properties tab and search Large Send Offload v2 (IPv4).
- Select it, and then on the left side, under the Value tab, select Enabled.
- Now repeat this same procedure for Large Send Offload v2 (IPv6) if available on your device.
- Then click OK for final confirmation.
Conclusion
If you face slow internet speed on your Windows PC, don’t worry. Follow the measures mentioned above to fix them and enjoy fast internet speed again. If you’re still having issues, you can seek out PC speed-up help.