How to Fix Windows 11 Slow Internet Speed

Troubleshooting Slow Internet on Windows 11

Experiencing sluggish internet speeds on your Windows 11 machine can be frustrating. Several factors can contribute to this issue, from outdated drivers to background applications hogging bandwidth. This guide provides practical steps to diagnose and fix slow internet speeds, helping you get back to a smooth online experience.

Initial Checks and Quick Fixes

Before diving into more complex solutions, start with these fundamental checks:

• Restart your modem and router: This is often the simplest and most effective solution. Power them off for 30 seconds, then power them back on.
• Check your internet plan: Verify that your current internet plan meets your needs. If you're consistently exceeding your data cap or your plan is too slow for your usage (e.g., streaming 4K video requires at least 25 Mbps), consider upgrading.
• Run a speed test: Use websites like Speedtest.net or Fast.com to measure your actual download and upload speeds. Compare these results with your internet plan's advertised speeds.
• Close unnecessary applications: Background apps can consume bandwidth. Close any programs you're not actively using.

Advanced Troubleshooting Steps

If the basic checks don't resolve the issue, try these more advanced troubleshooting techniques:

Network Adapter Driver Updates

Outdated or corrupted network adapter drivers are a common cause of slow internet speeds. To update your drivers:

1. Press Windows key + X and select "Device Manager."
2. Expand "Network adapters."
3. Right-click on your network adapter (e.g., "Intel(R) Wi-Fi 6 AX201").
4. Select "Update driver."
5. Choose "Search automatically for drivers." Windows will attempt to find and install the latest driver. If it doesn't find a newer one, you can also try downloading the latest driver from the manufacturer's website (e.g., Intel, Realtek).

Optimize Network Settings

Adjusting certain network settings can sometimes improve internet performance.

• Disable Large Send Offload (LSO): In Device Manager, under your network adapter's properties (right-click, then "Properties"), go to the "Advanced" tab. Find "Large Send Offload v2 (IPv4)" and "Large Send Offload v2 (IPv6)" and disable them. This setting can sometimes cause issues with certain routers.
• Reset TCP/IP: Open Command Prompt as administrator and type netsh int ip reset then press Enter. Restart your computer after running this command.
• Run Network Troubleshooter: Go to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters and run the "Internet Connections" troubleshooter. This can automatically detect and fix common network problems.

By following these steps, you should be able to identify and resolve the cause of slow internet speeds on your Windows 11 computer. If the problem persists, consider contacting your internet service provider for further assistance.