How to Fix Slow Internet on Windows: Complete Guide

Nothing is more frustrating than a slow internet connection. Before blaming your ISP, try these Windows-specific fixes that often solve the problem.

Quick Diagnosis

Test Your Speed

Visit speedtest.net to measure your actual speed. Compare with what you're paying for.

Rule Out the Obvious

Windows-Specific Fixes

1. Reset Network Settings

Sometimes network configuration gets corrupted:

netsh winsock reset
netsh int ip reset
ipconfig /release
ipconfig /renew
ipconfig /flushdns

Restart after running these commands.

2. Disable Metered Connection

Windows might be limiting your connection:

3. Update Network Drivers

Outdated drivers cause many issues:

4. Disable Windows Auto-Tuning

Sometimes helps with certain routers:

netsh int tcp set global autotuninglevel=disabled

5. Change DNS Servers

Use faster DNS servers:

Advanced Solutions

Disable Background Apps

Many apps consume bandwidth silently:

Disable Delivery Optimization

Windows shares updates with other PCs by default:

Check for Malware

Malware can consume bandwidth. Run a full Windows Security scan.

Hardware Considerations

Conclusion

Slow internet usually has a fixable cause. Work through these solutions systematically, and you'll likely find significant improvement.