First, check your internet speed using speedtest.net or fast.com and compare results with your ISP’s promised speeds, testing on another device to confirm if the issue is isolated to your PC. 2. Restart your network equipment by powering off your PC, modem, and router, waiting 30 seconds, then turning on the modem, followed by the router, and finally your PC to clear temporary glitches. 3. Run the Windows Network Troubleshooter via Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters > Internet Connections to automatically detect and fix common network issues. 4. Update or reinstall network drivers through Device Manager by expanding Network adapters, right-clicking your adapter, selecting Update driver, or uninstalling it and restarting your PC for automatic reinstallation. 5. Check for bandwidth-hogging applications in Task Manager under the Processes tab sorted by Network usage, identifying and closing high-usage apps like cloud sync tools, streaming services, or game clients. 6. Disable background apps and manage Windows Update settings by going to Settings > Apps > Advanced app settings > Background apps to turn off non-essential apps and disabling peer-to-peer updates in Delivery Optimization. 7. Adjust power settings by unchecking “Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power” in the Power Management tab of your network adapter’s Properties and setting Power mode to Best performance in System settings. 8. Switch to a faster DNS server such as Google DNS (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4) or Cloudflare (1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1) via Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi > Hardware properties > Edit DNS. 9. Temporarily disable third-party antivirus or firewall software to test if they are slowing the connection, re-enabling them afterward for protection. 10. As a last resort, reset network settings through Settings > Network & Internet > Advanced network settings > Network reset to restore all network adapters and configurations to default, reconnecting to Wi-Fi networks afterward, ensuring most software-related causes are addressed before concluding the issue is hardware-based.

A slow internet connection on a Windows PC can be frustrating, but the good news is that most issues can be resolved with a few systematic troubleshooting steps. Here’s how to identify and fix the problem:

1. Check Your Internet Speed First

Before diving into fixes, confirm the issue is actually on your end.

• Go to a speed test website like speedtest.net or fast.com.
• Run the test and compare the results to what your internet service provider (ISP) promises.
• If speeds are significantly lower, the issue could be with your network or ISP.

Tip: Test on another device (phone or tablet) using the same network. If it’s also slow, the problem is likely not your PC.

2. Restart Your Network Equipment

This simple step fixes many connection issues.

• Turn off your PC, router, and modem.
• Wait 30 seconds, then power on the modem, wait for it to fully connect (all lights stable), then turn on the router.
• Finally, restart your PC.

This clears temporary glitches and resets network handshakes.

3. Run the Windows Network Troubleshooter

Windows has a built-in tool that can detect and fix common problems.

• Press Windows I to open Settings.
• Go to System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
• Find Internet Connections, click Run.
• Follow the prompts and apply any recommended fixes.

It might resolve issues like incorrect DNS settings or adapter problems.

4. Update or Reinstall Network Drivers

Outdated or corrupt network drivers can cause slow speeds.

• Press Windows X and select Device Manager.
• Expand Network adapters.
• Right-click your Wi-Fi or Ethernet adapter and choose Update driver.
• Select Search automatically for updated driver software.

If that doesn’t help:

• Right-click the adapter again and choose Uninstall device.
• Restart your PC—Windows will reinstall the driver automatically.

5. Check for Bandwidth-Hogging Applications

Some apps consume a lot of bandwidth in the background.

• Open Task Manager (Ctrl Shift Esc).
• Go to the Performance tab and click Wi-Fi or Ethernet.
• Check current usage. Then go to the Processes tab and sort by “Network”.
• Look for apps using high percentages of bandwidth.

Common culprits:

• Cloud sync tools (OneDrive, Dropbox)
• Streaming apps
• Windows updates (delivery optimization)
• Game clients (Steam, Xbox app)

Close or limit these if they’re not essential.

6. Disable Background Apps and Windows Updates

Windows can slow your connection by downloading updates or syncing in the background.

To limit background apps:

• Settings > Apps > Installed apps > Advanced app settings > Background apps
• Turn off apps you don’t need running in the background.

To manage updates:

• Settings > Windows Update > Advanced options > Delivery Optimization
• You can disable peer-to-peer update downloads.

7. Change Power Settings for Your Network Adapter

Power-saving modes can throttle your network speed.

• In Device Manager, right-click your network adapter and select Properties.
• Go to the Power Management tab.
• Uncheck Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power.
• Click OK.

Also, make sure your PC is not in a power-saving mode:

• Settings > System > Power & sleep > Power mode
• Set to Best performance if needed.

8. Try a Different DNS Server

Slow DNS resolution can make websites feel sluggish.

Switch to a faster DNS like Google DNS or Cloudflare:

• Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi > Hardware properties
• Under DNS server assignment, click Edit.
• Choose Manual, then toggle IPv4 on.
• Enter:
  • Preferred DNS: 8.8.8.8
  • Alternate DNS: 8.8.4.4
• Or use Cloudflare: 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1

Click Save.

9. Temporarily Disable Antivirus or Firewall

Sometimes security software can interfere with network performance.

• Disable your third-party antivirus/firewall for a short test.
• Run a speed test again.

If speed improves, check the software’s network settings or consider switching to a lighter solution. Don’t stay unprotected—re-enable it afterward.

10. Reset Network Settings (Last Resort)

If nothing else works, reset your network configuration.

• Settings > Network & Internet > Advanced network settings > Network reset
• Click Reset now and confirm.

This removes and reinstalls all network adapters and resets Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and VPN settings to default. You’ll need to reconnect to Wi-Fi networks afterward.

Basically, slow internet on a Windows PC is often fixable without calling your ISP. Start with simple checks, then work through drivers, background usage, and settings. Most issues stem from software, not hardware.

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