Troubleshooting slow internet speeds

Summary

This guide helps you troubleshoot and resolve: Troubleshooting slow internet speeds. Follow the steps below to fix the issue.

Common Causes

Quick Checks to Do First

1. Test your speed – visit Speedtest and note the result.
2. Restart your router/modem – unplug for 30 seconds, then plug back in. See How to restart router/modem for detailed steps.
3. Check if it’s just one device – test on a phone or another device. If only one device is slow, see How to connect to Wi‑Fi for troubleshooting.
4. Check for downloads or updates – ensure no background downloads or OS updates are running. If you suspect Windows updates, follow How to update Windows.
5. Verify ISP service status – check your provider’s outage page or service alerts before proceeding.

Detailed Solutions

Step 1: Test Your Internet Speed

1. Open your browser and go to https://www.speedtest.net.
2. Click Go or Start.
3. Note the download and upload speeds.
4. Compare the results to the speed you’re paying for (e.g., 100 Mbps).

Step 2: Restart Your Router/Modem

1. Unplug the power cable from the router/modem.
2. Wait 30 seconds.
3. Plug the power cable back in.
4. Allow 2–3 minutes for the device to fully restart.
5. Test your speed again.

Step 3: Check for Bandwidth Hogs

Identify applications or devices consuming excessive bandwidth.

• On Windows, press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager, then select the Network tab.
• On macOS, open Activity Monitor and view the Network tab.
• On mobile devices, check the data usage settings for each app.
• Pause or close heavy downloads, updates, or streaming sessions.

Step 4: Check Wi‑Fi Signal (If Wireless)

1. Look at the Wi‑Fi icon in your taskbar (or system tray) to see the signal strength.
2. Four bars indicate a strong signal; fewer bars may require you to move closer to the router.
3. Reduce interference by keeping the router away from metal objects and cordless phones.
4. If possible, try a wired Ethernet connection. See the note above about checking cables.

Step 5: Update Network Drivers

1. Press Win + X and select Device Manager.
2. Expand Network adapters.
3. Right‑click your Wi‑Fi adapter and choose Update driver. Repeat for the Ethernet adapter if present.
4. Restart your computer after updating.

Step 6: Update Router Firmware (Advanced)

Outdated router firmware can cause speed‑related bugs.

1. Log into your router’s web interface (commonly 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1).
2. Locate the firmware or system update section.
3. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to download and install the latest firmware.
4. After the update, reboot the router and test your speed again.

Step 7: Change Wi‑Fi Channel (Advanced)

1. Access your router settings (as described in Step 6).
2. Navigate to the Wi‑Fi settings page.
3. Change the channel from Auto to a fixed channel such as 1, 6, or 11.
4. Save the changes, then test speeds on each channel to find the best performance.

Step 8: Reset Network Settings

1. Press Win + I to open Settings, then go to Network & internet → Advanced network settings.
2. Click Network reset and follow the prompts.
3. Restart your PC when the reset is complete.
4. Reconnect to your Wi‑Fi network using How to connect to Wi‑Fi.

When to Call Your ISP

• Speed is significantly lower than what you pay for.
• Multiple devices experience slow speeds.
• Restarting the router/modem does not improve performance.
• You see error lights on your modem or receive error messages.
• There is a confirmed outage or service issue reported by your ISP.

Still Having Issues?