How to increase download speed in Windows
Even if PC or laptop users have a reasonably good internet connection and experience slower download and upload speeds, they wonder how to fix slow download speeds. The reason is mainly because the internet speed is limited on Windows PC. Luckily, you can turn off these speed throttling issues and get your maximum download and upload speeds back as provided by your ISP. If you have good enough internet and good enough internet speed but are experiencing slow download speeds, this article is for you. Keep reading to find out how to increase download speed on your Windows 10 laptop or PC.
How to increase download speed in Windows
Keep reading on to find steps detailing how to increase download speed on a Windows PC or laptop, with helpful illustrations for a better understanding.
What is a good download speed?
A download speed of 5 Mbps is a good download speed.
Do video calls require faster download speeds?
It depends. As a minimum, Soon 1-1 calls require 1 Mbps, but a minimum of 1.5 Mbps is recommended for group calls.
Why is the download speed always slower than the download speed?
Download speeds are often quite slow than upload speeds for many users. This is because modified and DSL connections are secure and symmetrical. They are best designed to provide the best download speed than upload speed.
When does download speed matter?
Making video calls, streaming game content or YouTube content, and regularly streaming other content over the Internet, these tasks require the best download speeds to perform best.
How to increase download speed in Windows?
Let's see how to increase download speed on a Windows PC or laptop.
Method 1: Basic troubleshooting
First, we'll go through the basic troubleshooting steps to increase your download speed if it's been slow for a while.
Method 1A: Reboot the router
Restarting the router/modem will re-initiate the network connection. Few users reported that all changes noted in the configuration settings will take effect after rebooting the router/modem. So for that, follow these steps:
1. Locate the power button on the back of your router/modem.
2. Press the button once to turn it off.
3. Now unplug the router/modem power cable and wait until the capacitors are completely discharged.
4. Then reconnect the power cable and turn it on after one minute.
5. Wait until the network connection is restored and try logging in again.
Method 1B: Adjust the Router's Antenna
Some Wi-Fi routers come with an antenna installed. These antennas are built into the router and cannot be modified. But if you have a router with an antenna on it, then you can try to set it up. Most often, the antenna is made horizontal. Adjust the antenna so that it is horizontal.
Method 1C: Change the bandwidth limit
Windows uses bandwidth limits to determine what speed is used to download or upload content, including Windows updates. You can check and change the download speed. This method is a good example for people who are wondering how to increase download speed.
1. Open the Settings app by pressing the Windows + I keys.
2. Click Update & Security.
3. Click Advanced Options.
4. Now scroll down and click Delivery Optimization.
5. Now click Advanced Options.
6. In the Download Options section, adjust the download bandwidth slider.
Keep reading to learn more about how to increase download speed on a Windows laptop.
Method 1D: Move the Router to a Different Location
If you are using Wi-Fi, the signal is limited to a certain extent. These signals can also be interrupted due to the presence of other appliances in the house. Devices such as speakers, microwave ovens, and phones may interfere with the signal, which can slow down downloads and uploads. Make sure your internet router is in the center of your house and not in a corner.
Method 1E: Ending a background task
Most of the apps you have installed usually run in the background to give you the best possible experience. Some of these applications also use the Internet constantly, which can affect download and upload speeds. On a laptop, this can save battery life, making it a great option when someone wants to know how to increase their download speeds on a laptop. Read our guide on how to end a task in Windows 10.
Method 1F: Check if someone is using the Internet
People who are looking for how to increase their download speed may overlook the fact that they may be unknowingly sharing their Wi-Fi internet connection, in which case your bandwidth will be affected because someone else might be using your Wi-Fi. fi. In any case, you can change your Wi-Fi password to make sure no one is using your Wi-Fi and will not cause bandwidth lag.
1. Open the settings web page to connect to the router. You can usually access the router settings web page by typing 192.168.1.1 in the address bar and pressing Enter.
2. Log in to your router using your username and password.
3. Change the password in the wireless network settings or in the network settings on the router page.
4. Save changes to save the new Wi-Fi password.
Method 1G: Choose a High Speed Internet Plan
ISPs offer a variety of tariff plans to suit the needs of different individuals or families. These tariff plans include not only the data limit, but also speed conditions.
You need to upgrade your speed plan if your budget allows it, as higher plan prices offer increased speed. You can choose the speed that is best for you and use it. You may need to restart or reboot your router after applying the new plan in order to make changes.
Method 2: Update Windows
Software drivers provide communication between the hardware and the operating system, without which it can lead to slow performance or other problems. It is recommended that you update your driver software if you experience slow download issues even if you have a fast connection.
1. Open the Settings menu by pressing the Windows + I keys at the same time.
2. Click Update & Security at the bottom.
3. Then click "Check for Updates" to see if there are any updates. Click "Download and Install" if available.
4. After downloading the updates, click Restart Now to reboot to install the updates and save the changes.
Here's how I can fix slow download speeds.
Method 3: Disable a metered connection
Connection Limit is a feature that allows you to set a date usage limit for the entire system. If your data exceeds the data limit, windows will automatically limit the download and upload speed. If you want to know how to increase your download speed, you can disable the metered connection.
1. Open the Settings menu by pressing the Windows + I keys at the same time.
2. Click Network and Internet.
3. Now click Properties under Internet connection.
4. Scroll down until you see a heading that says Metered connection.
5. Turn off the switch to disable metered connection.
After that, your internet connection will be unlimited.
Method 4: Delete temporary files
Applications can create temporary files that slow down your computer. Along with that, they also limit the download and upload speed. You can safely delete these temporary files, they will not harm your computer or change how your application works. Read our guide on how to delete temporary files in Windows 10.
Keep reading to learn more about how to fix slow download speeds.
Method 5: Use a different web browser
Sometimes the default browser present in the Windows operating system cannot use the full download or upload speed that an Internet service provides. As such, you may need to use a different web browser and see if your download and upload speeds have improved.
Method 6: Run a virus or malware scan
Viruses and malware slow down download and upload speeds by using the data itself. It may not be obvious, but if a virus or malware infects your computer, it can slow you down. Read our guide on how do I run a virus scan on my computer? to check if your computer is free of viruses or malware.
Method 7: Use a VPN
A Virtual Private Network is a private network created by an ISP that allows users to access the Internet privately and at faster download and upload speeds. Sometimes the opposite is also possible, as a low-quality VPN can also reduce the quality of your download speed.
Thus, a premium VPN is the best option when considering how to increase your download speed as it might be the best way to maximize your download speed.
Method 8: Switch DNS Server to Google DNS
The Domain Name System (DNS) is a technology that translates domain names into IP addresses. This allows your browser to determine the IP address and load the Internet faster without translating any domain names. The best DNS available today is Google DNS as it helps improve download speeds and provides excellent security. You can change the DNS server on your PC to Google DNS to see if it solves the slow download speed issue. Read our guide on how to switch to OpenDNS or Google DNS on Windows.
How to increase download speed?
To increase your download speed, you may need to perform certain actions such as updating Windows, clearing temporary files, changing DNS settings, etc. Read the article from the beginning to learn more.
Also, if you are not satisfied with the services of your current ISP due to the speed, it is time to change your ISP.
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So, we hope you understand how to increase download speed on Windows laptop and how to fix slow download speed with detailed steps. You can let us know about any questions or suggestions on any other topic you would like us to write an article on. Leave them in the comments section below so we know.