How to Speed Up Internet on Windows 10?

If you’re a Windows 10 user, you might have noticed that your internet speed is not what it used to be. Slow internet can be frustrating, especially when you’re trying to stream your favorite show or download an important file. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to improve your internet speed. In this article, we will explore several tricks and tips that you can use to boost your internet speed on Windows 10.

The first step to improving your internet speed is to check your computer for malware and viruses. Malware and viruses can slow down your computer and cause your internet speed to decrease. Another thing you can do is to disable background apps, which can also slow down your computer and use up bandwidth. By taking these simple steps, you can significantly improve your internet speed and browsing experience.

If you’re tired of dealing with slow internet speeds, this article is for you. Keep reading to learn more about how to speed up internet on Windows 10 and start enjoying faster internet today!

Check for Malware and Viruses

One of the most common reasons for a slow internet connection is malware and viruses. They can cause your computer to use resources that slow down your internet speed. That’s why it’s important to check your computer for malware and viruses regularly.

You can start by using Windows Defender, which is a built-in antivirus software for Windows 10. It can detect and remove most malware and viruses from your computer. To run a scan using Windows Defender, go to your Start menu and search for Windows Security. Then, click on Virus & threat protection and select Scan options.

If Windows Defender doesn’t find any threats, you can try using another antivirus software such as Avast or Malwarebytes. These tools can provide a more thorough scan of your system and detect any viruses or malware that may have been missed by Windows Defender.

It’s important to note that having multiple antivirus software installed on your computer can actually slow down your internet speed. That’s why it’s recommended to only have one installed at a time.

By regularly checking for malware and viruses on your computer, you can ensure that your internet speed is not being impacted by these harmful programs.

Check for Malware and Viruses

Perform a Full System Scan

One of the most important steps to take when checking for malware and viruses on your computer is to perform a full system scan. This will thoroughly search your entire computer and detect any malicious programs or files that may be causing your internet speed to slow down.

When performing a full system scan, it is important to make sure that your anti-virus software is up to date and that it is set to scan all files and folders. This will ensure that every nook and cranny of your computer is checked for potential threats.

If the scan detects any viruses or malware, make sure to quarantine or delete them immediately to prevent any further harm to your computer or data. It may also be a good idea to perform another scan after the removal to ensure that all threats have been fully eliminated.

Performing regular full system scans can help prevent malware and viruses from infecting your computer and causing internet speed issues. It is recommended to do a scan at least once a week to keep your computer safe and running smoothly.

Use Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Software

Another effective way to check for malware and viruses is by using Malwarebytes Anti-Malware software. This software is designed to detect and remove malware and viruses that may be slowing down your computer’s internet speed. It is easy to use and can be downloaded from the official Malwarebytes website.

To use Malwarebytes Anti-Malware software, download and install the software on your Windows 10 computer. Once the software is installed, run a full system scan to detect any malware and viruses that may be present. The software will then display a list of any threats found and give you the option to remove them.

In addition to its malware and virus detection capabilities, Malwarebytes Anti-Malware software also offers real-time protection to prevent future infections. You can customize the settings to fit your preferences and schedule regular scans to ensure your computer is always protected.

Overall, Malwarebytes Anti-Malware software is a great tool to have on your Windows 10 computer to keep it protected and running smoothly. It is easy to use and can provide peace of mind knowing that your computer is protected from malicious software.

Disable Background Apps

When you’re using your computer, there are often several apps running in the background that you’re not actively using. These background apps can slow down your internet speed by taking up valuable resources.

To disable background apps in Windows 10, go to Settings and then Privacy. From there, click on Background apps and toggle off the apps that you don’t want running in the background.

Disabling background apps can help speed up your internet and improve your computer’s performance overall.

If you want to keep some apps running in the background, be sure to only keep the ones that you really need. This will help ensure that your computer is running smoothly and that you’re getting the most out of your internet connection.

Access the Privacy Settings

To disable background apps on Windows 10, you can access the privacy settings. Follow these steps:

1. Click on the Start menu and select “Settings” (the gear icon).
2. Select “Privacy” from the available options.
3. Click on “Background apps” located in the left panel of the screen.
4. Toggle the switch for the apps you want to disable in the “Choose which apps can run in the background” section.

By disabling background apps, you can optimize your computer’s performance and reduce the amount of data used on your internet connection. This is especially useful if you have limited bandwidth or a slower internet connection.

If you’re looking to speed up your internet connection on Windows 10, one of the easiest ways is to disable background apps. Background apps are the apps that continue to run in the background even when they’re not being used. This can significantly slow down your internet speed by consuming bandwidth and system resources.

To disable background apps, you can access the Privacy settings in Windows 10. Click on the Start menu and select Settings. Then, click on Privacy and select Background apps. You’ll see a list of apps that are running in the background, and you can toggle off the apps that you don’t need.

In addition to disabling background apps, you can also disable Background App Refresh, which is a feature that allows apps to update their content in the background. Background App Refresh can consume a lot of data and slow down your internet speed. To disable it, go to Settings > System > Battery and click on Battery Usage by App. Then, toggle off Background App Refresh for the apps you don’t need.

By disabling unnecessary background apps and Background App Refresh, you can significantly improve your internet speed on Windows 10. Try it out and see the difference for yourself!

Clear Browser Cache and Cookies

Browser cache and cookies are temporary files that are stored on your computer to improve website loading time and provide a more personalized browsing experience. However, over time, these files can accumulate and slow down your internet speed. Clearing your browser cache and cookies can help speed up your internet on Windows 10.

To clear your browser cache and cookies, open your browser and go to the settings or options menu. From there, select “Clear browsing data” or “Clear history” and choose the option to clear cache and cookies. Make sure to select the “All time” option to clear all the stored data.

You can also use third-party software like CCleaner to clear cache and cookies from multiple browsers at once. This can save time and effort if you use multiple browsers.

Keep in mind that clearing your cache and cookies will sign you out of websites and remove any saved login information. Make sure to take note of any important passwords before clearing your cache and cookies.

Clearing your cache and cookies regularly can help keep your internet speed fast and ensure a smooth browsing experience.

Access Browser History Settings

If you are experiencing slow internet speed on your Windows 10 computer, clearing your browser history, cache, and cookies may help. The steps to access these settings vary depending on the browser you use.

Google Chrome: Click the three dots in the upper-right corner, go to More tools, and click Clear browsing data. You can then select which data you want to clear.

Mozilla Firefox: Click the three lines in the upper-right corner, go to Options, then Privacy & Security. Under Cookies and Site Data, click Clear Data. You can then choose which data to clear.

Microsoft Edge: Click the three dots in the upper-right corner, go to Settings, then Privacy, Search, and Services. Under Clear browsing data, click Choose what to clear, then select the data you want to clear.

Clearing your browser history, cache, and cookies can help speed up your internet by removing stored data that can slow down your browser’s performance. It’s a good idea to do this regularly to keep your browser running smoothly.

Disable Auto-Tuning Level

Auto-Tuning Level is a feature in Windows that automatically adjusts the receive window size of TCP connections. This can sometimes cause slow internet speeds, so disabling it can improve performance.

To disable Auto-Tuning Level, open Command Prompt as an administrator and type “netsh interface tcp set global autotuninglevel=disabled”. Press Enter and restart your computer to apply the changes.

Note: If you want to enable Auto-Tuning Level again, simply replace “disabled” with “normal” in the command.

Disabling Auto-Tuning Level can be particularly helpful if you’re experiencing slow internet speeds when using certain applications or websites. It’s worth trying if other troubleshooting steps have not improved your internet speed.

Open Command Prompt as Administrator

If you need to run commands that require administrative privileges, you need to open Command Prompt as an administrator. Here are the steps:

1. Click on the “Start” menu button and search for “Command Prompt”.
2. Right-click on the “Command Prompt” search result and select “Run as administrator”.
3. If prompted, click “Yes” to allow the app to make changes to your device.
4. The Command Prompt window will open with administrative privileges. You can now run any command that requires elevated privileges.

It’s important to note that you should exercise caution when using administrative commands, as they have the potential to make significant changes to your system.

If you’re not comfortable with using Command Prompt, you may want to consider seeking assistance from a knowledgeable friend or professional.

Additionally, you can also use PowerShell to run commands as an administrator. PowerShell is a more advanced command-line tool that provides greater flexibility and control over your system.

Disable Auto-Tuning Level with Netsh Command

• Step 1: Open the Command Prompt as an administrator by right-clicking on it and selecting “Run as administrator”.

• Step 2: Type “netsh interface tcp show global” and press Enter. This will display the current auto-tuning level of your system.

• Step 3: To disable the auto-tuning level, type “netsh int tcp set global autotuninglevel=disabled” and press Enter.

• Step 4: Restart your computer to apply the changes.

Disabling the auto-tuning level can improve network performance and reduce latency issues. However, it is important to note that this may not be necessary for all systems and could potentially cause issues with certain applications. It is recommended to monitor your system’s performance after disabling the auto-tuning level to ensure it is working optimally.

Update Network Drivers

If you’re experiencing slow network speeds or connection drops, it might be due to outdated network drivers. Updating your network drivers is a straightforward process that can significantly improve your network performance.

To update your network drivers, you’ll need to identify the make and model of your network adapter. You can find this information in the Device Manager, under Network adapters. Once you have this information, you can download the latest driver from the manufacturer’s website.

It’s essential to download the correct driver for your specific network adapter and operating system. Installing the wrong driver can cause more problems than it solves.

If you’re not comfortable manually updating your network drivers, you can use a third-party driver updater tool. These tools can scan your system and automatically download and install the correct drivers for your network adapter.

Updating your network drivers is a simple and effective way to improve your network performance. It’s a good idea to check for updates regularly, as new drivers are often released to address known issues and improve performance.

Use Windows Device Manager

Overview: Windows Device Manager is a built-in tool that can help you update network drivers on your Windows computer.

Step 1: To open Device Manager, right-click on the Windows Start menu and select Device Manager from the list of options.

Step 2: Locate the network adapter that you want to update. It should be under the Network Adapters category.

Step 3: Right-click on the network adapter and select Update Driver.

Step 4: Choose the option to search automatically for updated driver software. Windows will search for the latest driver software and install it on your computer.

Step 5: Once the driver is installed, restart your computer to ensure that the changes take effect.

Using Windows Device Manager is a quick and easy way to update your network drivers. However, if you are experiencing issues with your network connection, it is recommended to also check your network settings and troubleshoot any other possible causes of the problem.

Change DNS Settings

If you’re having issues with your internet connection, changing your DNS settings might help. DNS (Domain Name System) is responsible for translating web addresses into IP addresses, allowing your computer to connect to the internet. Here are five things to consider when changing your DNS settings:

Choose a DNS server: There are many public DNS servers to choose from, including Google DNS, Cloudflare DNS, and OpenDNS. Consider using a server that’s closest to your location for the best performance.

Set up your DNS: To change your DNS settings, go to your network settings and look for the option to configure DNS. Enter the IP address of the DNS server you want to use and save your changes.

Flush your DNS cache: After changing your DNS settings, it’s a good idea to clear your DNS cache to make sure your computer is using the new settings. To do this, open Command Prompt and enter the command “ipconfig /flushdns”.

Test your connection: Once you’ve changed your DNS settings, test your internet connection to see if there’s any improvement. You can use a speed test tool to check your connection speed.

Switch back if necessary: If changing your DNS settings doesn’t help or causes issues, you can always switch back to your original settings or try a different DNS server.

Access Network and Sharing Center

If you want to change your DNS settings on a Windows computer, you’ll need to access the Network and Sharing Center. This can be done by following these steps:

1. Click on the Start button and type Control Panel in the search bar.
2. Click on Control Panel to open it.
3. Click on Network and Internet.
4. Click on Network and Sharing Center.

You should now see a window that displays your current network connections. From here, you can change your DNS settings by following these steps:

1. Click on the connection you want to configure (e.g. Wi-Fi, Ethernet).
2. Click on Properties.
3. Scroll down and select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4).
4. Click on Properties again.
5. Select the Use the following DNS server addresses option.

You can now enter the DNS server addresses you want to use. Once you’ve entered them, click on OK and then Close.

Change DNS Server Address

If you want to change the DNS server address on your Windows computer, there are several methods you can use. Here are some options:

• Method 1: Use the Network and Sharing Center to change the DNS server address for your network connection.
• Method 2: Change the DNS server address in your router settings so that all devices on your network will use the new DNS server.
• Method 3: Use the Command Prompt to change the DNS server address for a specific network connection.
• Method 4: Use a third-party DNS tool to manage your DNS server settings.
• Method 5: Edit your computer’s registry to change the default DNS server address.

When changing the DNS server address, it’s important to choose a reliable DNS server that is fast and secure. You can find many free DNS server options online, or you can choose to use a paid DNS service for added features and security.

Remember that changing your DNS server address can affect your internet speed and performance, so be sure to test different DNS server options to find the best one for your needs. Additionally, if you experience any issues with your internet connection after changing your DNS server address, you can always revert back to your previous settings.

Frequently Asked Questions