Share this article

This article is translated in

Improve this guide

Slow Internet on Windows 11: How to Speed It Up

Learn what you need to do to speed up your internet speed

12 min. read

Updated onOctober 12, 2023

updated onOctober 12, 2023

Share this article

This article is translated in

Improve this guide

Read our disclosure page to find out how can you help Windows Report sustain the editorial teamRead more

Key notes

We are connected to the Internet for most of the day, for work, shopping, or recreational purposes. But, several users, afterupgrading to Windows 11have reported slow Internet.

A slow speed affects the whole user experience, whether browsing or downloading web files. With the increase in the size of web pages and dependence on downloads, you must look for ways to resolve the problem.

But before we head to the fixes, you must understand the underlying causes to troubleshoot the problem effectively.

Why is my Internet slow in Windows 11?

You should know that when several apps run in the background and consume data, it could lead to slow Internet problems in Windows 11.

Now, circling back to your question, know that download files can be large, especially when downloading a new operating system.

Thus, a large file is going to take longer to download than a smaller one, and seeing how the setup file is about 4GB in size, be prepared to wait for a while.

As you already know, your device’s memory (RAM) also plays a part in the download time, so having a lot at your disposal will ensure shorter, more efficient downloads.

Does Windows 11 cause Internet problems? Not really, but there have been cases where the new OS interfered with Internet quality if we go back in time just a little bit.

It is widely known that, on Windows 11, Wi-Fi connectivity is one of the most common Internet-related problems. Thesystem uses too much dataowing to all the new features, which can affect the Internet quality.

There are a lot of reports of users complaining about slow Wi-Fi speeds and error messages likeLimited access,Unidentified Network, orNo Internet access.

Be sure to check the Windows 11 network throttling index, especially if you have any Windows 11 Internet issues.

What causes slow Internet issues in Windows 11?

While most of us blame the ISP (Internet Service Provider), the other issues are often the real culprit. We have listed some of the prominent ones in the following section:

For Windows 11, or any other version of the OS, you can perform Internet speed tests to determine if your internet is slower after the Windows 11 update.

Thus, we made this guide to help you speed up your internet on Windows 11. That being said, if you need some internet optimizer advice for your Windows 11 device, you came to the right place.

Now that you thoroughly understand the causes, we head to the solutions for slow internet speed.

How can I fix my Windows 11’s slow download speed?

Here’s what you should first do

1. Update your network drivers

Press theWin+Xkeys simultaneously to open a Windows 11 shortcut menu.2. SelectDevice Managerfrom the list.3. In the device list, locate and double clickNetwork Adapters.4. Then right-click on your Internet network adapter and selectUpdate driver.5. SelectSearch automatically for driversand wait for the process to complete.6. If the Windows 11 utility detects new drivers, it will automatically install them on your machine.

Corrupt or out-of-date drivers can have a negative impact on overall Internet performance. Many users report noticeable improvements after they update their network drivers in Windows 11 and it can also help youfix slow internet issues while using wired access points.

If you want a quicker solution to keep your drivers in check regularly, we recommend you try a lightweight utility such as Outbyte Driver Updater.

To update singular drivers, as in this case, the process is pretty similar. Select your network driver from a list and wait for the process to complete.

The benefit of this application, however, is that you can let it run in the background, and it will automatically find up-to-date replacements for any outdated or corrupt drivers on your PC and install them without any effort on your part.

Outbyte Driver Updater

2. Lower the bandwidth for downloading updates

After changing the bandwidth settings, check if the slow download speed problem in Windows 11 is resolved.

A certain amount of bandwidth is allocated to Windows Update for both download and update. You can lower the bandwidth in order to maximize the bandwidth allocation to other tasks.

Also, Windows sends updates to other PCs on the network, which decreases the Internet speed. Disabling the setting might also help eliminate the problem.

3. Terminate processes consuming data

Certain processes that consume a considerable amount of data can be terminated to fix the Windows 11 slow Internet. However, remember not to end any critical tasks, such as Windows Update.

If you couldn’t find any such tasks or terminating some didn’t help, head to the next fix.

4. Disable apps from running in the background

Disabling background apps in Windows 10is a lot different than the process in Windows 11. In the case of the former, you could easily disable them all in one go, while for the latter, the settings are specific to each app.

When several apps run in the background and consume data, it is bound to lead to a slow Internet problem in Windows 11. Also, some of these may download files or updates.

It would be best if you disabled the non-critical apps from running in the background to increase the download speed since these also lead to slow Windows 11 Ethernet. Whenever you need to work on any of these, launch them.

5. Run the Internet Connections troubleshooter

Microsoft offers a bunch of troubleshooters that can identify and eliminate some of the commonly known issues. Before going with the intricate methods, it’s recommended that you run these, in case one is available for the problem.

Internet connections troubleshooter can be used toresolve issues that prevent you from accessing the Internet.

6. Disable Windows Defender Firewall

Windows Defender Firewall is a critical part of the OS that protects your device from unauthorized traffic, both to and from the computer. However, it’s known to cause slow Internet at times in Windows 11, thus disabling it could work as a fix in this case.

But, do remember that you would be losing out on critical security aspects, and the computer would be exposed to risks. Therefore, if disabling Windows Defender Firewall does not work, re-enable it immediately.

Even more, remember that you may choose one of thebest antivirus solutions for Windows 11to further protect your computer.

7. Turn off metered connections

8. Change the DNS server

The DNS server is used to locate the IP address corresponding to the domain name. Whenever you enter the domain name, it’s respective IP is located and the website launched.

Windows is set to choose the DNS server by default but due to issues with it, the Internet speed may be slow. Therefore, it’s recommended that you switch to an open-source DNS for better Internet speed.

1. PressWindows+Rto launch theRuncommand.

2.Enterappwiz.cplin the text field and either click onOKor hitEnterto launch theNetwork Connectionswindow.

3.Right-click on the connected network adapter, and selectPropertiesfrom the context menu.

4.SelectInternet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)from the list of options and click onProperties.

5.Tick the checkbox forUse the following DNS server addresses.

6.Enter the following the respective fields and click onOKto save the changes:

After making the changes, restart the computer.

Can I go back to Windows 10 from Windows 11?

It is really important to know that rolling back to Windows 10 after trying out Windows 11 can be done within the first ten days, which is considered a trial period.

That being said, if the rollback period has passed, the only method to go back to Windows 10 is to install a fresh copy of the OS.

This is a straightforward process, but it will take some hours of your time. but we can show youhow to rollback from Windows 11 to Windows 10.

What do I do if none of the methods listed fix slow Internet issues?

This is a highly likely scenario primarily due to problems from the ISP’s end. In this case, you can either check the connections for faults or choose another plan with a higher Internet speed. Also, you canswitch to a faster and safer web browserto resolve the slow Internet problem in Windows 11.

But before making the upgrade, remember to identify your requirements and choose the plan that best suits them.

Wi-Fi or Ethernet: Which is better?

Both have their own set of advantages and disadvantages. As the name suggests, Wi-Fi offers wireless connectivity, while Ethernet connections use cables. The former offers mobility, while the latter offers stability.

Regarding speed, Ethernet no doubt emerges as the winner, but the margin is getting narrower by the day due to advancements in wireless technology. So, if you are facing slow Internet problems in Windows 11, switching to Ethernet might work.

These are the most effective fixes for this inconvenience in Windows 11 and all the other relevant information that might be useful when facing it.

Also, see how you cansolve issues that cause the Wi-Fi to disappear in Windows 11.

Now you better understand why your Windows 11 download speed is slow or why your Windows 11 Wi-Fi is so slow or unresponsive.

Besides, if you find slow Internet after the Windows 11 update,uninstalling the previously installed versionof the OS may do the trick.

When you notice that the downloads are slow or your Windows 11 upload speed is just as slow, this guide will surely be useful.

Always remember that it is better tocheck your Windows 11 network speedbefore engaging in any troubleshooting process.

Tell us which fix worked in the comments section below or whether you had to upgrade the plan.

Slow Internet on Windows 11: How to Speed It Up#

How can I fix my Windows 11’s slow download speed?#

1. Update your network drivers#

Outbyte Driver Updater#

2. Lower the bandwidth for downloading updates#

3. Terminate processes consuming data#

4. Disable apps from running in the background#

5. Run the Internet Connections troubleshooter#

6. Disable Windows Defender Firewall#

7. Turn off metered connections#

8. Change the DNS server#

Can I go back to Windows 10 from Windows 11?#

What do I do if none of the methods listed fix slow Internet issues?#

Wi-Fi or Ethernet: Which is better?#