How to Fix Slow Internet on Windows 11

How to Fix Slow Internet on Windows 11 – Step-by-Step Guide

If your internet feels slower than it should be even though the Wi-Fi icon shows full bars, you’re not the only one. Many Windows 11 users face this frustrating issue every day — pages take forever to load, videos keep buffering, and downloads pause randomly. The good news? You don’t need expensive software or expert help. Just follow these simple steps and your internet speed will improve immediately.

1️⃣ Check Internet Speed and Identify the Real Issue

Before applying any fixes, find out whether the problem lies with your device or the network itself.

Open your browser and visit a speed test site like speedtest.net. Click Go and note the download and upload speeds. Compare them with the plan you pay for.

If the speed is low on all devices, your router or ISP is the culprit. Restart your router and contact your service provider.
If only your PC is slow, the issue is with Windows 11 settings or software conflicts. Let’s fix that next.

2️⃣ Disable Background Apps Using Bandwidth

Windows runs dozens of background services that silently use internet data, such as automatic updates, app syncing, or cloud storage uploads.

To disable them:

Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
Go to the Processes tab.
Click the Network column to sort by data usage.
Right-click unnecessary apps like OneDrive, Steam Update Service, or Microsoft Store Installer and choose End Task.

This instantly releases bandwidth and gives priority to your active apps like browsers or streaming platforms.

3️⃣ Turn Off Delivery Optimization

Windows has a feature called Delivery Optimization that uses your PC’s internet to send parts of updates to other computers. This feature helps Microsoft reduce server load, but it drains your bandwidth.

To turn it off:

Open Settings → Windows Update → Advanced Options → Delivery Optimization.
Toggle off Allow downloads from other PCs.

Now, your internet will focus only on your updates, not on helping others.

4️⃣ Flush DNS Cache

Over time, Windows stores a cache of DNS entries that helps websites load faster. However, if that cache becomes corrupted or outdated, it slows everything down.

To fix it:

Click Start, type cmd, and select Run as Administrator.
Type the following command and press Enter:
```
ipconfig /flushdns
```
You’ll see the message Successfully flushed the DNS Resolver Cache.

This clears old data and ensures a fresh, faster connection to websites.

5️⃣ Reset Network Adapter

Sometimes the root cause lies in misconfigured network drivers. Resetting the network adapter resets all configurations to default and fixes connectivity drops.

Here’s how:

Go to Settings → Network & Internet → Advanced Network Settings.
Click Network Reset → Reset Now.
Restart your computer when prompted.

After reboot, Windows automatically reinstalls the correct network drivers and sets up a clean connection.

6️⃣ Change DNS Server to Faster One

Your DNS server translates website names (like google.com) into IP addresses. A slow DNS can delay every page you visit. Switching to a faster DNS such as Google or Cloudflare can make a huge difference.

Open Settings → Network & Internet → Advanced Network Settings → More Network Adapter Options.
Right-click your Wi-Fi adapter → Properties.
Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) → Properties.
Click Use the following DNS server addresses and enter:
- Preferred DNS: 8.8.8.8
- Alternate DNS: 8.8.4.4
  (For Cloudflare, use 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1)
Click OK, then restart your browser.

You’ll notice websites opening faster and fewer “page not found” errors.

7️⃣ Disable Metered Connection Mode

If you have accidentally set your Wi-Fi network as metered, Windows limits background data usage, which can also restrict your overall bandwidth.

Go to Settings → Network & Internet → Wi-Fi → Your Network Name.
Scroll down and turn Off the Metered Connection option.

This allows Windows to use full bandwidth again, especially for downloads and system syncs.

8️⃣ Check for Malware or Hidden Downloads

Some malware, adware, or browser extensions continuously use your internet connection for hidden uploads or ads, which slow everything else.

Open Windows Security → Virus & Threat Protection → Quick Scan.
Run a Full Scan if you suspect deeper issues.
Uninstall unnecessary extensions from browsers like Chrome or Edge.

Malware can throttle speeds drastically even if you have a high-speed connection.

9️⃣ Update or Reinstall Network Drivers

Outdated or faulty drivers often lead to speed drops or unstable connectivity.

Right-click Start → Device Manager.
Expand Network Adapters.
Right-click your Wi-Fi adapter → Update Driver → Search automatically for drivers.
If that doesn’t work, uninstall the adapter and restart your computer. Windows will reinstall it automatically.

Fresh drivers improve compatibility and speed.

🔟 Optimize Wi-Fi Signal

Even if your internet plan is fast, poor Wi-Fi signal can drastically slow performance.

Try these:

Place your router in a central, elevated location.
Avoid placing it near metal objects or microwave ovens.
Disconnect unused devices from Wi-Fi.
If possible, use an Ethernet cable for a stable connection.

Also, log in to your router’s admin page and ensure firmware is updated.

Bonus: Stop Automatic Windows Updates Temporarily

If you’re doing important work or streaming, Windows Updates can suddenly start downloading large files in the background.

You can pause them:

Go to Settings → Windows Update.
Click Pause updates for 1 week.

This prevents sudden speed drops when Windows starts downloading patches.

Summary: Quick Fix Checklist

Step	Action	Benefit
1	Check Internet Speed	Identify issue source
2	Stop Background Apps	Free bandwidth
3	Disable Delivery Optimization	Save data
4	Flush DNS Cache	Faster browsing
5	Reset Network	Fix adapter errors
6	Change DNS Server	Reduce delays
7	Disable Metered Mode	Restore full speed
8	Scan for Malware	Remove hidden data drain
9	Update Drivers	Improve stability
10	Optimize Wi-Fi	Boost signal strength

Conclusion

Fixing slow internet on Windows 11 doesn’t require advanced technical skills. Most issues come from background usage, outdated DNS, or signal interference. By following these steps, you can quickly restore your connection to full speed and enjoy a smoother online experience — whether you’re gaming, streaming, or working from home.

Keep this guide bookmarked or save it as a printable checklist. A few simple adjustments can turn your laggy connection into a lightning-fast one.

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How to Fix Slow Internet on Windows 11 – Step-by-Step Guide