Slow internet on a Windows PC can be frustrating, especially when streaming videos, downloading large files, or attending virtual meetings. Sometimes it’s a problem with the service provider, but in many cases, the issue is within the device itself. From background apps to outdated drivers, many hidden causes can significantly reduce your internet speed. The good news is, most of them are easy to diagnose and fix.
Check Your Actual Internet Speed First
Before adjusting settings or reinstalling drivers, test your current internet speed. Use trusted tools like Speedtest.net or Fast.com. Run the test with no downloads or video streams running. If your actual speed matches your internet plan but your system still feels slow, the problem is local to your PC.
Background Processes and Auto-Updates
Windows runs many background services that can consume bandwidth. These include Windows Update, OneDrive sync, cloud backups, and third-party antivirus updates.
To reduce this usage:
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Open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc)
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Go to the Processes tab
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Sort by Network usage
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Identify and end processes consuming excessive bandwidth
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Consider pausing OneDrive sync or limiting its bandwidth via Settings > Network
Also, go to Settings > Windows Update > Advanced Options and set “Delivery Optimization” to limit bandwidth usage for background updates.
Disable Metered Connection (When Not Needed)
Windows allows users to set Wi-Fi connections as “metered” to save data, but this can restrict download speeds for some apps.
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Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi
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Click the connected network > Set as metered connection
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If already enabled, try disabling it temporarily
Some users find that apps like Microsoft Store or OneDrive sync much slower when the metered setting is active.
Update Network Adapter Drivers
Outdated or incorrect network drivers can drastically slow down data transfer. To update:
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Open Device Manager
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Expand Network Adapters
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Right-click your Wi-Fi or Ethernet device
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Select Update Driver > Search Automatically
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If that fails, visit the manufacturer’s website for the latest version
Also try uninstalling the driver and rebooting. Windows will reinstall a default version, which often restores functionality.
Flush DNS and Reset TCP/IP Stack
Corrupt DNS cache or network configurations can delay page loading. Run the following commands in Command Prompt (Admin):
ipconfig /flushdns
netsh int ip reset
netsh winsock reset
Restart the computer after entering these commands.
Disable Large Send Offload (LSO)
Large Send Offload is a feature that offloads network tasks to the network adapter to save CPU usage. However, on some systems, it causes lag.
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Open Device Manager
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Right-click your network adapter > Properties
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Go to the Advanced tab
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Look for “Large Send Offload” (IPv4 and IPv6) and set both to Disabled
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Click OK and restart the system
Check for Malware or Adware
Hidden malware or adware can consume bandwidth in the background. Run a full system scan using Microsoft Defender or Malwarebytes to rule out infections. Adware often installs itself as a browser extension, so check your browser settings and remove anything suspicious.
Use Ethernet Instead of Wi-Fi (If Possible)
Sometimes the issue is simply wireless signal quality. Try connecting your device directly to the router using an Ethernet cable. This removes interference and provides a more stable connection.
If Ethernet is not an option, consider moving closer to the router or upgrading to a Wi-Fi 6 adapter.
Router and ISP Considerations
If multiple devices are experiencing slowness, restart your router and modem. Log into your router’s admin page and check for firmware updates. You can also change DNS servers to something faster like Google DNS (8.8.8.8) or Cloudflare DNS (1.1.1.1).
Laptop overheating isn’t just an annoyance—it’s a threat to the long-term health of your device. With regular maintenance, smart usage habits, and awareness of software behavior, most overheating problems can be prevented or resolved at home. Investing a little time in cleaning and optimization can help your laptop run cooler, faster, and longer.