What is more annoying than no internet connection? A Slow one. Almost everyone can testify how infuriating slow download/upload speeds can be. Fortunately, the new Windows 11 provides many tricks to boost it. In this article, we are going to explore 10 ways to increase internet speed on Windows 11. It is important to understand that there could be many factors affecting your internet speed, such as:
Contents
You should first learn how to estimate the speed and strength of your WiFi/Ethernet connection.
1. Visit Ookla Speed Test webpage and click on GO to begin the calculation process.
2. Note down the current upload and download speeds in Mbps.
Note: We strongly recommend that you check & note down the speed every time you tweak system configuration. This will help you understand if you have made a positive change or not and to what degree.
A metered connection is used in a scenario where you have limited data to ensure that you do not cross the predefined limit. However, this could result in slower internet speeds. Here’s how to increase your internet speed by disabling metered connection feature:
1. Press Windows + I keys together to launch Windows Settings.
2. Click on Network & internet in the left pane and Wi-Fi option in the right pane, as shown.
3. Now, click on the network SSID properties, as depicted below.
4. And toggle off Metered connection option, as shown.
Windows checks for updates and downloads them in the background. This could result in slower internet speed. To fix this:
1. Press Windows + I keys together to open the Settings window.
2. Here, click on Windows Update in the left pane and Advanced Options in the right.
3. Scroll down to Additional options and select Delivery Optimization, as shown.
4. Toggle off Allow downloads from other PCs option, highlighted below.
5. Then, click on Advanced options.
6A. Select the Absolute Bandwidth option under Download settings section and check the following:
Then, input the speed in Mbps which you want to set as the limit.
6B. Alternatively, select the Percentage of measured bandwidth option under Download settings and check the following options:
Then, move the sliders to set the percentage of bandwidth to serve as limits.
7. Under Upload settings, check the boxes marked:
Then, move the sliders to set the desired limits.
Also Read: 5 Best Bandwidth Monitoring and Management Tools
Background services and processes can be resource-hogging consuming too much data. Here’s how to increase internet speed in Windows 11:
1. Press Windows + X keys simultaneously to open the Quick link menu.
2. Select Task Manager from the list.
3. Switch to Performance tab and click on Open Resource Monitor as highlighted.
4. Under Network tab in Resource Monitor window, right-click on unwanted background process and select End Process, as illustrated below.
5. Repeat the same for all such tasks and check for improvement in download/upload speeds.
You could also disable apps from running in the background to increase your internet connection speed in Windows 11:
1. Launch Settings as earlier and click on Apps from the left pane.
2. Click on Apps & features, as shown.
3. Click on the three-dotted icon next to the unrequired app from the given list.
4. Here, select Advanced options.
5. Then, click on Let this app run in the background dropdown menu and select Never.
6. Repeat the above steps for all unnecessary apps to prevent them from running in the background.
Also Read: Is WinZip Safe
There are many DNS servers that could increase internet speed in Windows 11 desktop/laptop.
1. Click on the Search icon, type view network connections, and hit Enter.
2. Right-click on your current network connection like Wi-Fi and click on Properties, as shown.
3. Here, select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and click on the Properties button.
4. Check the Use the following DNS server addresses option and type:
1.1.1.1 in Preferred DNS server
1.0.0.1 in Alternate DNS server
5. Finally, click OK to save changes and Exit.
Malware can affect internet speed by using it for malicious purposes. Here’s how to increase internet speed on Windows 11 by scanning for malware and removing it from your PC:
Note: McAfee is used as an example here. The options may differ according to the antivirus app.
1. Click on the Search icon and type McAfee LiveSafe. Then, click on Open to launch it.
2. Here, click on PC.
3. Then, select the Antivirus option shown highlighted.
4. Now, click on Scan types.
5. Select the Run a full scan option. Wait for the scan to finish and take action according to the results & suggestions.
Also Read: What is Google Chrome Elevation Service
You can try other available browser options to see if it is the fault of your browser. There are many browsers with features to optimize the performance of your PC and increase internet speed in Windows 11. Some of the popular web browsers and their features are listed below:
Sometimes your router may exceed the device connection limit. This may cause your internet to slow down. So, you can add wireless access control to limit the network-connected devices.
Note: Since Routers do not have the same settings option, and they vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, hence ensure the correct settings before changing any. The following steps were performed on PROLINK ADSL Router.
Here’s how to increase internet speed in Windows 11 by limiting the number of devices:
1. Click on the Search icon and type, command prompt. Then, click Open.
2. Type ipconfig /all command in Command Prompt and hit Enter.
3. Find the Default Gateway address shown highlighted.
Note: Typically, the gateway address is given at the back of the router or the router manual.
4. Then, open Default Gateway address on any web browser. Log in with your credentials.
5. Under Setup tab, click on WLAN option from the left pane.
6. Here, click on Access Control List and choose Allow Listed option from the Wireless Access Control Mode dropdown menu, as depicted below.
7. Then, add the MAC address (e.g. ABE0F7G601) of the devices to be allowed to use this internet connection and click Add.
8. Finally, click on Apply Changes and exit.
Also Read: How to Boot Windows 11 in Safe Mode
For Windows: Execute ipconfig /all in Command Prompt and note Physical address.
For Android: Navigate to Settings > System > About phone > Status option. Note the Wi-Fi MAC address from here.
Also Read: Change Your MAC Address on Windows, Linux or Mac
Maybe it is time for you to upgrade your internet plan. Call your Internet Service provider and ask for plans that give better speed options.
Faulty or damaged hardware will result in unstable connections and poor internet speed. So, you should check for faulty wires, cable & Ethernet and replace these, if needed. Get a new router that offers better bandwidth too, if possible.
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We hope you found this article helpful to learn how to increase internet speed on Windows 11. You can send your suggestions and queries in the comment section down below. We would love to know which topic you want us to explore next.
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