Top 13 Tips for How to Fix Slow Internet Connection

You may have a slow internet connection for several reasons, even when you pay for a high-speed one such as DSL or cable. The internet is built on hundreds of different technologies that communicate with one another, meaning data can slow down before reaching you. It could be your Internet Service Provider, hardware, or DNS server that might be at fault. However, there are other factors to look into for the cause. After reading our article, you can answer how to fix slow internet and increase download speed.

Who among us does not always want to get faster internet speed? But it is not always possible. It does not matter how fast your internet connection is. If you want to get faster internet speed, you should be aware of standard practices to remove your internet browser cache and empty temp folder while using Microsoft Windows. So, in this article, we are giving you essential tips to improve your internet speed.

Fix Slow Internet Connection

How to Fix Slow Internet Connection?

Let’s find out how to increase download speed and get rid of slow internet connection.

1. Check Your Speeds and Your Plan

You’ve subscribed to a higher Internet package, but you’re still getting slow speeds. Either log on to your ISP’s website or call them to find out what plan you have. Then, go to Speedtest.net or DSLreports.com and run a speed test. Repeat several times a day to see if the speed varies. If you’re getting the speeds you’re paying for, then it is fine. Otherwise, you need an upgrade.

2. Troubleshoot Your Hardware

Don’t go cursing your ISP. Check your modem and router first. If they need a reset, do so and see if that helps. An outdated network or faulty equipment may affect your connection. Rearrange and reconfigure, if need be. Bypass your router, swap cables, and test with multiple devices before upgrading, repairing, or replacing. Checklist these troubleshooting steps to determine if it’s a hardware problem. If it’s not, fix or upgrade your router or modem, and you should be browsing speedily once again.

3. Fix Your Wi-Fi Signal

Wi-Fi and other types of wireless connections may become slow due to signal interference. Your router and internet may be fine, but your wireless signal is weak, causing a slow internet connection. Household appliances and even neighbors may piggyback your network. Password-protect, reposition, and tweak your router for better performance and change your Wi-Fi channel number. Another tip – The closer you are to the router, the better your connection.

4. Turn Off Bandwidth-Hogging Plugins and Apps

Your hardware may work fine, but other programs could take over the connection. Check for uploads and other processes running behind other apps minimized to the system tray consuming network resources. Videos requiring games and programs take up a lot of data, causing your connection to be sluggish. Ensure no programs run in the background when troubleshooting a slow internet connection. You can install extensions like AdBlock Plus or FlashBlock to block ads, animations, and videos, causing your connection to become slow.

5. Try Another DNS Server

Sometimes, the DNS server you’re on can be down. Find the fastest and most secure DNS server for better searching. If your default DNS server is fine, there’s no need to go on an alternative server.

6. Optimize Your Web

There will be times when you’re out of the house and can’t do anything about your slow speeds. In that case, optimize your web for a slower connection. Use mobile or HTML versions of your favorite sites on your laptop, tablet, or phone, disable images, and use features like Opera Turbo. Troubleshoot by setting up a secondary browser – it can make a difference on a slow internet connection. You can always tether to your smartphone, turning it into an access point for your laptop or another wireless device. But tethering via your smartphone could use up your data limit. Employ the same data-saving tips when using your phone’s tethering service, as data is hard to come by and potentially pricey.

7. Work Smarter and Better

You may have tasks that need to be done. And if your connection is slow, try to prioritize them. Get the light ones done first, and group all heavy tasks so you can do them when you have faster access. If not home, try to borrow a neighbor’s or relative’s connection for those tasks. Similarly, if you’re doing basic writing, do it in a text editor instead of on your browser.

8. Call Your ISP

Speed depends on your ISP. Your ISP may be having issues. Call them and see if the problem is at their end. Your service provider could have changed their network configuration or installed filters and controls, causing a slow internet connection. Also, if you’ve been paying for slow speeds all this time, chances are you can get a better deal on your internet with your ISP.

9. Get a New Service Provider

Your ISP doesn’t provide the speeds you want? Sick of their horrible customer service? It’s time to find a new one. It can be difficult as ISPs can stifle competition and give consumers a few options. But first, understand what kind of connection you want – cable, DSL, satellite, or fiber. You should do a little research before you pick up the phone. Choose the best provider in your area and ensure they provide the speeds you want. Stream videos and movies, listen to your favorite songs, and download photos without interruptions and data caps.

10. Be More Productive

After deploying the techniques above, you’ll likely return online in a jiffy. As long as you won’t take up too much bandwidth-intensive, slow connectivity could make you more unproductive. If you’re at work, you’ll be less likely to log on to your Facebook for a quick peek at all those photos your friends took on their recent vacation when you have a project to deliver.

12. Delete Browsing Data and History

If you’re using Mozilla Firefox, then follow these steps –

1. Open Firefox
2. Press CTRL+SHIFT+DELETE keys (Press CRTL+SHIFT+DELETE key)
3. Now select Everything in the Clear Recent History window under Time range to clear the dropdown menu
4. Tick all checkboxes, but you can leave Form & Search History
5. Finally, press the Clear Now button to delete browsing data and cache

If you are using Google Chrome, then follow these steps –

1. Open Google Chrome
2. Press CTRL+SHIFT+DELETE keys (Press CRTL+SHIFT+DELETE key)
3. Now select the beginning of time in the Clear browsing data window under Obliterate the following items from the dropdown menu
4. Tick all checkboxes, but you can leave Autofill form data
5. Finally, press the Clear browsing data button to delete browsing data and cache

12. Empty Temp Folder

Delete all possible files from the Temp folder to improve system performance. Learn hereunder how to empty the temp folder.

1. Press the Start button
2. Type %temp% in the Search programs and files box
3. Now, the temp folder icon will come up; click on this
4. Select all files inside it (Press CTRL+A) and delete them
5. Note some files will not be deleted from this folder

13. Defragment Computer Hard Disk

It is important to defrag computer hard disks in a timely manner. It will improve the response time of your computer system. Thus, all software will run faster and become more responsive.

Defragment Hard Disk on Windows 7
– Click on the Start button
– Type disk defrag in Search programs and files box
– Now, the Disk defragmenter icon will come up; click on this
– Select all hard disk partitions one by one and defragment those

Defragment Hard Disk on Windows 8
– Click on the Search button on your desktop
– Now click on Settings and type defrag
– Now you’ll see the option to Defragment your hard disk
– Click on this to open Disk Defragmenter
– Select all hard disk partitions one by one and defragment those

I believe this article will help you to improve your internet speed from time to time.

Conclusion

These may be some of the many possible ways to fix slow Internet speed. If you think your Internet connection is sluggish, take the above actions, and you’ll be up to speed again.

2 thoughts on “Top 13 Tips for How to Fix Slow Internet Connection”

  1. Nope! Nothing works for me. Advertised speeds are 24 Mbps and all I get is 4 at best. Tried multiple ISP providers, same thing. Guess it’s time to grab my things and move to another place.

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