The internet has become a necessity in our lives. You would be surprised to learn that there are many different ways you can increase your Internet speed on Windows 10 devices, no matter what type of device you’re using. What’s more is that the process isn’t hard at all and it doesn’t require any special tools or skillsets either!

One of the most frustrating things about using a slow internet connection is that it’s hard to pinpoint where the problem is. The “speed test” is a tool used by many people to see if their internet speed is fast enough. There are also other ways like turning off your wifi and turning on your computer’s power saving settings.

The Internet has become an inextricable component of everyday life in today’s globe. Whether it’s for job, social networking, or leisure, the internet is required everywhere. The internet speed is the most crucial factor when it comes to the internet. The greater your internet speed is, the better the experience will be.

If you’re having trouble connecting to the internet, contact your Internet Service Provider (ISP) and request an increase in internet speed. Doesn’t it seem to be simple? Yes, it’s simple, and your ISP would gladly assist you, but there’s a catch: he won’t do it for free. To obtain faster internet, you’ll have to pay more money.

So, what’s the answer?

Determine how much internet speed you really need first. In general, 5–10 Mbps is adequate for online video streaming, while 10 Mbps is suitable for playing online games. Of course, if you’re streaming in 4K or HDRR, you’ll need a faster internet connection.

If your ISP claims to be supplying the needed level of speed but you’re still having problems, it’s time to investigate your system. Instead of spending more money for faster internet, consider optimizing your existing internet bandwidth consumption to increase your computer’s internet speed.

On a Windows 10 PC, we’ve given 15 different strategies to help you optimize your internet consumption and enhance your internet speed. With small modifications, you can apply these tactics on other versions of Windows as well. 

1. Using the command prompt in Windows, increase internet speed.

If accessing data from the internet takes longer than normal, it’s usually a good idea to double-check network setup. 

To inspect and edit network settings, Windows provides certain basic programs that you may execute using Command Prompt.

Here are 15 tweaks you can make to your network setup to boost your internet speed nearly immediately.

Method 1: Use the command-line program Netsh (Network Shell).

Step 2: Compile a list of TCP global parameters.

In the command prompt screen, type the following command and press enter.

tcp display global netsh interface

It will show you all of the TCP Global Parameters.

Step 3: Make Direct Cache Access Available (DCA)

Because not all motherboards enable Direct Cache Access, Windows disables it by default.

To activate DCA, type the following command into the cmd prompt and press Enter.

set global dca=enabled netsh interface tcp

After the command has been successfully executed, you will get an OK message.

Step 4: Turn on netdma.

When you enable netdma, network adapters will be able to send data directly to your apps.

To activate netdma, type the command below and press Enter.

set global netdma=enabled netsh interface tcp

After the command has been completed, you will get an OK message.

Step 5: Adjust the auto-tuning level in Windows.

The auto tuning option in Windows is enabled by default, which optimizes TCP data flow across the network.

If the Auto Tuning option is deactivated, use the following command to enable it.

set global autotuninglevel=normal netsh interface tcp

Note that the parameter normal indicates that the feature is turned on.

After the command has been completed, you will get an OK message.

Display the TCP Window Scaling Heuristics options in step 6.

If this option is set to restricted or highly restricted, Windows Auto-Tuning Level is set to restricted or very limited. Heuristics overrule custom settings and prevent Windows from exceeding its default settings. As a result, your internet speed suffers.

To begin, use the following line at the command prompt to see whether Windows Scaling Heuristics is enabled.

tcp display heuristics netsh interface

If it’s on, go on to step 7.

Step 7: Disable Heuristics for Window Scaling

In the cmd window, copy and execute the command below.

tcp set heuristics disabled in netsh interface

After the command has been completed, you will get an OK message.

Restart your computer to effect the changes.

Also see: Disable Windows S mode

Pinging the default gateway (method 2)

The default gateway serves as a point of entry for other networks. When another network’s IP address does not match the routing node in the network, traffic is directed to the default gateway node. Pinging the default gateway indicates the host computer’s ability to interact with network nodes. 

To discover and ping your network’s default gateway, follow the instructions below. 

Step 1: Open a command prompt as an administrator.

Select cmd Right Click Run as Administrator to open the command prompt in administrator mode.

Step 2: Find out what your default gateway is.

In the command prompt, type ipconfig and hit enter.

• If you’re connecting through ethernet, the default gateway will appear under “Ethernet adapter Local Area Connection.”
• If you use a wireless connection, the default gateway may be found under “Wireless LAN adaptor Wireless Network Connection.”

Ping the Default Gateway in Step 3

Enter the command that follows. 

your default gateway address> ping -t ping -t 192.168.11.22, for example

Note: Minimize the window rather than closing it. You may repeat this exercise on a daily basis to see how your internet speed changes. 

Method 3: Reset the Network Socket in Windows

Winsock is a Windows Socket API (WSA) for exchanging data between Windows network applications and TCP/IP network services.

If you’re having problems with your network or internet connection on Windows 10, you may use the winsock application to restore the default settings of the Windows network socket.

Step 1: Start a command prompt in administrator mode.

Select cmd Right Click Run as Administrator to open the command prompt in administrator mode.

Step 2: Run winsock.

In the command prompt, type the following command and hit Enter.

reset winsock netsh

The notification “Successfully reset the Winsock Catalog” will appear, and you will need to restart your computer to complete the reset.

Method 4: Delete the DNS Cache

The Domain Name System is abbreviated as DNS. On the local PC, DNS cache contains the domain name and IP address of previously visited websites. If you visit the same website again, the network will use values from the DNS cache to get the appropriate URL. It aids in obtaining quicker outcomes.

However, if the domain name becomes unavailable or the website’s IP address changes, the information saved in the DNS cache becomes obsolete. To optimize network or internet speed, it’s a good idea to delete the DNS cache from time to time.

To delete DNS cache on your computer, follow these easy instructions.

Step 1: Open a command prompt as an administrator.

Select cmd Right Click Run as Administrator to open the command prompt in administrator mode.

Step 2: Use the flushdns command to clear your DNS cache.

In the command prompt, type ipconfig/flushdns and press enter.

After the execution, the message “Successfully flushed the DNS Resolver Cache” displays.

Check your internet speed after exiting the command prompt.

Method #5: Change Your IP Address

The current IP address of the system may be affected by a variety of circumstances. This might slow down your surfing and downloading speeds on the internet. If the previous solutions fail to cure your internet speed problem, you could try renewing your computer’s IP address.

To renew an IP address, you must first disconnect the current IP address connection before proceeding with the renewal process.

Keep in mind that renewing an IP address may result in the same IP address being assigned again, however this is not a problem. The basic goal is to detach and reconnect existing connections. 

Step 1: Start a command prompt in administrator mode.

Select cmd Right Click Run as Administrator to open the command prompt in administrator mode.

Step 2: Disconnect any IP address connections that are still active.

In the command line, type the following command.

/release ipconfig

Step 3: Renew the IP Address in Windows

Enter the command that follows.

/renew ipconfig

Also see 15 solutions to Err Network Changed in Chrome on Windows 10/8/7 and Android.

2. Alter the DNS Servers

Your Internet Service Provider (ISP) assigns IP addresses to DNS servers when you sign up for an internet connection. The DNS server given by your ISP is configured by default in Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP). 

These DNS servers offered by your ISP may not always provide you with the internet speed you expect. For improved speed, you may utilize different DNS servers like Google Public DNS Server or Open DNS Server.

The procedures for changing the DNS server are as follows.

Step 1: Go to the Control Panel and open it. Step 2: Select Network & Internet from the drop-down menu. Step 3: Choose a Networking and Sharing Center. Step 4: Select Change Adapter Settings from the left-hand menu. Step 5: Right-click on Network Connection and choose Properties.

Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) network connection from the Networking tab and click the properties button.

Step 6: To assign DNS servers, choose the radio selection “Use the following DNS server address.”

Click OK after entering the needed values.

• Use the following settings for Google Public DNS Server.

8.8.8.8 is the preferred DNS server. 8.8.8.4 Alternate DNS Server

• Use the following settings for Open DNS Server.

208.67.222.222 is the preferred DNS server. 208.67.220.220 is an alternative DNS server.

You may also try using other DNS servers to see if it increases your computer’s internet performance.

3. Using Group Policy Editor, change the settings for Reservable Bandwidth and Outstanding Packets.

Understand what Reservable Bandwidth and Outstanding Packets are in Windows setup before adjusting these parameters.

Bandwidth that may be reserved:

Windows 10 allocates a certain amount of bandwidth to system programs and activities by default. You won’t be able to utilize that much bandwidth for anything else. We may provide additional bandwidth for public usage by lowering reserved bandwidth.

This will increase the speed of your internet connection.

Exceptional Packets:

Data is sent via the internet in the form of packets. Packet Scheduler is a program that schedules packet delivery across the network. The number of outstanding packets on the network is the number of packets that have not yet been dispatched. 

When the number of Outstanding Packets hits the legal limit, Packet Scheduler delays the submission of all packets until the number falls below the permissible limit. The internet speed is slowed as a result of this. Set the Outstanding Packets limit to the maximum to prevent this.

Open the Group Policy Editor in the first step. Press Windows + R or type “search” in the search box. Enter gpedit.msc in the Run command box on Windows and click OK.

Step 2: Configure the QoS Packet Scheduler.

Expand QoS Packet Scheduler in the Local Group Policy Editor and choose Limit reservable bandwidth as shown below.

Change the reservable bandwidth limit in step three.

Select the Enabled radio option and set Bandwidth Limit (percent) to 0 in the Next Settings page.

Step 4: Increase the number of outstanding packets.

Similarly, open the policy “Limit outstanding packets” and pick Enabled from the radio option.

Enter 4000000000 in the Number of Packets column and click the OK button.

The group policy editor should now be closed.

4. Turn off any background programs.

Background programs also use up a lot of bandwidth, slowing down your internet connection.

Disabling background programs that you aren’t using is usually a smart idea. Torrent, antivirus, and cloud sharing software use internet bandwidth in the background. Enable these programs only when they are required; otherwise, disable them using the procedures below.

Step 1: Go to Windows Settings and choose Privacy from the drop-down menu, as shown below.

Step 2: On the left side, choose Background Apps, and on the right side, turn off Background Apps.

You may also allow necessary programs to run in the background if you want them to.

5. Turn off Windows Updates.

For routinely upgrading Windows software, Windows 10 uses a lot of bandwidth. Your internet speed will be slowed as a result of this.

Installing the most recent Windows updates is usually a good idea. However, if you are not performing any other online activities, you may manually install Windows updates. 

So, if you want to get the most out of your internet connection, turn off automatic Windows updates and manually install the newest Windows update while you aren’t using it for anything else.

Step 1: Launch the Service Manager application. 

To launch the services manager window, type services in the Windows search box and pick services.

Disable Windows Update Service in Step 2

Double-click on the “Windows Update” service to bring up the properties pane. The window for Service Properties will appear. Put an end to the service. Select Disabled from the Startup type drop-down box to entirely deactivate it.

To save your selection and dismiss the pop-up, click OK.

6. Block or restrict downloads and uploads from other computers.

The Delivery Optimization Feature in Windows downloads updates from other machines on the local network or the internet. It also pushes updates to the rest of the local network’s PCs.

A Windows 10 machine utilizes your internet connection to share data across a peer-to-peer network. Although this function maintains the system up to date, it delays your internet connection.

Disable this feature or lower the default bandwidth given to this capability if you wish to use your internet’s maximum capacity to boost speed.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to improving your internet speed in both directions.

a. Make downloading from other machines impossible.

Step 1: Type “search” into the Windows search box. Open Windows Settings by searching for it. Step 2: In the Windows settings panel, go to Update & Security. Step 3: Select Delivery Optimization from the left column. Step 4: Disable the toggle button for “Allow downloading from other PCs.”

b. Limit the number of machines from which you may download and upload.

Here are the methods for enabling the aforesaid option and limiting the download and upload settings.

Step 1: Select “PCs on my local network and PCs on the Internet” from the “Allow downloads from other PCs” menu when it is enabled.

Step 2: Select Advanced Options from the drop-down menu. Select the check box and update the numbers in the advanced option panel to adjust the settings to your liking.

• Select the checkbox for “Limit how much bandwidth is used for downloading updates in the background” in the Download Settings. To change the bandwidth, use the slider.
• Select the “Limit how much bandwidth is used for uploading updates to other PCs on the internet” option in the Upload Settings. Reduce bandwidth by sliding the slider.

You may also set a restriction on how much you can upload each month. The computer will cease uploading updates once it reaches the limit.

7. Turn on the Metered Connection option.

If you have a restricted internet connection plan, you’ll need to keep track of how much data background apps use. You may regulate downloading and uploading updates on PCs linked to the network or over the internet by setting the network adapter, which helps to improve internet performance on Windows 10 devices.

To set up your network adapter for a metered connection, follow the instructions below.

Step 1: Go to the Windows Settings menu. Step 2: Select Network & Internet from the drop-down menu. Step 3: Click on the Network connection and choose Ethernet.

Step 4: Toggle the “Set as metered connection” toggle switch on the Metered Connection window.

8. Disable the Large Send Offload feature.

TCP’s Big Send Offload (LSO) prevents large data packets from being split into many smaller packets. Keep in mind that the network adapter is required for this capability. This capability isn’t supported by all network adapters. This functionality will not appear on the list if your network adapter does not support it. 

Open Device Manager first. Step 2: Expand Network Adaptors and double-click the network adapter you want to use.

Step 3: Select the Advanced tab. Step 4: Find and choose Large Send Offload v2 (IPv4) from the dropdown menu, then select Disabled.

Step 5: Click OK after doing the same for Large Send Offload v2 (IPv4).

9. Remove the OneNote application from your computer.

You may write and keep notes in an electronic notebook using the Microsoft OneNote program. You may also save audio samples and web pages from the internet. 

When your computer is linked to the internet, the OneNote application continues to synchronize. Your internet speed will be slowed as a result of this. To improve your internet connection, uninstall Microsoft OneNote from the control panel.

10. Install the latest LAN or Ethernet drivers

Driver software that is outdated, faulty, or incompatible might result in reduced connection or bandwidth. Ensure that you get and install the most recent driver software from reputable sources. 

If you use Wi-Fi on your computer, make sure you have the most recent Wi-Fi adapter software. It will not dramatically enhance internet speed, but it will remove any connection issues and allow you to utilise the whole bandwidth.

Go to Device Manager in the first step. Step 2: Select your network adapter by expanding Network Adapter. Step 3: Right-click the chosen device and choose Update Driver Software from the context menu.

After upgrading the driver program, restart your computer.

11. Improve the performance of your browser 

An Internet browser is required to access anything on the internet. If your internet browser is sluggish, it will have a significant influence on your online activities. So, for a better online experience, constantly optimize and update your browser.

To improve your internet browser, do the tasks listed below.

Browser Extensions Should Be Removed

The extensions begin syncing with their individual extension sites for updates as soon as you open the browser. Although it is a good habit, it slows down the performance of your browser. As a result, it’s a good idea to get rid of any superfluous extensions. 

Bookmarks should be removed.

Users on the internet have a tendency of bookmarking websites that they often visit. It is convenient to use, but we often forget to delete bookmarks when they are no longer required. These more bookmarks take up space and slow down the browser.

So, whatever browser you’re using, delete any superfluous bookmarks.

Clear the Cache in Your Browser

When you visit a website, your browser saves part of the information from that page in the browser cache. If you allow website cookies, your browser cache will be filled with files created by the website. This makes the web page load quicker the next time you visit.

However, if you do not often visit certain websites, these files are superfluous and slow down your browser experience. As a result, clearing the browser cache is a good idea from time to time.

12. Remove all temporary and cached files.

While performing activities, Windows services, system programs, and practically all other software applications produce temporary files. These files are saved to your local drive’s Temp Folder.

 The “Temp” folder is used to store temporary files, as you would have guessed. When you restart your computer, Windows deletes these temporary files for you. However, some files will not be erased, wasting disk space and slowing down system performance. For a better system experience, it’s important to erase these temporary files on a regular basis.

These temporary files may be cleared or deleted in a variety of methods.

Method 1: Manually delete temp files

Go to the Windows Search box and type in a search term. ‘Run’ or ‘Windows + R’

Click OK after typing percent temperature percent.

It will provide a list of all temporary files. To permanently remove all files, select them all and hit Shift + Delete. 

Disk Cleanup is the second method.

Type disk cleaning into the Windows search box and choose Disk Cleanup from the results.

• Click OK after selecting the drive/file you wish to clean.
• To remove temporary files, select them and then click OK.

13. Perform a virus scan

When you connect your computer to the internet, it becomes vulnerable to malware assaults. If you do not have antivirus software installed, these malware assaults may do major harm to your system data as well as steal personal information.

If you have malware on your computer or laptop, it will slow down the system’s performance. As a result, using a premium antivirus to secure your computer is highly advised. Also, run an antivirus check on your machine from time to time to discover and eradicate malware and viruses.

14. Make sure your Wi-Fi connection is secure.

If you’re connecting to the internet over Wi-Fi, use a high-security password to protect your connection. If you don’t give your connection a password, anybody may connect to it and use the internet.

When many devices are linked to a single internet connection, your internet speed will be slowed. As a result, don’t share this password with anybody and change it often. 

15. Re-establish the router’s connection

If you’re connecting to the internet through a Wi-Fi network, try reconnecting it. Remove the router’s power supply as well as the data wire. Wait 10–15 seconds before reconnecting the internet wire.

This will usually address the problem of a sluggish internet connection.

That is all there is to it. These are all of the options for boosting internet speed on a Windows 10 PC. Please let us know in the comments the method you used to increase your internet speed.

Cheers !!!

The “what is fast internet speed” is a question that many people are asking. The Tech Support Whale has listed 15 ways to increase the internet speed on Windows 10.

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