In today’s digital age, a smooth and efficient network connection on your Windows PC is essential for both leisure and productivity. However, many users often face issues with sluggish internet speeds or unstable connections. This guide offers practical steps you can take to enhance your Windows network performance.
1. Update Network Drivers
Outdated or corrupted network drivers can severely impact your network performance. To update them, open Device Manager by typing “Device Manager” in the Windows search bar. Expand the “Network adapters” section, right-click your network card, and select “Update driver.” Choose “Search automatically for updated driver software” and follow the prompts.
2. Optimize Network Settings
Windows automatically configures your network settings, but they may not always be optimal. Glary Utilities can be a great tool to fine-tune these settings. It offers a Network Tweaks feature that adjusts a variety of network settings for optimal performance. Download and install Glary Utilities, then navigate to the Optimize & Improve section and select Network Tweaks to see what can be adjusted.
3. Disable Background Applications
Background applications can consume a significant portion of your bandwidth. To manage them, press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the Task Manager. Go to the “Startup” tab and disable any unnecessary applications that start with your PC. Additionally, check the “Processes” tab to identify apps consuming network resources and close them if necessary.
4. Use a Wired Connection
If possible, use a wired Ethernet connection instead of Wi-Fi. Wired connections generally offer more stable and faster speeds. Simply connect your computer to the router using an Ethernet cable. If you have to use Wi-Fi, ensure that your router is not blocked by walls or furniture, and consider upgrading to a newer model that supports faster speeds.
5. Adjust Your Wi-Fi Channel
Interference from other devices can cause network congestion. You can change your Wi-Fi channel to a less crowded one. Access your router’s settings by entering its IP address in your web browser (commonly 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1). Log in, find the Wireless settings, and change the channel. Use a Wi-Fi analyzer app to find the best channel for your location.
6. Limit Bandwidth for Background Apps
Windows 10 and later versions provide an option to set bandwidth limits for background apps. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Delivery Optimization, and then click “Advanced options.” Here, you can set limits on the bandwidth used for downloads and updates in the background.
7. Enable QoS on Your Router
Quality of Service (QoS) is a feature available on many modern routers that prioritizes network traffic. This is particularly useful if multiple devices are connected to the same network. To enable it, log into your router’s settings, locate the QoS settings, and configure them according to your needs. Prioritize bandwidth for devices or applications that require more speed, like online gaming or video conferencing.
8. Use a DNS Service
Changing your DNS server can lead to faster internet browsing. Open Network & Internet settings by right-clicking on the network icon in the system tray and selecting “Open Network & Internet settings.” Choose “Change adapter options,” right-click your active connection, and select “Properties.” Double-click “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4),” check “Use the following DNS server addresses,” and enter a preferred DNS, such as Google’s (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4).
9. Perform a Network Reset
If all else fails, a network reset can restore your network settings to default, which can solve persistent issues. Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Status, scroll down to “Network reset,” and click it. This will remove and reinstall all network adapters and set other networking components back to their default settings.
By following these steps, you can significantly improve your Windows network performance. For a comprehensive solution that includes more tools for performance optimization, consider using Glary Utilities to achieve a seamlessly running network.