Why Is My Internet So Slow & How to Speed It Up

Why is my connection slow?

Your internet may be lagging for various reasons, such as being too far from your router, outdated drivers, too many background programs running, or even malware. It could be just one issue or a combination of several — so it’s a good idea to go through all of these potential causes until your problem is fully resolved.

1. Too much distance between your device and router

2. Poor quality or damaged cables

3. Too much cached data

4. Outdated browser

5. Malware infection

6. Certain programs using too much bandwidth

7. Network congestion

8. Device needs restarting

9. Router needs restarting

10. Device is running on an outdated OS

11. Drivers are outdated

12. Router firmware is outdated

13. Weak wireless connection

14. Poor signal range

15. Ads and autoplay content are using bandwidth

16. ISP is too slow

17. ISP throttling

18. Strangers are using your Wi-Fi

19. Your current DNS server is slow

20. Your current Wi-Fi channel is congested

21. Network configuration software has become corrupted

22. Startup software is causing conflict

23. Security software is causing interference

24. Performance settings are not correctly optimized

25. Corrupted components or files

26. Network issues identified by diagnostics

27. Outdated hardware

28. Faults on your ISP’s end

Why is my download speed so slow?

Your download speed may be slow due to ISP throttling, outdated equipment, faulty cables, or driver issues. Even if your ISP advertises speeds of up to 100 Mbps, real-world speeds can vary depending on factors such as network congestion, Wi-Fi signal strength, router placement, and the server you’re connecting to.

Your connection may also be affected by network congestion. This happens when the network is overrun with more traffic than it can easily manage. This can slow down your internet. Network congestion typically occurs when multiple devices are using the same internet connection at the same time, especially if you’re doing something demanding, such as online gaming, streaming in high definition, or transferring large files.

How to speed up your internet

There are many ways to speed up your internet, including updating your browser, scanning for and removing viruses, restarting your devices, getting a Wi-Fi extender, and changing your Wi-Fi channel.

Before you begin, it is worth considering if your slow internet or download speed is actually caused by your device, rather than the internet connection itself. For example, if family or friends are able to connect their devices to your internet without issues, then your device is likely the culprit. If so, check out our guides to speeding up your PC, optimizing your Mac, or getting your Android or iPhone running faster.

Here are 28 ways to boost internet speed on your phone, computer, or home network:

1. Minimize the distance between your router and device

Moving closer to your router or relocating it can be an effective way to speed up your internet connection. The farther away your device is from your Wi-Fi router, the slower your internet may be, particularly if you have thick walls.

Your phone or computer doesn’t need to be right next to your router to stream your favorite shows, but closer is generally better. Try to position your devices so there are as few walls as possible, especially concrete or brick walls, and other large obstacles between them and your router to see if this helps.

Not all routers are the same — some have a strong signal, and others don’t. If your signal strength is lacking even when you’re right next to your router, it’s time to get a new one. Look for a solid Wi-Fi router with enough power for your space, or request the latest model from your ISP.

2. Shorten your Ethernet cable

Connecting a computer to a router with an Ethernet cable gives you one of the fastest and most stable internet connections possible. However, for peak performance, the cable should be in good condition — not kinked or damaged — and of decent quality. It also shouldn’t be excessively long beyond spec.

After experiencing regular download drops and Netflix buffering with my 50” Ethernet cable, I switched to a shorter, 30” cable from a higher-quality brand. My problems immediately disappeared. I found this to be a quick and easy way to increase my internet speed and improve my connection, which is especially important for me because I love using streaming services.

3. Clear your browser's cache and browsing history

Too much cached data can cause websites to load slowly, load only partially, or fail to load at all. Clear your browser cache to remove any data that may be interfering. Be aware that clearing your cache can log you out of websites you frequently use, so make sure your login credentials are saved in a reputable password manager to make signing back in easier.

Here’s how to clear your Chrome cache and browsing history on desktop:

1. Open Chrome, click the three dots in the top-right corner, and select Delete browsing data.

   

2. Make sure that Browsing history, Cookies and other site data, Cached images and files, and Download history are checked. Then select All time from the Time range option, and click Delete data.

   

You can also clear your browser history on a phone or tablet. The method differs slightly depending on your platform or model, but the steps are similar: Open Chrome, tap the three dots in the top-right corner, go to History > Delete browsing data…, adjust the options and time range as required, and tap Delete data.

4. Update your browser

If your browser is slow, it could be because it’s outdated. Updating your browser can help fix bugs, security issues, and performance problems.

• To update Chrome: Click the three-dot menu, go to Settings, and select About Chrome (in the left menu). Your browser will automatically update if a new version is available.

• To update Firefox: click the three-line menu, and go to Help > About Firefox. Your browser will check for updates and install any that are available.

• To update Safari: open the Apple menu and navigate to System Settings > General > Software Update. Install any available macOS updates, and Safari will update as part of that process.

You may need to relaunch your browser to finish installing any updates.

5. Scan and remove viruses from your system

Infections can drive unusually high bandwidth usage, often as malware downloads additional code or carries out background activity. Malicious software can reach your device through many channels, including compromised public Wi-Fi networks and phishing attacks.

Use reputable security software like Avast One to scan your device and help detect and remove threats in real time. It can also isolate suspicious files for analysis and identify potential vulnerabilities. As a broader security and performance tool, it also includes features such as AI-powered scam protection and system optimization.

6. Close bandwidth-heavy programs and applications

Unnecessary programs and background activity on your computer could be hogging bandwidth and slowing down your internet connection. Stop these background programs and quit unused applications; it might help speed up your connection.

To stop programs from draining bandwidth and background data, close them or stop them temporarily by right-clicking the program in Task Manager and selecting End task.

Here’s how to close background apps and programs to maximize your internet speed on a PC:

• Right-click the taskbar, open Task Manager, select the Processes tab, and click Network to see the most bandwidth-hungry processes.

• Right-click on the program you want to close and select End task.

When I tested this on my computer, I found that OneDrive was consuming 12 Mbps of bandwidth because it was busy uploading files. I ended the task to improve bandwidth and stop lag while gaming. I then restarted the OneDrive upload later on, when I’d finished gaming.

Ending tasks may only be a temporary fix, as many programs will restart the next time you boot up. A longer-term solution is to put unused programs to sleep, so that only the programs you’re actively using can access your CPU, RAM, hard disk, and network connection.

Download Avast Cleanup and enable Sleep Mode to identify resource-heavy programs and pause them when not in use. This can free up system resources and improve internet performance. Additional features include automatic junk file removal and hard drive optimization to help keep your device running efficiently.

To learn more about computer hygiene, find out how to clean up your PC and clean up your Mac. Phones also need regular maintenance, so learn how to clean up your Android or clear storage on your iPhone.

7. Fix your congested home network

When many devices are connected to the same network, they can compete for bandwidth and reduce overall performance. Modern life is all about being connected; beyond your phone and laptop, the Internet of Things (IoT) means that even household appliances can consume bandwidth.

Here are a few tips to reduce congestion:

Disconnect unused devices

Disconnecting unused devices can reduce background traffic and leave more bandwidth for the ones you’re actively using. Game consoles, TVs, virtual assistants, video doorbells, computers, phones, and smart appliances like thermostats and robot vacuums may download updates or sync data when you’re not using them, which can slow your internet connection.

Most smart devices use little bandwidth, except for temporary increases during big updates. However, if you have a slower broadband speed and a lot of active devices, disconnecting some of them can make a difference. Start with the biggest bandwidth hogs, such as consoles, tablets, and TVs.

Use QoS to prioritize traffic

Most routers allow you to set Quality of Service (QoS), which prioritizes bandwidth for certain activities instead of sharing it equally. For example, you can tell your router to give more bandwidth priority to streaming or gaming.

To enable QoS, you’ll need to log in to your router’s settings menu. Here’s how:

1. Open your browser, type your router’s IP address (usually on the router) in the address bar, and press Enter.

2. Log in with your router’s admin username and password (also usually on the router).

3. Navigate to a section called QoS, Advanced Settings, or Traffic Management.

4. Enable QoS (this may be a toggle, checkbox, or separate setup screen).

Stagger bandwidth-heavy activities on your network

If you expect to use significant bandwidth, schedule it around others in your household. If someone is already performing a data-intensive activity and your task isn’t urgent, wait until later or ask if they can pause temporarily.

Create a guest network for visitors

Set up a guest network for visitors so they can use the internet without joining your main network. Depending on your router, you may be able to place the guest network on the 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz band. This can help keep your main network less crowded while also improving privacy and security by isolating guest devices from your main network.

8. Restart your connected device

If your internet isn’t working as it should, try restarting your computer, phone, or tablet. This refreshes network settings and clears temporary data, which can speed up your connection.

Here’s how to restart different devices:

• PC: Windows icon > Power icon > Restart.

• Mac: Apple icon > Restart.

• iPhone: Hold the side button and either volume button > Slide to power off > Wait about ten or so seconds > Hold the side button.

• Android: Hold the power button > Restart.

9. Restart your router or modem

Restarting your router or modem can often help fix slow internet speeds — I do it every two to three months to keep things working smoothly. Slow router performance could be due to a temporary issue or a bug in the router’s firmware. Unplugging the router may fix these issues and improve your wireless connection.

To restart your router, unplug it for at least 30 seconds before plugging it back in. This may help improve connectivity for devices connected to your home Wi-Fi.

10. Update your device

Operating system (OS) software updates often come with bug fixes, patches, and other performance improvements. These updates can help your device interact more efficiently with your network, which may improve download speeds.

To update macOS, simply go to System Settings > General and click Software Update followed by Update Now.

To perform a software update on Windows 11, go to Settings > System and click on Windows Update in the top right corner. Now select Download and Install and follow the on-screen instructions.

Make sure that you have enough space before installing updates — at least 10% of your hard drive’s total capacity should be enough. Check storage on your Mac to free up space; check the space on your iPhone to see if there’s anything you can delete; reduce the space on your PC taken up by junk files; and improve your Android storage.

11. Update your network drivers

Updating your network driver can improve internet performance. Driver updates are designed to fix issues affecting performance, as outdated drivers can cause compatibility problems, excessive RAM usage, and other performance issues. Updating your drivers can clear these problems up, which can help to increase your network speed.

Mac users generally don’t need to manually update drivers since Apple designs the hardware and software. When you update your macOS, any new drivers will be automatically updated. Windows updates also aim to update drivers, but some may be missing if Microsoft doesn’t have the latest drivers for another manufacturer in its database.

To manually update your network adapter on a PC: Type Device Manager in the taskbar search box and click Open, expand Network adapters, right-click the driver you need to update, and click Update Driver.

If no driver update is available, head to the manufacturer’s website, search for the page with the latest driver releases, and follow the instructions to install it. You can also update any and all your drivers automatically using Avast Driver Updater.

12. Check and update router firmware

Your router’s firmware may need to be updated. To do this, access your router’s web interface from your browser. You can read the manual or check the back of the router to learn how. Once you’ve logged in, look for a button or link called Search for Updates or something similar.

Follow the steps to download the firmware updates. If your connection issue was caused by slow router performance, this may help fix your internet speed issues.

13. Use a plug-in (Ethernet) connection

If your Wi-Fi is consistently slow, switch to a wired connection. Connect your PC or Mac directly to your router with an Ethernet cable — this typically delivers faster, more stable speeds than Wi-Fi.

Ethernet cables are categorized based on their transmission speed and distance. For many homes, a Cat5e cable, with transmission speeds of up to 1 Gbps, is all that is needed. If you want something a bit speedier, try a solid copper Cat6 or Cat6a cable, which can achieve up to 10 Gbps.

14. Improve signal coverage or use an extender

Using a Wi-Fi extender or repeater device can be a simple way to improve Wi-Fi dead zones in your home. A Wi-Fi extender connects to your router’s Wi-Fi signal and repeats it to extend the range. It can often help boost your internet speed throughout your home.

If you’re unsure where the best place to put your Wi-Fi extender or repeater is, a tool like Heatmapper can help, but you’ll need to register for a trial.

After installing Heatmapper, provide it with a floor map of your home so it can map signal strength to your actual home layout. The resulting projection of your home’s Wi-Fi signal strength will show you the best and worst spots for reliable wireless internet.

Make sure to put your router and extender in a place that lets you improve coverage for all your connected devices.

15. Use an ad blocker

The internet is filled with ads, and many sites autoplay videos that consume data in the background. Beyond being distracting, these ads use bandwidth and can slow your connection. Using an ad blocker or privacy-focused browser can reduce unwanted content and free up bandwidth, helping improve browsing speed.

16. Switch to a faster internet provider

The issue may stem from your internet service provider (ISP) or current data plan. Some plans cap speeds, and providers may throttle connections — intentionally slowing bandwidth during heavy use or certain activities.

If you experience consistent slowdowns, especially at specific times, throttling or network congestion could be the cause. Contact your ISP to review your plan, check for upgrade options, or clarify contract terms to try to stop ISP throttling. If performance remains poor, consider switching to a provider with faster speeds and a stronger reputation for reliability.

17. Use a fast VPN

If you think throttling is the problem and you don’t want to switch ISPs, setting up a VPN might help.

By routing your traffic through encrypted servers, a VPN can make it harder for your ISP to identify and selectively throttle certain activities. So while VPNs can sometimes slightly reduce speeds due to encryption overhead and server routing, they may actually improve internet speeds in situations where you’re being throttled.

VPNs also let you browse privately and access content you love, whether you’re at home or on the move. Choose a VPN like Avast SecureLine VPN that has speedy servers located around the world to help provide a fast and more private connection. Why not give it a try today?

18. Password-protect your Wi-Fi

If your Wi-Fi is unprotected, a stranger or neighbor could potentially hijack your connection and slow it down. Most routers come with a default password, but it’s not always very strong.

Here’s how to change your router’s Wi-Fi password:

1. Open your browser, type your router’s IP address in the address bar, and hit Enter.

2. Log in with your router’s admin username and password.

3. Find the option to change your Wi-Fi password and create a strong one.

While you’re updating your password, make sure you have WPA2 or WPA3 security selected in your settings. This encrypts your Wi-Fi, helping to keep your connection secure and your data hidden.

19. Change the DNS server on your computer

The DNS server is like the internet’s phonebook: it translates domain names (like avast.com) into IP addresses (like 23.202.154.159) that devices can understand. Google has a public DNS server that’s considered fast and reliable, making it a good starting place if you want to try changing your DNS server to improve performance.

How to change the DNS server to Google’s public option in Windows

On Windows 11:

1. Go to Settings > Network & internet > Wi-Fi and select your connection. Then click Edit next to DNS server assignment.

2. Select Manual from the dropdown and toggle IPv4 to on.

3. Type 8.8.8.8 in the Preferred DNS field and 8.8.4.4 in the Alternate DNS field, and click Save.

On Windows 10:

1. Type Ethernet or Wi-Fi (depending on your connection) into the search bar, and press Enter.

2. Click Change Adapter Options, right-click your connection, and select Properties.

3. Click Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and then Properties.

   

4. Select Use the following DNS server addresses, type 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4 in the first and second boxes, respectively, and click OK.

   

How to change the DNS server on a Mac

1. Go to the Apple menu > System Settings > Network and click your active connection.

2. Click Details, select DNS, and click the + (plus) button.

   

3. Enter the DNS server addresses. For Google DNS, enter 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4.

20. Change your Wi-Fi channel

Different Wi-Fi channels offer varying levels of capacity for data transmission, and some may be less crowded than others. Changing your Wi-Fi channel could help increase your internet speed.

Think of channels as highway lanes — if yours is crowded, moving to a less busy one can help traffic flow faster. You can change the channel in your router’s settings (often labeled “channel”). Choose a number farther from your current one to reduce overlap and interference.

21. Reset your network configuration settings

Over time, your network settings can become misconfigured, which may cause communication issues with your router. Resetting these settings can restore the default configuration and may help improve your internet connection.

Here’s how to reset your network settings on Windows 11:

1. Search for Settings in the taskbar, and click Open.

2. Click Network & internet > Advanced network settings > Network reset > Reset now.

Here’s how to forget and reconnect to your network on a Mac:

1. Click the Wi-Fi symbol at the top right side of your screen, and select Wi-Fi Settings.

2. Choose Details > Forget This Network > Remove.

3. Rejoin your network by clicking on the Wi-Fi symbol, selecting your network, and inputting your password.

22. Disable conflicting startup or background software

Background apps can contribute to network congestion by using bandwidth in the background. This can be a particular problem with apps or software that launch automatically on startup, as they can push your disk usage towards 100%, making your connection seem slow.

You can disable startup apps on Windows 11 with the following steps:

1. Search for Settings in the taskbar, and click Open.

2. Select Apps > Startup and toggle off any programs or apps that you do not need.

23. Temporarily disable antivirus or firewall software

Sometimes security settings can interfere with internet speed because they scan connections in real time. Misconfigured antivirus or firewall settings can also block your internet connection, for example, if legitimate traffic is mistakenly flagged as malicious.

By temporarily disabling security software, you can check whether this is what’s causing the issue.

The method for disabling security software varies depending on the antivirus program you use. In general, you should be able to disable it by opening the app and finding the option in its menu. Look for an option such as Disable protection or Pause protection, then choose how long to disable it for if prompted.

You can also temporarily disable the built-in firewall and antivirus on Windows or Mac:

On Windows 11:

1. Go to Settings > Privacy & security > Windows Security > Firewall & network protection.

2. Select your network and toggle off the button under Microsoft Defender Firewall.

3. Return to the Windows Security menu and select Virus & threat protection, Manage settings (under Virus & threat protection settings), and toggle off the button under Real-time protection.

On Mac:

1. Click the Apple icon > System Settings > Network.

2. Click Firewall > Toggle off.

If temporarily disabling your antivirus or firewall yields no results, turn them back on as soon as possible to help protect against malware, computer viruses, and other threats.

24. Adjust your power and performance settings

If you’re using a laptop, power efficiency mode is a great way to make your battery last longer. Unfortunately, this can sometimes come at the expense of performance. In power efficiency mode, your device limits CPU usage and may also put your Wi-Fi adapter into a power-saving state, which can lead to lower internet speeds.

Here’s how to adjust your power settings on Windows 11:

1. Go to Settings > System > Power & battery.

   

2. Select Best Performance or Balanced from the Power Mode drop-down menu.

   

On macOS devices, Low Power Mode reduces performance and some background activity to save battery. It doesn’t directly cap your internet speed, but it can still make online apps feel slower or less responsive. You can toggle Low Power Mode on or off in System Settings > Battery.

25. Repair corrupted network components or files

Your device contains many files that support essential functions, including networking. Over time, some of these files can become corrupted or infected as a result of updates or malware. Repairing or restoring these corrupted system components may help improve your internet connection.

On Windows devices, you can locate and repair corrupted files using the built-in System File Checker (SFC) and Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tools:

• SFC works by comparing each individual file on your system to a version of that file stored in a protected folder known as the Windows File Protection cache. If the two versions do not match, then SFC tags it as corrupt and attempts to replace it with a clean copy.

• DISM is a more powerful and comprehensive solution that scans the entire current system condition against a clean copy, or “image,” of the OS stored locally or online. It then attempts to replace any corrupted or missing files from the clean copy.

26. Resolve issues found by diagnostics

Both Windows and Mac devices have built-in troubleshooting tools that can help detect faults, including issues that affect network connectivity. These can include faulty drivers, adapter issues, or DNS problems.

On a Mac, you can follow the steps listed on Apple’s official support page to run wireless diagnostics. On Windows, you can use built-in troubleshooting and diagnostic tools to identify network-related problems.

After running diagnostics, apply the recommended fixes. These will vary depending on the cause of the problem, but they may involve reinstalling or updating drivers, or resetting or replacing your network adapter.

27. Replace outdated routers, adapters, or cables

Just like with software, hardware can also become outdated. This applies to routers, adapters, and cables, which can degrade over time. Improvements in digital infrastructure and Wi-Fi standards can also make older equipment less effective.

Check your hardware for signs of physical damage and wear and tear. If there is obvious damage, replace the equipment and see if this resolves your internet speed issues.

Also consider how long you have had your hardware. If it’s been more than five years since your last upgrade, it may be time to invest in newer equipment.

Even if outdated hardware isn’t the cause of your connectivity problems, newer equipment can still improve performance. Up-to-date technology is more likely to deliver consistent speeds and increased stability, helping you to get closer to the speeds you pay for.

28. Contact your ISP or upgrade your plan

If your equipment is functioning properly, your software is up to date, and troubleshooting hasn’t revealed any issues, the problem may be outside your control. In that case, contact your ISP by email, live chat, or customer support phone number. Tell them what you have already tried, and they should be able to diagnose and fix any issues on their end.

If everything checks out on your provider’s end, your broadband plan may no longer match your needs. For example, you might have upgraded your usage with a smart TV or online gaming since signing up. In that case, switching to a higher-tier plan could improve performance. Always be sure to compare options to find the best value.

How to increase download speed

Download speed and internet speed are closely linked — internet speed refers to your overall connection speed, while download speed is the speed at which data is transferred from the internet to your device. Many people find that 20 Mbps is enough, but gamers and those using more demanding programs may benefit from speeds closer to 100 Mbps.

Here are a few ways to improve download speeds and get the most out of your internet connection:

• Close unnecessary apps and programs.

• Clear cookies.

• Disconnect other devices.

• Download one file at a time.

• Restart your computer.

• Scan for viruses.

• Update drivers and firmware.

How to improve your upload speed

Upload speed is the speed at which you send data to other devices over the internet. It differs from download speed, which is how quickly you receive data, and is typically slower. Strong upload speeds are essential for streaming, video calls, gaming, and any activity that involves sending large amounts of data.

Here are a few ways to improve your upload speed:

• Switch to another ISP or upgrade your plan.

• Update router firmware.

• Close background programs.

• Restart your router.

• Upgrade your router.

Test your internet speed

To test your internet speed, go to speedtest.net and click GO. You’ll get your download and upload speeds in Mbps. You’ll also see how good your speed is for activities such as gaming, streaming, and video conferencing.

If you’re having internet speed issues, check your speeds before and after each fix you attempt. This will help you to identify what makes a difference.

Google also offers a free speed test. Search internet speed test in Google and click Run Speed Test.

For many households, 100 Mbps download and 20 Mbps upload is a solid target, but the right speed depends on how many people and devices are using the connection and what they are doing online. If you engage in bandwidth-heavy activities (gaming, streaming, video conferencing, etc.), you may need higher speeds.

Improve your connection speed with Avast Cleanup

Slow internet isn’t always a network issue — background apps, clutter, and outdated drivers can drag your system down.

Avast Cleanup helps identify and fix these issues automatically, freeing up resources so your device runs more efficiently. Clear junk files, optimize performance, and keep things running smoothly with minimal effort. Try Avast Cleanup for free to indulge your need for speed.