WiFi has become important for those who require good internet speed for their everyday work. In fact, during this pandemic time, people have relied on their WiFi network to get through their everyday lives. So, when there is something important to do and the speed slows down, it sure annoys a lot.
There are several factors at play that affect the speed of WiFi, so we can’t always decide what the real issue is. However, there are multiple things that you can do to fix your WiFi speed in case it is troubling you a lot:
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1. Restart the Router
This is the most common method to fix WiFi speed as it has worked quite well for people. Just turn off your router for 10-20 seconds and then turn it back on. You can find the switch at the back of the router or you can unplug it to cut off power. After you have restarted it, which will take some time, see if it is working as per its usual speed. You can also try restarting the device on which you are using the WiFi.
2. Check Other Devices that are using WiFi
The speed of WiFi depends heavily on the number of devices using it and its total bandwidth. In case the devices using WiFi are playing a game or watching a movie, the speed will slow down gradually. So, it’s best to check what other devices are doing. Also, while you are at it, disconnect all the inactive devices from the wifi. Sometimes even the inactive ones use the bandwidth.
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3. Stop Background Programs Using Bandwidth
Many devices have background programs running. So, it’s best to check the devices and stop these apps from running. Windows update usually does this without letting the users know.
If you are using a PC, then you can check the windows task manager for active programs and stop any program that you feel isn’t necessary and is taking up your WiFi’s bandwidth. It can be done by clicking on ‘end process’ after selecting the program you wish to close.
4. Secure your WiFi
WiFi networks are visible by anyone within a certain distance. So, it might happen that your neighbor is using up your WiFi. It is best to add additional security to your WiFi network. WPA2 security is the right feature to use for this purpose. Set a strong password that can’t be easily hacked by anyone.
5. Your Device and Router’s Location
The distance between your router and your device is an important factor with regards to the WiFi’s speed. The signals are strongest when the device is close to the router and weakest when it is far away. Since the WiFi signal is sent in a dome-like manner, any obstruction in between will slow it down.
So make sure that your router is placed in a central location wherein it can be easily accessed and provides good speed in your house. Additionally, try to stay within close distance to the router.
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6. Change Wi-Fi Channel
Since wireless signals work on different channels, it is important to check how many routers are connected to the channel that you are using. A huge number of routers can easily interfere with each other’s signal, which might be the reason why the speed has slowed down.
To resolve this, you can manually change your channel and go with a relatively lesser load.
7. Windows Network Adapter Power Saver
We usually put our devices on power saver mode to consume less power. However, this can lead to the network adapter being on power saver mode too, which decreases internet performance.
To ensure that doesn’t happen, go to control panel>system and security>power options>change plan settings. Next, go to Change advanced power settings and click on wireless adaptor settings. There, set the performance to “maximum performance”.
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8. Fix Network Drivers
Issues with network drivers are another factor that affects internet speed. So, fix these drivers on your PC to enjoy strong internet connectivity. It can be done by pressing window+R or opening run and typing “devmgmt.msc” in the dialog box.
In device manager right click on “Network adaptors” and select scan for hardware changes.
If you see any driver with a problem, right-click on the driver and select ‘update driver software’.
The problem will be fixed. You can also use the program driver booster if you see the problem persists.
9. Slow Download Speed
If you are encountering a slow download speed but your internet is working fine elsewhere, then maybe your network isn’t the issue. The server where you are downloading from might be slow.
In this situation, you can either download it from another website that’ll offer better speed or wait for the file to be downloaded.
10. Are You Using a VPN?
VPN always slows down internet speed to a certain limit. It happens as VPN apps encrypt and decrypt data in real-time while routing through the traffic on their servers. So, it can easily slow down the internet.
You can either stop using VPN or get a data package that provides better speed.
11. Reset Your Router
If you feel nothing is working, try to reset your router to factory settings. All your customized settings will be deleted along with any issues that might have happened while customizing the router.
Once you have reset your router, which can be done by pressing the reset button for few seconds, you can set a new password to secure it.
12. Contact Your Internet Service Provider
This is the last viable option if you cannot work out the problem even after so many solutions. Your internet service provider will look deeper into this issue and will help in resolving it immediately.
Conclusion
These were a few of the most common ways to encounter slow WiFi issues with ease. The methods are easy to follow and will surely help you in tackling any issues your WiFi might be having. However, in case you can’t do it yourself, you can always contact a professional and get it resolved.