Experiencing a slow computer can be an issue with many different areas within a computer’s software or hardware. For example, a slow computer can cause errors in uploading information or downloading a file, even if it is small. We can go forever on reasons as to why a computer is slow, although if the internet is slow on one computer but fast on another, it can be solved through different solutions.
Below, we will highlight why your internet is slow on one computer, and dive into the possible solutions to help you get your computer running just as fast as its counterparts. But first, let’s take a look!
Possible reasons for the issue
There are several reasons why your internet is slower on one computer, more than another. These issues can either be fixed quickly, or they may take you more time than expected. Either way, here are the few leading causes for slow internet on one computer:
- Computer’s Position
- Harmful software
- Background-Running Apps
- Using a VPN
- Hardware Problems (no compatibility or outdated hardware)
- Outdated network driver
- Wrong Settings (TCP/IP Stack)
Depending on the scenario, consider each of these possible causes into your own issue, and let’s look at how we can implement solutions to these lousy internet connection causes.
Steps you can try
We have put together all of the possible solutions to bring your computer back to its perfect productive internet speed. All solutions always start with the most helpful and end with the least beneficial, according to users who have experienced similar issues. This effectively prioritizes your time spent on this issue and helps you as fast as possible.
1. Try a better spot with stronger signal
Typically, the internet has a specific bandwidth, and if you are somewhere in the house away from the router, especially with walls in the way, this can cause your computer to lose access to the internet.
To receive better internet, you can move to a different part of your house or office, which may give you better internet access. Typically, fewer walls and closer to the router is the best solution for a better connection.
2. Scan for malware or suspicious software
This is, unfortunately, a pervasive issue when the internet is slow on one computer but fast on another can often be attributed to harmful software infiltrations. Such intrusions can majorly decelerate a computer, and if not addressed promptly, you may find the computer unusable.
The best way to eliminate these infiltrations is to run Antivirus scans. Then, you can run programs through Windows security or a trusted protection software to avoid the issue in the future.
Recommended to read: Boost Your Xfinity Upload Speed with These Easy Fixes
3. Reset your network settings
Resetting your network devices is one of the main actions you should consider when fixing a network connection issue. Below we have put together the steps to reset your networking devices properly:
- Shutdown PC: To correctly proceed to a proper reset, turning off your computer is vital to ensuring adequate reconnection.
- Understand your Modems Location: Find precisely where your modem is located and note its lights when it is normal and ready.
- Unplug the power cord: unplug from your modem the power cable and any switches or hubs between your computer and the modem, including any wireless boosters or connecting points.
- Plug-in Modem: Once everything is unplugged, re-plug in your modem, but only your modem.
- Wait for Lights: Wait until the lights on your modem show regular operation again (as mentioned before).
- Plug-in Router: If you have one, plug in your router and wait at least 5 minutes for it to boot completely. Since most routers have no way of externally showing they are on, five minutes is always a reasonable time to ensure it is ready.
- Plug-in Everything Else: After five minutes, plug in any other connectors between your computer and the modem.
- Turn On the Computer: Power your computer back on.
If you reboot your computer, but it is STILL not connected to the internet, you will want to reset its network stack:
- On your computer’s taskbar, click Start, type “command prompt”, right-click the command prompt result, select “Run as administrator”, and confirm.
- Return to the command prompt (avoid restarting your PC until completed):
- Type the following command prompts, and after each, press Enter:
- “ipconfig /release”
- “ipconfig /flushdns”
- “ipconfig /renew” (This will stall for a moment.)
- “netsh int ip reset” (Don’t restart yet.)
- “netsh winsock reset”
- Restart your PC using Start > Power > Restart again and test whether the issue is resolved.
Watch this solution in action:
4. Perform a clean boot or factory reset
Although this is not always the easiest solution, this has been proven to be an effective method of wiping any issues affecting your computer. For example, cleaning boot windows, or eventually factory reset, has often been proven to have fixed the internet slow on one computer.
Typically, this process is done much easier if you have an external SSD to save all of your information from outside your computer.
5. Close unused background apps
Background and unused software can significantly affect the performance of your computer, which can be easily solved by going through the software you do not need. Many users have fixed their slow computer issues by disabling/deleting a lot of software, as at least one might be affecting the PC significantly.
- Press Ctrl+Shift+Esc on your keyboard
- In the Processes tab, end tasks that no longer needed
- Go to the Performance tab and click on Open Resource Monitor
- In the Resource Monitor window, open the Memory tab and end unimportant processes there
6. Let the machine cool and reset
Although this method has not worked for everyone, it has, for some, been a lifesaver. Unplugging the computer from the power supply for a few hours has helped some users have everything come back to normal. With the same speeds as the computer should be producing.
7. Switch between 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz
Changing the Frequency can make a real difference to your slow connection. There will be something to switch on the router’s frequency, and you will need to follow these steps:
- Go to your computer device and go to Network & Internet > Wifi
- View the frequency applied and ensure you can change it
- If you cannot change the frequency, go to your router’s settings
- Alter your router’s configurations (if possible) to have 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz.
Recommended to read: Ways to Use 2.4GHz Devices on a 5GHz Network
If you can alter the router’s settings, contact your network provider, who can give you proper instructions on switching the frequency options.
