Fix: Slow Internet on One Computer But Fast on Another

Using the same Internet network on two computers can sometimes generate different connection speeds depending on some factors. These factors can cause slow internet on one computer but fast on another.

What causes slow internet on my computer?

Many factors may affect the internet connection on your PC, relatively impacting its speed and performance. So, the presence of these factors on a PC can make its internet speed slower than the other PC.

Furthermore, common factors that are liable to cause slow internet on your computer are:

• Outdated network driver – When the network driver is outdated, it won’t be able to connect faster due to bugs. Also, it lacks the needed features to improve its performance and speed.
• Malware and viruses – Malware and viruses can impact internet speed. They block the internet connection by loading the network with malicious content, causing it to slow down.
• Third-party app – Having many apps running on your computer means it needs more network bandwidth to share between these apps. So, you can experience a slow internet speed on one computer and fast on the other if there’s network congestion due to apps running simultaneously.

Other factors like corrupt TCP/IP stack and outdated Windows can cause slow internet speed. Fortunately, there are ways to get faster internet speeds on your computer.

How to diagnose slow internet connections on one computer?

Users can check a slow internet connection on their computer to know how slow it is running. Some internet speed testing tools can help. Hence, check the link above for tools to check your internet speed and compare it to other computers.

How do I fix slow internet on one computer?

Go through the following preliminary checks:

• Turn off background apps running on your computer.
• Reconnect to the internet network.
• Restart Windows in Safe Mode and check if it improves your internet speed.
• The internet speed may be affected by how far the network device is from your computer. So, you can either move your computer closer to the router to get better coverage or bring the router closer to your computer.

If you can’t fasten your internet speed, proceed with the following solutions.

1. Update the Network driver

1. Press Windows + R keys to prompt the Run window, type devmgmt.msc, and click OK.
2. Expand the Network adapters, right-click the network driver and click Update driver.
3. Select the Search automatically for drivers option.
4. Restart your PC and check if your internet connection speed is faster.

Updating the network driver will fix bugs and resolve issues like slow internet issues while using wired access points, along with installing the latest features to improve your internet experience. Check other steps for updating drivers on Windows 11 if you have any issues.

If this method seems too tedious, you can use a third-party tool to automatically find and update any outdated driver.

⇒ Get Outbyte Driver Updater

2. Restart the Network Adapter

1. Press Windows + R keys to prompt the Run window, type devmgmt.msc, and click OK.
2. Expand the Network adapters, right-click the network driver, and choose Properties from the drop-down.
3. Click on the Advanced tab, go to the Property window, click on the Speed & Duplex option and ensure that the Auto-Negotiation is set.
4. Navigate to the Network adapters, right-click the network driver and select Disable device from the drop-down.
5. Repeat step 4 and select Enable device from the drop-down.

Restarting the Network adapter will help refresh its process on your computer and improve its functionality. Read how to fix network drivers not found on Windows 11.

3. Uninstall unnecessary apps

1. Left-click the Start button, type Control Panel, then press Enter.
2. Click on Programs and Features.
3. Find and click on the app to uninstall, and click on the Uninstall button.
4. Select Remove on the uninstall wizard prompt, then click Next to continue.
5. Click Yes and wait for the process to complete.
6. Repeat the same process for other applications you want to uninstall.

Uninstalling unnecessary apps on your computer will remove any impediments they cause to the internet speed.

4. Reset TCP/IP Stack

1. Left-click the Start button, type cmd, and click to open the Command Prompt.
2. Type the following in the command bar and press Enter: netsh int ip reset c:\resetlog.txt
3. Restart your PC.

Resetting the TCP/IP stack will restore its default settings and fix any configuration issues that may slow down your internet speed.

Alternatively, users can read through our guide on how to fix network congestion on Windows 11 for more information on increasing internet speed. And if you’re able to fix congestion issues, your video calls are slow despite having a fast internet connection, you may have to change your Wi-Fi channel.

Also, you can check what Wi-Fi packet loss is and how to fix it on your PC.

If you have further questions or suggestions, kindly drop them in the comments section below.