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How to Fix Network Throttling Issues in Windows 11: Step-by-Step Solutions

Network throttling can be frustrating, especially when you need a fast and stable internet connection on your Windows 11 device. It can slow down your browsing, streaming, and online work unexpectedly. Fortunately, there are simple ways to identify and fix throttling issues.

This guide will walk you through easy-to-follow steps to troubleshoot and resolve network throttling problems. You don’t need to be a tech expert to improve your internet speed on Windows 11. Each step is explained clearly so you can understand why it’s necessary.

Whether your connection feels unusually slow or inconsistent, these solutions will help you get back to smooth online activity. Let’s start by checking some quick basics before diving into fixes.

Follow along carefully, and you should see improvements in your network performance soon.

Quick Note: Prerequisites and Initial Checks

Before you begin troubleshooting, it’s important to verify a few things. These quick checks help avoid unnecessary steps and make sure the issue is related to your Windows 11 setup.

  • Check your internet speed: Use a website like Speedtest.net to measure your current download and upload speeds.
  • Restart your router and PC: Sometimes, a simple reboot clears temporary glitches causing throttling.
  • Confirm other devices: See if other devices on your network also experience slow speeds. This helps determine if the issue is with your PC or the network itself.
  • Check for background downloads: Make sure no large updates or downloads are running in the background on your PC.

Step 1: Disable Windows Network Throttling Index

Windows has a feature called the Network Throttling Index that can intentionally limit network speed to prioritize multimedia streaming. Disabling this can sometimes improve your connection, especially for gaming or large downloads.

Here’s how to disable it:

  1. Press Windows + R keys to open the Run dialog.
  2. Type regedit and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.
  3. Navigate to this path:
    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindows NTCurrentVersionMultimediaSystemProfile
  4. Look for a value named NetworkThrottlingIndex. If it doesn’t exist, create a new DWORD (32-bit) Value with this name.
  5. Double-click on NetworkThrottlingIndex and set its value data to ffffffff (this disables throttling).
  6. Click OK and close the Registry Editor.
  7. Restart your computer for changes to take effect.

Why this matters: Disabling the throttling index tells Windows not to limit your network speed for system activities, which can help improve overall throughput.

Step 2: Turn Off Delivery Optimization

Windows 11 uses Delivery Optimization to share updates with other PCs on your network or the internet. This can consume bandwidth and cause throttling.

To turn it off:

  1. Open Settings by pressing Windows + I.
  2. Go to Windows Update > Advanced options > Delivery Optimization.
  3. Toggle off Allow downloads from other PCs.

This will prevent your PC from using bandwidth to upload updates to others, freeing up your internet connection.

Step 3: Check for Background Apps Using Network

Some apps may use your network heavily without you knowing, causing throttling. Identifying and managing them can improve your speeds.

To check this:

  1. Open Task Manager by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc.
  2. Click the Processes tab.
  3. Click the Network column header to sort apps by network usage.
  4. Look for any apps using a lot of bandwidth.
  5. Right-click on unnecessary apps and select End task to stop them temporarily.

Stopping these apps can help free up bandwidth and reduce throttling effects.

Step 4: Update Network Drivers

Outdated or corrupt network drivers can cause poor performance and throttling. Updating them may resolve these issues.

Follow these steps:

  1. Press Windows + X and select Device Manager.
  2. Expand the Network adapters section.
  3. Right-click your network adapter and select Update driver.
  4. Choose Search automatically for drivers and let Windows find any updates.
  5. Restart your PC if an update is installed.

Keeping drivers updated ensures your network hardware works efficiently with Windows 11.

Step 5: Disable Metered Connection (If Enabled)

Windows may limit bandwidth on metered connections to save data. If your network is set as metered, it can cause throttling.

To check and disable:

  1. Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi (or Ethernet if wired).
  2. Click on your connected network.
  3. Scroll to find Metered connection.
  4. Make sure Set as metered connection is toggled Off.

Turning off the metered connection option allows Windows to use full bandwidth.

Alternative Method: Use Command Prompt to Reset Network Settings

If the above steps don’t resolve throttling, resetting your network settings can help fix deeper issues.

Here’s how:

  1. Open Command Prompt as administrator: Click Start, type cmd, right-click Command Prompt, and select Run as administrator.
  2. Run these commands one by one, pressing Enter after each:
netsh winsock reset
netsh int ip reset
ipconfig /release
ipconfig /renew
ipconfig /flushdns

After running these commands, restart your computer.

This process resets your network stack and can resolve complex throttling caused by corrupted settings.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is network throttling in Windows 11?

Network throttling is when Windows intentionally limits your internet speed to prioritize system tasks like media streaming or updates. Sometimes this can slow down your connection more than necessary.

Can my internet provider cause throttling?

Yes, your ISP might throttle your internet during peak times or after certain data limits. The steps here help fix throttling caused by Windows, but ISP throttling is outside your PC’s control.

Is it safe to edit the Registry for network throttling?

Yes, but be careful. Always back up your registry before making changes. Incorrect edits can cause system issues.

Will disabling Delivery Optimization affect Windows updates?

No, updates will still download normally. Disabling Delivery Optimization only stops your PC from sharing updates with others, reducing bandwidth use.

How often should I update my network drivers?

Check for updates every few months or if you notice network performance issues.

Will resetting network settings remove saved Wi-Fi passwords?

No, the reset commands listed do not remove saved Wi-Fi passwords. However, a full network reset from Settings would.

When Nothing Works

If you’ve tried all the steps above and still experience network throttling, consider the following options:

  • Contact your Internet Service Provider (ISP): Ask if there are any known issues or throttling policies affecting your connection.
  • Use Windows Network Troubleshooter: Go to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters > Internet Connections and run the troubleshooter.
  • Check official Microsoft support: Visit the Microsoft Windows support site for updates and advanced guides.
  • Consider upgrading hardware: Sometimes older routers or network cards can cause throttling. Upgrading to newer equipment may help.

Conclusion

Network throttling on Windows 11 can slow down your internet and disrupt your online experience. By following these simple steps—from disabling the Network Throttling Index to updating drivers—you can often fix these issues yourself. Always start with basic checks and progress to more advanced fixes only if needed.

Remember to keep your system updated and monitor background apps that might consume bandwidth. If problems persist, don’t hesitate to seek help from your ISP or Microsoft support. With patience and the right approach, you can enjoy faster and smoother network performance on your Windows 11 PC.

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