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Experiencing slow speeds on your Linksys router while using Windows 11 can be frustrating. Many factors can cause your internet connection to underperform. Fortunately, there are simple steps you can take to troubleshoot and improve your router’s speed.

This guide will walk you through easy, detailed solutions to help you get the full speed from your Linksys router on Windows 11. Each step is explained clearly, so you don’t need to be a tech expert to follow along.

By checking a few settings and performing some basic adjustments, you can often fix speed issues quickly. Let’s start by understanding some quick things to check before diving into the fixes.

Following these solutions in order will save you time and help you identify the root cause of your slow internet.

Quick Note: Prerequisites and Basic Checks

• Check your internet plan: Make sure your internet subscription supports the speeds you expect.
• Verify router placement: Place your Linksys router in an open area away from walls or electronics that cause interference.
• Restart your router: Sometimes, simply rebooting the router can resolve temporary issues.
• Use a wired connection: For testing, connect your PC directly to the router with an Ethernet cable to rule out Wi-Fi issues.

Step 1: Restart Your Router and PC

Restarting your devices is the simplest way to fix many speed problems. It clears temporary glitches and refreshes the network connection.

• Turn off your Linksys router by unplugging it from the power source.
• Wait at least 30 seconds to allow the device to fully reset.
• Plug the router back in and wait for all lights to stabilize.
• Restart your Windows 11 PC to refresh the network settings.

After restarting, test your internet speed. If it’s still slow, move on to the next step.

Step 2: Update Router Firmware

Router firmware is the software that controls your device. Outdated firmware can cause performance issues and security vulnerabilities.

Updating your Linksys router’s firmware ensures it runs efficiently and supports the latest features.

• Open a web browser on your Windows 11 PC.
• Type 192.168.1.1 or myrouter.local in the address bar and press Enter.
• Log in using your router’s admin username and password (check the sticker on your router or manual if unsure).
• Find the Firmware Upgrade or Router Update section in the settings menu.
• Click Check for Updates and follow the on-screen instructions to install the latest firmware.
• After the update completes, your router will reboot automatically.

Firmware updates often fix bugs and improve speed, so this step is important before trying other fixes.

Step 3: Change Wi-Fi Channel and Band

Wi-Fi interference from neighboring networks can slow down your connection. Changing the Wi-Fi channel reduces interference and improves speed.

Linksys routers usually support 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. The 5 GHz band is faster but covers a smaller area.

• Log back into your router’s admin panel (as explained in Step 2).
• Go to the Wireless Settings section.
• For the 2.4 GHz band, try changing the channel to 1, 6, or 11 — these are non-overlapping channels.
• Enable the 5 GHz band if it’s not already active to get faster speeds on compatible devices.
• Save your changes and reconnect your Windows 11 PC to the updated network.

This step helps avoid crowded channels and wireless interference, leading to better speeds.

Step 4: Adjust Network Adapter Settings on Windows 11

Your Windows 11 PC’s network adapter settings can limit speed if not configured properly.

• Press Win + X and select Device Manager.
• Expand the Network adapters section.
• Right-click your wireless adapter and select Properties.
• Go to the Advanced tab.
• Look for settings like Wireless Mode, Preferred Band, or Channel Width.
• Set Wireless Mode to include 802.11ac or 802.11ax if supported (these are faster Wi-Fi standards).
• Set Preferred Band to 5 GHz if available.
• Change Channel Width to 40 MHz or higher for better speeds.
• Click OK to save changes.

Adjusting these settings ensures your PC uses the fastest available Wi-Fi options.

Step 5: Disable Background Apps and Network Usage

Some apps and system processes run in the background and consume bandwidth, reducing your available speed.

• Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
• Go to the Startup tab and disable unnecessary apps from starting automatically.
• Check the Processes tab for apps using a lot of network resources.
• Close or pause apps that are consuming bandwidth during your speed tests.
• Also, temporarily turn off Windows Update or large downloads while troubleshooting.

Reducing background network usage lets your browser or important apps get full speed.

Step 6: Reset Network Settings on Windows 11

If connection issues persist, resetting network settings can fix corrupted configurations.

• Open Settings by pressing Win + I.
• Go to Network & Internet > Advanced network settings.
• Click Network reset at the bottom of the page.
• Click Reset now and confirm the action.
• Your PC will restart and all network adapters will be reinstalled with default settings.

This is a helpful step if your Windows network configuration is causing the speed issue.

FAQs

Why is my Linksys router slow only on Windows 11?

Windows 11 may have different network drivers or settings compared to previous versions. Updating drivers and adjusting network adapter settings can fix compatibility or performance issues.

Can an old router cause slow speeds?

Yes, older routers may not support the latest Wi-Fi standards or speeds. Upgrading to a newer Linksys model can improve overall performance.

Is Wi-Fi speed always slower than wired?

Generally, wired Ethernet connections provide more stable and faster speeds than Wi-Fi. Use a wired connection for speed testing to isolate Wi-Fi-related issues.

How often should I update my router’s firmware?

Check for firmware updates every few months or when you notice performance problems. Keeping firmware up to date improves security and speed.

What if my ISP speed is slower than expected?

Contact your Internet Service Provider to verify your plan and check for outages or throttling that may affect speed.

When Nothing Works

If you have tried all the above steps and still experience slow speeds, consider these options:

• Factory reset your Linksys router: Use the reset button on the back of the router to restore default settings. You will need to reconfigure your Wi-Fi network afterward.
• Test with another device: Check if other devices experience the same speed issues to determine if the problem is with your PC or router.
• Contact Linksys Support: Visit the official Linksys Support page for professional assistance and firmware downloads.
• Consider upgrading your hardware: If your router is several years old, a newer model with better Wi-Fi standards may be necessary.

Conclusion

Getting full speed from your Linksys router on Windows 11 involves checking both your hardware and software settings. Start with simple fixes like restarting devices and updating firmware, then move to adjusting Wi-Fi channels and network adapter settings.

Remember to minimize background network usage and, if needed, reset your network configurations on Windows 11. These detailed steps are designed to be easy to follow and effective for most users.

If problems persist, don’t hesitate to reach out to Linksys support or consider upgrading your equipment. With patience and methodical troubleshooting, you can enjoy the fast, reliable internet connection you expect.