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Network throttling can be frustrating, especially when you’re trying to work or stream online. Windows 11 sometimes limits your internet speed unintentionally, causing slow connections. Fortunately, there are simple ways to fix this issue.

This guide walks you through easy steps to identify and resolve network throttling problems on your Windows 11 PC. You don’t need to be a tech expert to follow along.

By the end, you’ll understand why throttling happens and how to improve your internet speed for a smoother experience. Let’s get started with some quick checks before diving into the solutions.

Take your time with each step, and you should see better network performance soon.

Quick Note: Things to Check Before You Begin

• Internet Plan: Make sure your internet service provider (ISP) supports the speeds you expect.
• Router Status: Restart your router to refresh your connection.
• Network Congestion: Avoid heavy downloads or multiple devices using the network at once.
• Background Apps: Close apps that might be using bandwidth in the background.

These simple checks can sometimes resolve throttling without further steps.

Step 1: Disable Windows Delivery Optimization

Windows 11 has a feature called Delivery Optimization that shares updates with other PCs on the internet. While useful, it can slow down your network by using bandwidth in the background.

To turn it off:

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
2. Click Windows Update on the left menu.
3. Select Advanced options, then click Delivery Optimization.
4. Toggle off the switch labeled Allow downloads from other PCs.

Disabling this feature frees up bandwidth that Windows might otherwise use without your knowledge.

Step 2: Set Your Network Connection as Metered

Marking your network as metered can help prevent Windows from using excessive bandwidth for automatic updates and background tasks.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Open Settings with Windows + I.
2. Go to Network & Internet.
3. Select your current connection (Wi-Fi or Ethernet).
4. Scroll down to find Metered connection.
5. Toggle on Set as metered connection.

This limits background data usage and can reduce network throttling caused by Windows processes.

Step 3: Disable Large Send Offload (LSO) in Network Adapter Settings

Large Send Offload is a network feature that offloads some data processing to your network adapter. Sometimes, it causes slowdowns or throttling.

To disable LSO:

1. Press Windows + X and select Device Manager.
2. Expand the Network adapters section.
3. Right-click your active network adapter and choose Properties.
4. Go to the Advanced tab.
5. Find options named Large Send Offload v2 (IPv4) and Large Send Offload v2 (IPv6).
6. Select each one, and set their value to Disabled.
7. Click OK and restart your PC.

Disabling LSO can improve network responsiveness and reduce throttling effects.

Step 4: Adjust Windows Auto-Tuning Level

Windows uses a feature called Auto-Tuning to optimize network data flow. Sometimes, the default setting can cause throttling issues.

To check and change Auto-Tuning:

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator: Press Windows + S, type cmd, right-click on Command Prompt, and select Run as administrator.
2. Type the following command and press Enter:
   netsh interface tcp show global
3. Look for the line Receive Window Auto-Tuning Level: If it says normal, you can try disabling it.
4. To disable, type:
   netsh interface tcp set global autotuninglevel=disabled
   and press Enter.
5. Restart your PC to apply changes.
6. If this causes issues, you can revert back by typing:
   netsh interface tcp set global autotuninglevel=normal

Adjusting Auto-Tuning can solve hidden network speed limitations.

Step 5: Check for Network Driver Updates

Outdated or faulty network drivers can cause throttling and slow internet speeds. Keeping drivers updated ensures your network hardware works efficiently.

To update network drivers:

1. Press Windows + X and select Device Manager.
2. Expand Network adapters.
3. Right-click your network device and select Update driver.
4. Choose Search automatically for drivers.
5. Follow any prompts to install updates.
6. Restart your PC if needed.

If Windows can’t find a better driver, check your PC or network card manufacturer’s website for the latest version.

Alternative Method: Use Third-Party Network Optimization Tools

Some users prefer third-party software to optimize network settings automatically. Tools like TCP Optimizer can adjust your Windows network parameters safely.

If you choose to use such software, always download from trusted sources and create a system restore point before making changes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why is my internet speed slower on Windows 11 than other devices?

Windows 11 may have background services or settings that limit bandwidth to save data or improve stability. Other devices might not have these restrictions.

Does setting my connection as metered affect updates?

Yes, Windows will limit background downloads and updates on metered connections, which helps reduce bandwidth use but may delay some updates.

Can a VPN cause network throttling?

Yes, some VPNs reduce speed due to encryption overhead or server limitations. Try disabling your VPN temporarily to test your connection.

Is restarting my router important?

Absolutely. Restarting clears temporary issues or memory leaks in your router that might slow your connection.

Will disabling Auto-Tuning harm my network?

Generally no, but it may reduce some advanced optimizations. You can always re-enable it if you notice problems.

When Nothing Works

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

• Contact your ISP to check for throttling or outages on their end.
• Reset your network settings by going to Settings > Network & Internet > Advanced network settings > Network reset.
• Use Windows Network Troubleshooter: Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters > Internet Connections.
• Visit the official Microsoft support page for Windows 11 networking issues: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows.

If possible, try connecting to a different network to isolate whether the problem is with your PC or your internet service.

Conclusion

Network throttling in Windows 11 can often be fixed by simple adjustments to system settings and drivers. Disabling Delivery Optimization, setting your connection as metered, and updating drivers are effective first steps.

More advanced options like disabling Large Send Offload and adjusting Auto-Tuning provide additional improvements for persistent issues. Always remember to restart your PC after changes and test your internet speed.

With patience and the right steps, you can restore your Windows 11 PC to faster and smoother network performance.