How to Increase Windows 10 Bandwidth: Step-by-Step Guide to Improve Network Speed

Experiencing slow internet speeds on your Windows 10 device can be frustrating. Fortunately, there are simple steps you can take to optimize your network bandwidth. Improving bandwidth helps you enjoy faster downloads, smoother video streaming, and better online gaming experiences.

This guide will walk you through easy, detailed methods to increase your Windows 10 bandwidth. No advanced technical skills are required, and each step is explained clearly.

By following these instructions, you can make the most out of your existing internet connection without needing to upgrade your plan immediately. Let’s get started on improving your network speed.

Remember, some solutions might work better depending on your specific setup and hardware.

Quick Note Before You Begin

Before diving into the steps, make sure you have a few things checked to avoid unnecessary troubleshooting:

Check your internet plan: Know your maximum internet speed from your service provider. There’s no way to exceed this limit through software tweaks.
Restart your modem and router: Sometimes, simply rebooting your network devices can fix temporary slowdowns.
Use a wired connection if possible: Ethernet connections are usually faster and more stable than Wi-Fi.
Close bandwidth-heavy applications: Programs like cloud backups, streaming apps, or downloads can consume your bandwidth.

Step 1: Disable Background Apps Using Network

Many apps run in the background and use your internet without you noticing. Disabling these can free up bandwidth.

Click on the Start button and select Settings (gear icon).
Go to Privacy > Background apps.
Scroll through the list and toggle off apps that don’t need to run in the background.
Close the Settings window.

Why this helps: Background apps might be updating or syncing data, using your bandwidth without your knowledge.

Step 2: Limit Delivery Optimization

Windows 10 has a feature called Delivery Optimization, which can use your internet to send updates to other PCs. Limiting this can improve your bandwidth.

Open Settings > Update & Security > Delivery Optimization.
Toggle off Allow downloads from other PCs.
If you want to keep it on, click Advanced options and set limits on bandwidth usage.

Why this helps: Delivery Optimization uses your upload bandwidth, which can reduce your overall internet speed.

Step 3: Disable Windows Update Peer-to-Peer Sharing

This is related to Delivery Optimization but specifically targets Windows Update sharing across devices on your network.

Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
Click on Advanced options.
Select Delivery Optimization, then click Choose how updates are delivered.
Turn off Updates from more than one place.

Why this helps: Disabling this prevents your PC from using bandwidth to upload updates to other computers.

Step 4: Change Network Adapter Settings

Adjusting your network adapter settings can improve performance and reduce interference.

Press Windows + X and select Network Connections.
Click on Change adapter options.
Right-click your active network adapter and select Properties.
Click Configure and go to the Advanced tab.
Look for settings like Speed & Duplex and set it to the highest supported speed (e.g., 1.0 Gbps Full Duplex).
Disable any power-saving options if available.
Click OK to save changes.

Why this helps: Forcing the adapter to use the highest speed can improve throughput. Power-saving features sometimes reduce performance to save energy.

Step 5: Flush DNS Cache

Sometimes slow browsing is due to DNS cache issues. Flushing it can help speed up your connection to websites.

Press Windows + R, type cmd, then press Enter.
In the Command Prompt window, type ipconfig /flushdns and press Enter.
You will see a confirmation message once the DNS cache is cleared.

Why this helps: Flushing the DNS cache removes old or corrupted data that might slow down domain name resolutions.

Step 6: Change DNS Server

Using a faster DNS server can improve how quickly websites load.

Open Control Panel and go to Network and Internet > Network and Sharing Center.
Click on your active connection and then select Properties.
Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and click Properties.
Choose Use the following DNS server addresses.
Enter these popular public DNS servers:
- Preferred DNS server: 8.8.8.8 (Google DNS)
- Alternate DNS server: 8.8.4.4
Click OK to save.

Why this helps: Some ISP DNS servers are slow. Using Google DNS or Cloudflare (1.1.1.1) can speed up domain lookups.

Step 7: Disable Large Send Offload (LSO)

Large Send Offload is a network feature that can sometimes cause slowdowns on certain hardware.

Go back to your network adapter properties as in Step 4.
Under the Advanced tab, find Large Send Offload (IPv4 and IPv6).
Set both to Disabled.
Click OK.

Why this helps: Disabling LSO can reduce CPU overhead and improve network performance on some systems.

Step 8: Scan for Malware

Malware or viruses can consume bandwidth by running malicious background tasks.

Use Windows Defender or another trusted antivirus to perform a full system scan:

Open Windows Security from the Start menu.
Go to Virus & Threat Protection.
Click Scan options and choose Full scan.
Start the scan and follow prompts to remove any threats found.

Why this helps: Removing malware ensures no hidden processes are using your internet without permission.

Alternative and Advanced Options

If the basic steps don’t fully resolve your speed issues, you can try these additional methods:

Use Quality of Service (QoS) settings: Some routers allow you to prioritize traffic to certain devices or applications.
Update network drivers: Visit your network adapter manufacturer’s website to download the latest drivers.
Reset Network Settings: Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Status > Network reset. This resets all network adapters and settings.
Use third-party bandwidth monitoring tools: Programs like NetLimiter can help you see what apps are using your bandwidth.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I increase internet speed beyond what my ISP provides?

No. Your internet speed is limited by the plan you purchase from your ISP. You can only optimize your current bandwidth usage.

Will disabling background apps affect my computer’s performance?

Disabling unnecessary background apps will not harm your computer and may improve speed by freeing up resources.

Is using a wired Ethernet connection always faster than Wi-Fi?

Generally yes, because Ethernet is less prone to interference and has more stable speeds.

How often should I flush the DNS cache?

Flushing DNS occasionally, such as when you experience slow website loading, can help but doesn’t need to be done regularly.

What if my network adapter settings don’t have the options mentioned?

Not all network cards support all advanced settings. You can skip those steps or check for updated drivers.

When Nothing Works

If after trying all these steps your bandwidth is still slow, consider the following:

Contact your ISP: There could be an issue with your internet service or plan.
Check your hardware: Faulty cables, modems, or routers can limit speeds.
Visit Microsoft Support: Official Windows 10 Network Troubleshooting
Consider upgrading your plan or hardware: Sometimes, faster internet requires better equipment or a higher tier service.

Conclusion

Increasing your Windows 10 bandwidth doesn’t have to be complicated. By disabling unnecessary background apps, adjusting settings like Delivery Optimization, and optimizing your network adapter, you can improve your internet speed noticeably. Remember to keep your network drivers updated and scan regularly for malware to maintain optimal performance.

Start with the simple steps and progress to more advanced options only if needed. This approach ensures you maximize your current connection without unnecessary hassle.

With a bit of time and patience, you can enjoy a smoother, faster online experience on your Windows 10 PC.