DeviceHowTo
Windows 10⏱ 10 min

How to Fix Slow Internet on Windows 10

Identify and remove the most common causes of slow Wi-Fi or mobile data.

Last verified: February 21, 2026

Slow internet on Windows can be caused by the device itself, the home network, or the ISP — and diagnosing which layer is responsible before changing settings saves significant time. Running a speed test at fast.com while connected via Ethernet rather than Wi-Fi isolates whether the slowness is in the wireless link or the broader internet connection: Ethernet speeds close to the advertised plan speed means Wi-Fi is the bottleneck; identical slow speeds on both point to a router or ISP issue. Background Windows Update downloads, OneDrive sync, and delivery optimisation file sharing to other PCs can also silently saturate bandwidth during active hours.

Quick Steps

Follow in order for the fastest result.

  1. 1Run a speed test at fast.com and note your download and upload speeds as a baseline.
  2. 2Move within 3 metres of the router or connect via Ethernet to eliminate Wi-Fi signal as the cause.
  3. 3Restart the router and modem: unplug from power for 30 seconds, reconnect, wait 2 minutes, then retest.

Still Not Working?

Try these if the steps above didn't help.

Verify the Fix

Confirm everything is fully working before closing this guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my internet slow only on Windows 10 and not other devices?
Device-specific slowness usually indicates a local DNS cache issue, a VPN or proxy active on the device, background downloads consuming bandwidth, or a driver problem. Flush the DNS cache, check for active VPNs, and check what's using bandwidth in Task Manager (Windows) or Activity Monitor (Mac).
How do I test my internet speed on Windows 10?
Go to fast.com or speedtest.net in a browser. For the most accurate result, close all other apps and browser tabs, connect via Ethernet if possible, and run 2–3 tests. Compare the result against your ISP's advertised plan speed.
Does VPN slow down internet on Windows 10?
Yes. VPNs add encryption overhead and route traffic through an intermediate server, typically reducing speeds by 10–40% depending on the VPN provider and the server location chosen. Disable the VPN and retest if you suspect it is causing slowness.
Why is my Wi-Fi slow at home but fast on other networks?
Your home router may be on a congested Wi-Fi channel. Log into the router admin panel (usually 192.168.1.1) and change the Wi-Fi channel for 2.4 GHz to channel 1, 6, or 11, and for 5 GHz try a higher channel. Also check whether your ISP has throttled your connection or if you've reached a data cap.

Same task, different device

Windows 11macOSiPhone (iOS)iPad (iPadOS)Samsung GalaxyGoogle PixelChromebook

Related guides for Windows 10

Fix Wi-Fi Not Working

Restore internet access with fast, high-success diagnostic steps.

Fix Bluetooth Not Working

Resolve pairing failures, connection drops, and missing Bluetooth toggle.

Take a Screenshot

Capture your full screen or a selected region using built-in shortcuts.

Record Your Screen

Start a native screen recording without installing third-party software.