Who among us does not want to get faster internet speed all the time? But it is not possible most of the time. It does not matter how faster your internet connection is. If you want to get faster internet speed, most of the time, you should be aware of standard practices to remove your internet browser cache and empty temp folder while using Microsoft Windows. So hereunder in this article, we are giving you essential tips to improve your internet speed.
How to Fix Slow Internet Connection?
Let’s find out how to increase download speed and get rid of slow internet connection.
1. Check Your Speeds and Your Plan
You’ve subscribed to a higher Internet package, but you’re still getting slow speeds. Either log on to your ISP’s website or call them and find out what plan you have. Then go to Speedtest.net or DSLreports.com and run a speed test. Repeat several times a day to see a variation in speed. If you’re getting the speeds you’re paying for, then it is fine. Otherwise, you need an upgrade.
2. Troubleshoot Your Hardware
Don’t go cursing your ISP. Check your modem and router first. If they need a reset, do so and see if that helps. An outdated network or faulty equipment may affect your connection. Rearrange and reconfigure, if need be. Bypass your router, swap cables, and test with multiple devices before thinking about upgrading, repairing, or replacement. Checklist these troubleshooting steps to determine if it’s a hardware problem. If it’s not, fix or upgrade your router or modem, and you should be browsing speedily once again.
3. Fix Your Wi-Fi Signal
Wi-Fi and other types of wireless connections may become slow due to signal interference. Your router and internet may be fine, but your wireless signal is weak, causing a slow internet connection. Household appliances and even neighbors may piggyback your network. Password protect, reposition, and tweak your router for better performance and change your Wi-Fi channel number. Another tip – The closer you are to the router, the better your connection.
4. Turn Off Bandwidth-Hogging Plugins and Apps
Your hardware may be working fine, but other programs could be taking over the connection. Check for uploads and other processes running behind other apps minimized to the system tray consuming network resources. Videos that require games and programs take up a lot of data causing your connection to become sluggish. Make sure no programs are running in the background when troubleshooting a slow internet connection. You can install extensions like AdBlock Plus or FlashBlock to block ads, animations, and videos, causing your connection to become slow.
5. Try Another DNS Server
Sometimes the DNS server you’re can be down. Find the fastest and most secure DNS server for better searching. If your default DNS server is fine, then there’s no need to go on an alternative server.
6. Optimize Your Web
There will be times when you’re out of the house, and you can’t do anything nothing about your slow speeds. In that case, optimize your web for a slower connection. Use mobile or HTML versions of your favorite sites on your laptop, tablet or phone, disable images, and use features like Opera Turbo. Troubleshoot by setting up a secondary browser – it can make a difference on a slow internet connection. You can always tether to your smartphone, turning it into an access point for your laptop or another wireless device. But tethering via your smartphone could use up your data limit. Employ the same data-saving tips when using your phone’s tethering service as data is not only hard to come by, but can be potentially pricey.
7. Work Smarter and Better
You may have tasks that need to be done. And if your connection is slow, try to prioritize them. Get the light ones done first, and group all heavy tasks so you can do them when you have faster access. If not at home, try and borrow a neighbor or relative’s connection just for those tasks. Similarly, if you’re doing basic writing, do it in a text editor instead of on your browser.
8. Call Your ISP
Speed depends on your ISP. It could be possible that your ISP may be having issues. Call them and see if the problem is at their end. Your service provider could have changed their network configuration or installed filters and controls, causing a slow internet connection. Also, if you’ve been paying for slow speeds, all this time, chances are you can get a better deal on your internet with your ISP.
9. Get a New Service Provider
Your ISP doesn’t provide the speeds you want? Sick of their horrible customer service? It’s time to find a new one. It can be a difficult task as ISPs can stifle competition and giving consumers a few options to choose from. But first understand what kind of connection you want – cable, DSL, satellite, or fiber. You should do a little research before you pick up the phone. Choose the best provider in your area, and make sure they provide the speeds you want. Stream videos and movies, listening to your favorite songs, download photos, and more without any interruptions and any data caps.
10. Be More Productive
After deploying the techniques above, chances are you’ll be back online in a jiffy. As long as you won’t take up too much bandwidth-intensive, slow connectivity could make you more productive. If you’re at work, you’ll be less likely to log on to your Facebook for a quick peek at all those photos your friends took on their recent vacation when you have a project to deliver.
12. Delete Browsing Data and History
If you’re using Mozilla Firefox, then follow these steps –
- Open Firefox 2. Press CTRL+SHIFT+DELETE keys (Press CRTL then SHIFT then DELETE key) 3. Now select Everything in Clear Recent History window under Time range to clear dropdown menu 4. Tick all checkboxes, but you can leave Form & Search History 5. Finally, press Clear Now button to delete browsing data and cache If you are using Google Chrome, then follow these steps –
- Open Google Chrome 2. Press CTRL+SHIFT+DELETE keys (Press CRTL then SHIFT then DELETE key) 3. Now select the beginning of time in Clear browsing data window under Obliterate the following items from the dropdown menu 4. Tick all checkboxes, but you can leave Autofill form data 5. Finally, press the Clear browsing data button to delete browsing data and cache
12. Empty Temp Folder
Delete all possible files from the Temp folder to improve system performance. Learn hereunder how to empty the temp folder.
- Press the Start button 2. Type %temp% in Search programs and files box 3. Now temp folder icon will come up; click on this 4. Select all files inside it (Press CTRL+A) and delete them 5. Note some files will not delete from this folder
13. Defragment Computer Hard Disk
It is important to defragment computer hard disk timely. It will improve the response time of your computer system. Thus all software will run fast and become more responsive. Defragment Hard Disk on Windows 7 – Click on the Start button – Type disk defrag in Search programs and files box – Now Disk defragmenter icon will come up; click on this – Select all hard disk partition one by one and defragment those Defragment Hard Disk on Windows 8 – Click on the Search button on your desktop – Now click on Settings and type defrag – Now you’ll see the option Defragment your hard disk – Click on this to open Disk Defragmenter – Select all hard disk partition one by one and defragment those I believe this article will help you to improve your internet speed from time to time.
Conclusion
These may be some of the many possible ways to fix slow Internet speed. If you think your Internet connection is sluggish, take the above actions, and you’ll be up to speed again.
