How to Fix Slow Internet on Windows 11 (2026 Quick Guide)

How to Fix Slow Internet on Windows 11 (2026 Quick Guide)
Experiencing slow internet on Windows 11? You’re not alone. Many users face frustrating connection speeds after Windows updates, especially the recent 24H2 update. This guide shows you the fastest ways to fix Windows 11 slow internet and get your connection back to full speed.
Why Is My Internet Slow on Windows 11?
Several factors can cause Windows 11 internet speed issues:
- Outdated or corrupt network drivers
- Windows 11 24H2 update auto-tuning problems
- Delivery Optimization consuming bandwidth
- Background apps using network resources
- Incorrect DNS server settings
- Metered connection enabled
Quick Fix #1: Update Network Drivers (Most Effective)
Outdated network drivers are the #1 cause of slow internet on Windows 11. Here’s how to update:
- Press Windows + X and select Device Manager
- Expand Network adapters
- Right-click your Wi-Fi/Ethernet adapter
- Select Update driver > Search automatically
- Restart your PC
Pro tip: For best results, download the latest driver directly from your network card manufacturer’s website (Intel, Realtek, Qualcomm).
Quick Fix #2: Disable Delivery Optimization
Windows 11’s Delivery Optimization shares updates with other PCs, consuming your bandwidth.
To disable:
- Open Settings (Windows + I)
- Go to Windows Update > Advanced options
- Click Delivery Optimization
- Turn off Allow downloads from other PCs
This single change can dramatically improve your Windows 11 download speed.
Quick Fix #3: Fix Auto-Tuning (Windows 11 24H2 Issue)
The Windows 11 24H2 update caused slow internet for many users due to auto-tuning problems.
Check and fix:
- Open Command Prompt as administrator
- Type:
netsh interface tcp show global - If “Receive Window Auto-Tuning Level” shows disabled, run:
netsh interface tcp set global autotuninglevel=normal
- Restart your PC
This fix resolves extremely slow internet after Windows 11 update for most users.

Quick Fix #4: Change DNS Servers
Slow DNS servers can make your Windows 11 Wi-Fi slow even with good internet.
Switch to Google DNS:
- Press Windows + R, type
ncpa.cpl - Right-click your network connection > Properties
- Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) > Properties
- Choose Use the following DNS server addresses:
- Preferred:
8.8.8.8 - Alternate:
8.8.4.4
- Click OK and restart
Alternative DNS options:
- Cloudflare: 1.1.1.1 / 1.0.0.1
- OpenDNS: 208.67.222.222 / 208.67.220.220
Quick Fix #5: Disable Metered Connection
Metered connection limits bandwidth to save data, causing slow speeds.
To disable:
- Go to Settings > Network & internet > Wi-Fi
- Click your network name
- Turn off Metered connection
Quick Fix #6: Run Network Troubleshooter
Windows 11’s built-in troubleshooter can automatically fix common internet connection problems.
- Open Settings > System > Troubleshoot
- Select Other troubleshooters
- Click Run next to Internet Connections
- Follow the prompts
Quick Fix #7: Stop Bandwidth-Hogging Apps
Background apps can slow your Windows 11 network speed without you knowing.
Find and stop them:
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc (Task Manager)
- Click Performance tab
- Select Wi-Fi or Ethernet
- Check which apps use excessive bandwidth
- Right-click and End task
Prevent apps from running in background:
- Settings > Apps > Installed apps
- Click three dots next to the app > Advanced options
- Set Background apps permissions to Never
Quick Fix #8: Reset Network Settings
If nothing else works, a network reset can fix persistent slow internet Windows 11 issues.
Complete reset:
- Settings > Network & internet > Advanced network settings
- Click Network reset
- Click Reset now and confirm
- Restart your PC
Note: You’ll need to reconnect to Wi-Fi networks after the reset.
Advanced Fix: Flush DNS Cache
Corrupted DNS cache can cause Windows 11 internet slow problems.
Open Command Prompt as administrator and run:ipconfig /flushdns ipconfig /release ipconfig /renew

Optimize Wi-Fi Settings for Faster Speeds
Use 5GHz band: If your router supports it, connect to the 5GHz network instead of 2.4GHz for faster speeds.
Update router firmware: Outdated router firmware can limit Windows 11 performance. Check your router manufacturer’s website for updates.
Position matters: Place your router in a central location, away from walls and metal objects.
When to Contact Your ISP
If you’ve tried all fixes and other devices also show slow speeds, the problem might be:
- ISP network congestion
- Infrastructure issues in your area
- Faulty modem/router hardware
- Bandwidth throttling
Run a speed test on multiple devices to confirm.
Windows 11 Slow Internet: Final Checklist
✅ Update network drivers to latest version
✅ Disable Delivery Optimization
✅ Set Auto-Tuning Level to normal (especially after 24H2 update)
✅ Change DNS to Google (8.8.8.8) or Cloudflare (1.1.1.1)
✅ Turn off Metered connection
✅ Close bandwidth-hogging background apps
✅ Reset network settings if needed
✅ Switch to 5GHz Wi-Fi band
Conclusion
Slow internet on Windows 11 is usually fixable with these proven methods. Start with updating network drivers and disabling Delivery Optimization—these two fixes alone solve most issues. If you’re experiencing problems after the Windows 11 24H2 update, fixing the auto-tuning level should restore your speeds immediately.
Most users report significant improvements within minutes of applying these fixes. Test your connection after each fix to identify which solution works best for your setup.
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