Internet Slow on One Computer But Not Another? 8 Causes

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While working from home, you must have noticed many times that the app is running just fine on one computer but not even opening on another one. You might be wondering why is my internet slow on one computer, yet working normally on another one. 

The article discusses issues that are responsible for internet-related issues, so you can consider them as one of the problems creating internet glitches on your computer. 

Before moving ahead to causes and solutions, check whether the internet works slower on one device and faster on another. You can check the internet speed using authentic online tools. Let’s move ahead to what causes the slow internet issue.

1. Poor Computer Health

Lacking browser add-ons, spyware, and viruses can affect internet speed. Spyware interferes with a browser and hogs the internet connection. This causes slow internet and system performance.  

Viruses install system codes to spread themselves by transferring their copies via email. When they spread over thousands of emails in a minute, it can use the entire bandwidth. So, learn how to remove a virus on a Mac or MS Windows computer to clear the malware efficiently without losing data.  

2. Inappropriate Device Location

The signal or network strength largely relies on the distance between your router and your device. If you are using a traditional router or modem, keep it closer to your device to lessen the distance. It will help in transferring the signals to get to your computer.

Note that the more the distance, the slower the speed, dropouts, and connection issues. Objects can also obstruct the connections. So, place your router in an open and high space. Also, consider a high-quality Wi-Fi extender for improved signal strength.

3. Corrupted TCP/IP Stack

Another factor that makes the internet slow on one computer but faster on another device is a corrupted TCP/IP stack. Remove the TCP/IP and then reset or install it again. In the Windows search field, enter ‘Command Prompt’ and launch Utility.

Input’ netsh int IP reset c:\resetlog.txt’ and press Enter. It will overwrite the ‘SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\Tcpip\Parameters’ and ‘SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\DHCP\Parameters’ keys.

4. Problematic Applications   

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Find out the apps or programs running in the background when you’re presently working. Running power and memory-consuming programs can compete with web browsers. This may badly affect your internet’s speed. So, find these problematic apps.

Search ‘Background apps’ in the search bar. Launch Settings and access the list. Turn off apps you don’t wish to perform in the background. Right-click on the Windows sign and pick Task Manager. Open app. Under Network, check the internet limit they’re using.

5. Pending Updates

In Windows 10, there is a Peer-to-Peer Update feature. It is used to share Windows updates peer-to-peer over the web with other computers. This feature can consume a significant amount of the internet bandwidth. Thus, turn off this feature when you’re not using it.

In the Settings app, choose the Update and Security option. Now, select Windows Update and then the Advanced button. Tap on the Delivery Optimization link. Turn off ‘Allow downloads from other PCs’ or ‘Update from more than one place’ and restart your device.

6. Inappropriate Settings

Some users reported that allowing a slower Wi-Fi standard in the network settings makes the internet connection work faster. Right-click on the Windows logo and hit Device Manager. In the list, locate Network Adapters and tap twice on it.

Right-click on your adapter name and choose Properties. In the Advanced option, search for the option using which you can select the speed or Wi-Fi standard. Now, change the 802.11b/g/n value to 802.11b/g. If it doesn’t assist, bring back the changes in settings.

7. Incorrect or Outdated Drivers

Outdated or inappropriate network or Wi-Fi drivers can make the internet run slow. Hence, update them to fix the internet problem. Right-click on the Windows icon and pick Device Manager. Locate Network Adapters and click twice on them.

Find your network adapter’s name and right-click on it. Now, select the Update Driver. Consider that the Ethernet connection is receiving a required signal to your device. However, the programs and apps can’t be used properly due to outdated drivers.

8. Improper Bandwidth Settings

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20% of the network bandwidth is reserved by Windows for systems applications and Windows updates by default. So, if you don’t use it, switch it off. In the windows search section, input ‘Local Group Policy Editor’ and launch the app.

Tap Computer Configuration and select Administrative Templates. Hit Network and then QoS Packet Scheduler. Locate the Limit reservable bandwidth and hit twice on it. Choose Enabled and change the Bandwidth limit value to 0 under Options. Click Apply and select OK.

Conclusion

So, as you can see, there are so many possible causes that can make your internet connection slow. Sometimes, the network adapter also becomes the reason. So, try changing the network settings.

Windows Auto-Tuning feature, Large Send Offload, and faulty VPN can also be the culprits. Hardware-related problems can also give rise to internet connection problems. If it is, boot into Safe Mode.

Mike is a professional business and Tech blogger that writes for a variety of leading sites. He loves content partnerships with advertisement agencies.