No matter how fast your Internet connection is, there are times when things will slow down to a crawl.
Windows provides a built-in troubleshooter that can automatically find and fix some common connection problems.
- Open the Internet Connections troubleshooter by clicking the Start button
, and then clicking Control Panel. In the search box, type troubleshooter, and then clickTroubleshooting. Under Network and Internet, click Connect to the Internet.
The type of connection you have makes a difference
Tips for wireless network users
When connecting to a wireless network (Wi‑Fi), your Internet connection speed can be affected by both where your computer is located and whether other wireless devices are in the same area.
Proximity to the wireless access point or router, as well as physical obstructions, can affect the quality of your Internet connection. To improve your connection speed, move closer to the access point and make sure that there are no physical obstructions between the access point and your computer.
Computer woes: spyware, viruses, and other programs
Two of the most frequent causes of poor Internet performance are spyware and viruses. Spyware can slow your system by interfering with your browser and monopolizing your Internet connection. Spyware monitors your Internet use and keystrokes, which adds delays. The problem is compounded when there are multiple spyware programs running at the same time. If the problem is severe enough, you can lose connectivity altogether. To get your Internet performance back, you should regularly run an antispyware program to clean out any spyware infestation.
Manage Add-ons
Internet connection speed can also be affected by add-on programs, the amount of memory the computer has, hard disk space and condition, and the programs that are running.
Optimize browser and delete browsing history
Low disk space can also cause performance problems. You can increase your disk space by deleting Internet Explorer's temporary files.
