This wikiHow teaches you how to increase your device's download speed. In addition to performing general fixes (eg reducing the number of devices connected to the network and stopping running applications), you can also create your own browser DNS for the network so you can download content over a less busy connection.
Step
Part 1 of 2: Making General Repairs
Step 1. Check network download speed
The easiest way to check is to type internet speed into the Google search bar and click the “ RUN SPEED TEST ” at the top of the search results. After that, the current estimated download speed of the computer will be displayed.
- If your network's download speed is significantly faster than the file you're currently downloading, it's possible that the problem isn't with your network.
- If your network download speed is significantly slower than the speed offered by your internet plan or router, reduce the number of devices connected to the internet.
Step 2. Disconnect non-essential devices from the internet
The more devices connected to the network, the slower your internet connection will be. If you can disconnect devices such as consoles, cell phones, televisions, tablets, and other computers from the internet, the download speed of the computer you are currently using will be faster.
Step 3. Close unused apps
When you download large (or small) files, it's a good idea to close applications that are consuming a lot of bandwidth.
For example, you can close BitTorrent running in the background if you want to try downloading Windows updates
Step 4. Turn off the streaming service
Services like Netflix, Hulu, and even YouTube can reduce download speeds significantly. Although bandwidth usage by services is not that great, you can increase your download speed by turning off those services.
You should also close unnecessary/unused browser windows or tabs
Step 5. Try connecting the computer to the router via Ethernet
If your computer doesn't have an Ethernet connection, try connecting your computer to your router using an Ethernet cable and see if the download speed eventually improves.
- If the download speed increases, it is possible that the wireless connection to the router is not strong enough. Try using a computer closer to your router or buy a router that can produce a stronger signal.
- If the download speed doesn't increase, the problem may be with your router or computer.
- You can clear your router's cache by turning off the router and modem, waiting for about a minute, and reconnecting/re-enabling them.
Step 6. Do not seed or upload files when you want to download content
Maybe you want to be generous by re-uploading torrent content for users of torrent services. However, such uploads may interfere with network download speeds. Before seeding, wait until all the content has finished downloading and you are no longer using the internet (eg when you are working or sleeping).
Step 7. Enable protocol encryption if you are using a torrent service
Activation of this option serves to hide downloaded content so that internet service providers do not selectively limit download speeds. Keep in mind that internet service providers may limit download speeds if they find out that the BitClient program (or other torrent program) is downloading a lot of content. To activate it:
- Click " Options ” in the BitTorrent or uTorrent window.
- Click " Preferences ”.
- Click " BitTorrent ”.
- Click the "Outgoing" drop-down box.
- Choose " Forced ”.
- Click " Apply, then select " OK ”.
Step 8. Buy a new router
If your router is more than a few years old, it may suddenly slow down download speeds, and may not manage downloads as well as a new router.
When buying a new router, make sure you look for a model that supports the same download speeds as your internet plan (or, ideally, higher speeds)
Step 9. Increase internet network speed
Some internet connection options simply can't manage large downloads, such as installing console or computer games. Many internet service providers offer "gamer" packages that prioritize download speeds. However, there is a possibility that you will need to pay more for a package like this compared to a regular internet package.
Step 10. Contact your internet service provider
If you've tried various things and haven't been able to increase your download speed, you need to contact your internet service provider and explain the problem you're having.
You may need to switch to a different internet service provider if you live in a fairly remote area
Part 2 of 2: Using Your Own Preferred DNS Server
Windows
Step 1. Open the “Start” menu
Click the Windows logo in the lower-left corner of the screen, or press Win.
Step 2. Click the “Settings” option
It's in the lower-left corner of the "Start" window.
Step 3. Click option
"Networks & Internet".
It's at the top of the “Settings” page.
Step 4. Click Change adapter options
This option is under the "Change your network settings" section, on the " Status ”.
Step 5. Click the name of the connection that is currently in use
The connection name will be displayed on the “Connections” page. Once clicked, the connection will be selected.
Step 6. Click Change settings of this connection
It's in the row of options at the top of the window. Once clicked, the connection settings will be displayed.
Step 7. Click the "Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)" result
This option is in the window that appears in the middle of the “Wi-Fi Properties” box.
You may need to click on the tab “ Networking ” at the top of the “Wi-Fi Properties” box first.
Step 8. Click Properties
It's at the bottom of the window.
Step 9. Mark the circle "Use the following DNS server addresses"
It's at the bottom of the “Properties” window.
Step 10. Enter the DNS address you want to use
You need to enter it in the " Preferred DNS server " field. Some reliable DNS servers include:
- OpenDNS – Enter 208.67.222.222.
- Google – Enter 8.8.8.8.
Step 11. Enter an alternate DNS address
You need to enter it in the "Alternate DNS server" field:
- OpenDNS – Enter 208,67,220,220.
- Google – Enter 8.8.4.4.
Step 12. Click OK
After that, the DNS settings will be saved.
Step 13. Click Close
It's at the bottom of the window.
Step 14. Restart the computer
After the computer restarts, you can test the download speed. If the existing network is the cause of the slow download speed, changing the DNS settings can speed up the download speed.
Mac
Step 1. Open the “Apple” menu
Click the Apple icon in the upper-left corner of the screen.
Step 2. Click System Preferences
It's at the top of the "Apple" drop-down menu.
Step 3. Click Network
This option is indicated by a globe icon in the “System Preferences” window.
Step 4. Click the network you are currently connected to
The network name will be displayed in the left pane of the window.
Step 5. Click Advanced
It's in the middle of the window.
Step 6. Click the DNS tab
It's a tab at the top of the window.
Step 7. Click the + button
It's at the bottom of the "DNS Servers" window.
Step 8. Enter the address of the DNS server you want to use
OpenDNS and Google are fast and reliable DNS server addresses:
- Google - 8.8.8.8 or 8.8.4.4.
- OpenDNS - 208.67.222.222 or 208.67.220.220
- If you want to enter a desired DNS address or an alternative address, type one of the addresses you want to use (eg 8.8.8.8), type a comma, add a space, and type a second address (eg 8.8.4.4).
Step 9. Click the Hardware tab
It's at the far right of the row of tabs at the top of the window.
Step 10. Click the " Configure " box, then click Manually
It's at the top of the page Hardware ”.
Step 11. Click the " MTU " box, then click Custom
The " MTU " box is below the " Configure " box.
Step 12. Type 1453 into the text field
It's under the " MTU " box.
Step 13. Click OK
It's at the bottom of the page.
Step 14. Click Apply
It's at the bottom of the page. The settings that have been made will be saved and applied to the currently connected WiFi network.
Step 15. Restart the computer
After the computer restarts, you can test the download speed. If the slow download speed is caused by the network, now the download speed will be faster.
