Why is internet slow on only one computer? (A Brief Guide)
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In this article, you understand why is internet slow on only one computer? Since the pandemic began, family members have been more competitive than ever over available internet space. For work and meeting attendance, employees require access to the Internet. Students must attend class, and numerous gadgets, such as laptops, phones, smart TVs, gaming consoles, and PCs, are linked to a single router.
A slow internet connection on one computer results from a poor WiFi signal. If you use a typical router or modem your ISP offers, you must position it properly so that the signal spreads across the entire house.
When you discover that your computer’s internet speed is significantly lower than that of other devices, the problem is made more annoying. It is a prevalent problem, and various things can affect the circumstance. Learn how to reconnect your PC to the Internet by reading on.
You may test the Internet speed using online tools if you want to be sure that it is faster on one device and slower on another. The following websites will display your location and the name of your internet provider as soon as you open them on your device. Then they’ll start testing the Internet’s upload and download speeds as well as PING, which measures how quickly the PC responds to requests from the Internet.
What are causes of why is internet slow on only one computer?
Hardware Problems:
In addition to the software problems mentioned above, you might experience particular hardware problems that result in a slow internet connection. To determine if the computer hardware causes the connection problem, you must start your computer in Safe Mode. If a hardware issue arises, the best course of action is to contact a specialist or start troubleshooting.
Changing the Frequency:
Most modern routers include multiple bands, typically 2.4GHz and 5GHz, while some high-end versions also offer an additional 5GHz band. Use the 5GHz frequency if you want a quick and strong signal and your device is near to the router. For a device placed in a more remote area, the 2.4GHz band is more advantageous.
Background-Running Apps:
On occasion, when using the computer, you may not be aware of some apps or programs operating in the background. These applications and programs can consume a lot of memory and disk space, competing with your web browser and slowing down your internet connection. Your internet connection may experience significant speed and stability loss as a result.
In this circumstance, you can look for problematic background apps and programs. Find the programs using a lot of internet bandwidth in the Task Manager and disable them. This will give your browser more leeway in how it can use RAM to provide a flawless internet experience.
VPN:
A VPN can use a remote server to provide a secure connection with encrypted communication, but it might also reduce your internet speed. In contrast to the free alternative, a premium VPN offers a better deal with a somewhat quicker connection. To speed up signal transmission, it also helps to connect to a server that is close by.
Virus and Spyware Attacks:
Two of the most harmful pieces of software in the modern internet environment are computer viruses and spyware. Your internet speed will drop due to their attack and many additional interruptions to your PC. Possibly worse, you can even completely lose your internet connection.
You should install the many anti-virus and anti-spyware products available on the market. Although a free version is usable, it almost certainly isn’t sufficient to safeguard your machine. A premium application will provide a strong defence against nefarious assaults from such destructive viruses and spyware.
Computer’s Position:
A poor Wi-Fi signal is most likely the cause of a slow internet speed. In general, your ISP’s modem and router won’t function as efficiently as you might anticipate them to, and they won’t distribute Wi-Fi signals across the complete house. There might also be intermittent dead zones. Obstacles like thick walls and flooring make the issue worse.
If you can still manage with the conventional setup, try moving your computer closer to the router because the Wi-Fi signal will be stronger and faster the closer the distance between your computer and the router. Additionally, make an effort to avoid obstructions to prevent the signal from passing through too many walls or dividers.
Other electronic gadgets that could use the same frequency as your computer or network include microwaves, smart TVs, security cameras, and many more. Moving them out of your Wi-Fi signals’ paths could improve the flow of traffic to your device.
Alternately, swap off the default ISP router for a better one. Even though you might have to invest a considerable sum of money, it will be worthwhile because you won’t have to continue paying monthly equipment fees. Another wise choice for enhancing the signal strength is to spend money on a high-quality Wi-Fi extender.
Additionally, you might think about investing in a mesh Wi-Fi system, which would ensure a more consistent and extensive coverage area without having to worry about dead patches.
How to fix why is internet slow on only one computer
Reset the TCP/IP Stack
Additionally, a damaged TCP/IP stack could be why the Internet is slow on one computer but quick on another. Please perform the TCP/IP stack reset instructions listed below to resolve the issue: To launch Command Prompt, hit Win + S on the keyboard, type cmd in the search box, and then press Enter.
In the advanced Command Prompt, enter the command netsh int IP reset c:resetlog.txt. After finishing, restart your computer to check if the issue of one machine’s Internet speed is slower than another has been fixed. All of it pertains to the issue of why the Internet is fast on one computer but slow on another.
Restart Network Adapter
Your computer connects to the local network through a network adapter, however if the network adapter is malfunctioning, your computer’s Internet connection will be poor. Restarting your network adapter may help if one computer’s internet speed is slow while another’s is fast. However, you must first confirm that Speed & Duplex is set to Auto-Negotiation. As an example, check it out:
Step 1: To choose your network driver, go through Steps 1-2 in Method 1.
Step 2: Select Properties by right-clicking the network driver.
Step 3: Select the Advanced tab in this box. Then check to see if Auto-Negotiation is turned on under the “Property” heading’s Speed & Duplex option.
You can then restart your network adapter following that. How do you do that? Simply turn off and then turn on the network adaptor. Next, see if the issue with one computer’s Internet speed is slower than another’s has been resolved.
Update Drivers
The Internet can occasionally be slow on one machine yet quick on another due to outdated network drivers. To resolve this problem, you might attempt to update your network drivers. Here’s how to go about it:
Step 1: To launch Device Manager, press Win + R to open the Run window and type devmgmt.MSC into the search box, and then click OK or press Enter.
Step 2: Expand the Network Adapters directory in step two. Next, choose Update Driver from the context menu of your network drivers.
Step 3: Select automatically check for new driver software and install drivers by following the on-screen instructions.
After that, restart your computer to determine if the problem with reduced Internet speeds on some machines persists.
To Conclude:
You’d know where to go for solutions the next time you experience why is internet slow on only one computer? Any of the techniques above could work and resolve the issue of slow internet on a single PC. Some repairs are simple and need a few simple actions, while others call for a substantial change, such as switching to a better and more expensive router.
If it involves hardware, you might need to consult an IT expert. Consider using a wired ethernet connection as a final piece of advice. Even though it won’t completely solve the slow connection problem, it will unquestionably offer a speedier, continuous internet connection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my internet speed different on different computers?
Since the algorithms employed by the Speedtest.net website and Speedtest.net app are so comparable, the variations in speeds are most likely caused by one of the following external factors: variations in the bandwidth available: Make sure the tests don’t run concurrently; each test requires a dedicated portion of your capacity.
Why is my internet slow on my computer but not my phone?
Your laptop can be linked to a 2.4GHz channel rather than a 5GHz channel, which you might not have realized. However, you are ostensibly employing a dual-band router. Therefore, your laptop may use the 2.4GHz channel while your phone is connecting to the 5GHz frequency.
Why is my WiFi slow on my laptop only?
Your laptop’s WiFi is running slowly because it is too far from the router. Typically, WiFi can be hampered by walls, large objects, and other radio frequency-using items. Update your driver software and restore the factory default settings for your router if it doesn’t fix the issue.
Does Internet speed depend on the device?
Your network’s hardware, like the router or cable, has a big impact on how fast your internet may be. For instance, ethernet connections are typically faster and more reliable than WiFi connections. As additional devices join the same WiFi network, your internet speed may drop if you use that connection.
Tommy is a Creative Content Writer and Editor at InstantLobby, he lives in Florida, USA. He’s been freelancing and SEO copywriting for over a decade. His field of interest is any entertainment of knowledgeable applications of software or AI(Artificial Intelligence) related stuff that helps users in daily work. He has previously worked for a university as an IT manager.
