Troubleshooting Slow WLAN Speed (10 Mbps) on Windows 10

Are you experiencing slow WLAN speed on your Windows 10 computer? Don't worry, we've got you covered! In this article, we will walk you through some troubleshooting steps to help you resolve this issue and get your internet speed back up to the expected level of 10 Mbps.

Step 1: Check your internet speed

Before diving into troubleshooting, it's important to determine if the issue is with your WLAN connection or your internet service provider. To do this, you can use an online speed test tool such as Speedtest.net. Run the test and compare the results with your expected speed of 10 Mbps. If the test shows significantly lower speeds, then the issue might be with your internet connection, not your Windows 10 settings.

Step 2: Restart your computer and router

Often, a simple restart can resolve many connectivity issues. Start by turning off your computer, then unplug your router from the power source. Wait for about 30 seconds, then plug it back in and turn on your computer. This will refresh the network settings and might improve your WLAN speed.

Step 3: Update your network drivers

Outdated or incompatible network drivers can cause slow WLAN speed. To update your network drivers, follow these steps:

1. Press the Windows key + X on your keyboard and select "Device Manager" from the menu.
2. In the Device Manager window, expand the "Network adapters" category.
3. Right-click on your wireless network adapter and select "Update driver".
4. Choose the option to search automatically for updated driver software.
5. If a new driver is found, follow the on-screen instructions to install it.
6. Restart your computer to apply the changes.

Step 4: Adjust power settings

Windows 10 has a power-saving feature that can sometimes limit the performance of your wireless network adapter. To disable this feature and potentially improve your WLAN speed, do the following:

1. Press the Windows key + X and select "Power Options".
2. Click on "Change plan settings" next to your selected power plan.
3. Click on "Change advanced power settings".
4. Expand the "Wireless Adapter Settings" and "Power Saving Mode" options.
5. Set both "On battery" and "Plugged in" options to "Maximum Performance".
6. Click "Apply" and then "OK" to save the changes.

Step 5: Disable bandwidth-hogging applications

Some applications running in the background may consume a significant amount of bandwidth, leading to slower WLAN speed. To identify and disable these applications, follow these steps:

1. Press the Ctrl + Shift + Esc keys together to open the Task Manager.
2. Click on the "Network" tab to sort the applications by network usage.
3. Identify any applications using a high amount of network resources.
4. Right-click on the application and select "End Task".

Step 6: Disable Windows Update Delivery Optimization

Windows 10 has a feature called "Delivery Optimization" that allows your computer to share Windows updates with other devices on your network. While this can be beneficial, it can also consume a significant amount of bandwidth and slow down your WLAN speed. To disable this feature, follow these steps:

1. Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app.
2. Click on "Update & Security" and then "Windows Update".
3. Click on "Advanced options".
4. Click on "Delivery Optimization".
5. Toggle the "Allow downloads from other PCs" option to the off position.

By following these troubleshooting steps, you should be able to improve your WLAN speed on Windows 10. If the issue persists, you may need to contact your internet service provider for further assistance.

References