Slow Speeds
Slow speeds could be due to a variety of issues, ranging from software configuration to malfunctioning hardware.
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Computer Configuration
A common configuration setting that causes slow speeds is “Automatically Detect Settings” in Internet Options. Having this checked will result in slow browsing speeds and possibly slow downloads.
To disable this setting:
- Click Start, then Control Panel.
- Double click on Internet Options and select the Connections tab, then click LAN Settings.
- Uncheck the box labelled Automatically Detect Settings.
- Make sure that the Auto Configuration and Proxy boxes are also unchecked.
Security Software
Sometimes slow speeds could be due to a firewall or Antivirus Software such as AVG, Norton, McAfee and many others.
The programs usually appear in the System Tray (right beside the time in the bottom-right hand corner of your screen).
If you have an antivirus program, try disabling it momentarily while you check to see if your internet speed goes up. If you have a firewall, disable that first. If you have a firewall and an antivirus program, try to alternate between turning them off in order to see which program causes the issue. If the issues is not resolved, disable both and try again.
If you have malware or advertisements on your computer, chances are you have been infected with spyware. This can also decrease the speed at which you surf the internet.
Hardware
Hardware can be just as likely to cause speed issues as software. The 2 most common hardware causes of slow speeds are:
If neither of those are an issue: the modem, network cable, or network card may not be functioning properly, not allowing for a stable DSL connection.