Internet speed is a crucial element when it comes to browsing the internet. It can be frustrating when your internet speed slows down, and it can even affect your work, studies, and productivity. If you’re using a Windows 7 operating system and you’re experiencing slow internet speed, don’t worry, because there are several methods that you can use to boost your internet speed. In this blog, we will discuss some effective methods to increase your internet speed in Windows 7.
Video Tutorial:
Requirements
Before we start, you need to make sure that your computer meets the following requirements:
- Your computer is running on Windows 7 Operating System
- You’ve installed all the latest updates for Windows 7
- You’ve closed all the unnecessary applications that are currently running on your computer
- You’ve turned off any active downloads or uploads on your device
- You’ve cleared your browser history, cache, and cookies
What should be paid attention to?
Before starting with the methods below, there are a few things that you need to pay attention to:
- Make sure that you’re connected to a stable internet connection
- Disable any VPN or Proxy server that you’re using
- If you’re using wireless internet, make sure that you’re connected to the correct network and that there are no obstacles between your device and the router
- Don’t use your computer while you’re testing your internet speed. The computer’s resources may be used by other programs and applications, which may affect the test results
Method 1: Clear Your DNS Cache
One of the reasons why your internet speed might be slow is because the DNS cache on your computer is filled with invalid or outdated entries. Clearing the DNS cache can help to fix this issue. Here are the steps to clear your DNS cache:
1. Click on the start button and type cmd in the search bar.
2. Right-click on the Command Prompt and select the "Run as Administrator" option.
3. Type "ipconfig/flushdns" and hit Enter.
4. Wait for the confirmation message and then close the Command Prompt window.
5. Restart your computer to ensure the changes take effect.
Q: What is DNS cache?
A: DNS cache holds the IP addresses of websites that you have recently visited. When you revisit a site, it loads the old IP address from the cache, which sometimes is not valid causing internet slowness.
Method 2: Update Network Driver
An outdated or corrupted network driver can cause slow internet speed. To fix this, you need to update your network driver. The following steps will help you do that:
1. Right-click on the Computer icon on your desktop and select "Manage".
2. Click on Device Manager on the left-hand side of the window.
3. Look for Network Adapters and click on the arrow to expand the category.
4. Find your network adapter, right-click on it, and select the "Update Driver Software" option.
5. Let Windows 7 search automatically for the latest driver for your network adapter.
Q: How can I know which network driver is outdated?
A: You can check the network adapter’s name in Device Manager, and then look for the latest driver for that specific device.
Method 3: Adjust Your Internet Settings
Adjusting the internet settings on your computer can optimize the internet connection and improve its speed. Follow the steps below to adjust your internet settings:
1. Click on the start button and type "Internet Options" in the search bar.
2. Open the "Internet Options" window and click on the "Advanced" tab.
3. Scroll down to the "Settings" section and check the boxes ‘Use smooth scrolling,’ ‘Use HTTP 1.1,’ and ‘Use HTTP 1.1 through proxy connections.’
4. Under the ‘Security’ tab, lower the security level to Medium.
5. Click on the ‘Apply’ button to save the changes, then click the ‘OK’ button to close the window.
Q: Can adjusting internet settings affect security?
A: Lower security settings or using HTTP for everything can expose your computer to security threats. Use these settings with caution if you do not have an anti-malware software installed.
Method 4: Change Your DNS Server
Your internet speed can also be affected by the DNS server that you’re using. Sometimes, the default DNS server provided by your internet service provider might be slow or unreliable. Changing to a different DNS server can help you boost your internet speed. Follow the below steps to change your DNS server:
1. Click on the start button and type "Control Panel" in the search bar.
2. Open the Control Panel and click on "Network and Sharing Center."
3. Click on your active internet connection, then click on the "Properties" button.
4. Under the "Networking" tab, select "Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)" and click on the "Properties" button.
5. Select the radio button next to "Use the following DNS server addresses".
6. Enter the following DNS server addresses: 8.8.8.8 for preferred DNS server and for an alternate server, you can use 8.8.4.4
7. Click on "OK" to save the changes.
Q: Can changing the DNS server cause any problems?
A: Yes, it can. A badly configured DNS server can cause slow speeds, and switching to an unreliable DNS server can cause connectivity issues.
Why Can’t I Increase My Internet Speed?
1. Outdated hardware configurations or old devices.
2. Poor signal strength or connectivity issues.
3. The distance between your device and the router.
Suggestions
To avoid internet speed issues and keep your internet speed optimized, follow these best practices:
- Update your computer hardware and devices regularly
- Scan your device for viruses and malware with an effective anti-virus software program
- Upgrade your internet plan or service provider to get higher speed
- Limit the number of devices using the same network
- Use ethernet cable instead of wireless where possible
FAQs
Q: Should I avoid downloading large files if I want to retain my internet speed?
A: Yes. To maintain good internet speed, avoid downloading large files as they consume more bandwidth.
Q: Can my internet speed be affected when other devices are using the same network?
A: Yes. When multiple devices are consuming bandwidth, it can slow down the internet speed for all devices.
Q: What are some websites or software tools that I can use to check my internet speed?
A: Some popular websites or software tools to check your internet speed include Speedtest.net, Fast.com, and Ookla.
Q: Can resetting my modem or router help to increase my internet speed?
A: Yes, resetting your modem or router can sometimes help fix connectivity issues and improve internet speed.
Q: Can using an Ethernet cable improve my internet speed?
A: Yes, using an Ethernet cable can help to improve internet speed as it offers a more stable and faster connection than wireless.
Conclusion
Internet speed is a crucial element when it comes to browsing the internet. Slow internet speed can be frustrating and time-consuming. If you’re using a Windows 7 operating system and experiencing slow internet speed, don’t worry, because there are several methods that you can use to boost your internet speed. In this blog, we’ve discussed some effective methods to increase your internet speed in Windows 7. By following these methods, you can optimize your internet connection and boost your internet speed.
