Ana Jovanovic
Updated on: December 9, 2024
Fact-checked by Kate Davidson
There are several simple and effective ways to increase your download speeds. A few tweaks can have an immediate impact on your internet performance. Whether you’re working, gaming, or streaming, optimizing your connection lets you get the most out of your bandwidth.
This guide provides clear, actionable steps anyone can follow to boost their download speeds. The exact steps you’ll need to take depend on the specific cause of your slower downloads. Something as simple as moving or upgrading your Wi-Fi router or removing obstacles that block your Wi-Fi signal can have a noticeable impact.
You need to first identify why your download speeds are low in the first place to enjoy faster downloads, better streaming, and a more reliable connection across all your devices. Learn how to do that and effectively speed up your downloads now with these practical tips.
Pro Tip: Malware can be a major cause of internet slowdown. I recommend using a good antivirus (like Norton) to regularly scan your device and keep it malware-free. Norton also offers a VPN, which can prevent your ISP from throttling your internet speeds as well as protecting your privacy online.
8 Common Causes of Slow Downloads & How to Fix Them
Slow downloads can result from a variety of factors, and understanding the source will help you apply the right solution to increase your speeds.
1. Weak Wi-Fi Signal
If you’re far from your router or there are obstructions (physical barriers like walls, floors, and furniture) between you and your router, your Wi-Fi signal can weaken, slowing your downloads.
Move the Router
Start by identifying where your router is located. Wi-Fi signals are strongest when there’s a clear, unobstructed line of sight between the router and the device. If yours is tucked away in a corner, placed near metal objects, or surrounded by dense furniture, move it to a central, elevated location in your home for better coverage.
Even a small adjustment, like moving it a few feet, can make a noticeable difference. Avoid placing the router near electronics like microwaves or cordless phones, as they can interfere with the signal.
For homes with multiple floors, you might need additional support to eliminate weak spots. Wi-Fi extenders or mesh pods can bridge the gap between your router and distant devices. This simple fix can significantly boost your download speeds and make your connection more reliable.
Switch to an Ethernet Cable
If you have the option, plugging your device directly into your router with an Ethernet cable is a simple way to boost speeds. An Ethernet cable provides a direct, stable connection between your device and the router, eliminating the weak signal issue altogether.
Use a Different Wi-Fi Band
Wi-Fi bands, like 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz, each offer different benefits for your connection. If your router is set to the wrong band, it can negatively impact your download speeds.
The 2.4 GHz band has a longer range and better ability to pass through walls, making it a good option for devices far from the router. However, it’s more crowded and subject to interference, which can slow down speeds.
On the other hand, the 5 GHz and 6 GHz bands are less congested, offering faster speeds and more stable connections. But they have shorter ranges and can struggle to penetrate walls or other obstructions. If you’re too far from the router or there are many physical barriers, your speeds might be slower than expected on these higher-frequency bands.
If you’re using a dual-band or tri-band router, try switching to the 5 GHz or 6 GHz band for faster download speeds. Just make sure your devices are within range and have a clear line of sight to the router for the best performance.
2. Network Congestion
The more devices connected and using the internet, the more bandwidth gets divided, which can slow things down. If several devices are streaming videos (especially in 4K), gaming, or downloading large files at the same time, your available bandwidth may be spread too thin.
Limit the Number of Devices
Limiting the number of devices using your network is a simple yet effective way to speed up your downloads. Simply turn them off to solve the problem.
If you’re unsure how much bandwidth your connection has, performing a speed test can give you a clearer picture. To check your bandwidth availability, type “speed test” into Google. This will allow you to quickly check your current internet speed.
As a general guideline, try to aim for at least 25 Mbps (megabits per second) per device if multiple devices are actively using the internet. If your speeds are lower than that, you may want to reduce the number of devices connected, or pause high-bandwidth activities like streaming or gaming.
Enable Quality of Service (QoS) on Your Router
QoS is a feature that prioritizes internet traffic for specific activities or devices. Though not available on every Wi-Fi router, it’s yours does have it, you’ll find it useful if your download speeds are competing with streaming, gaming, or other bandwidth-heavy activities happening in your household.
To enable QoS, log into your router’s settings (usually accessible through a browser by entering your router’s IP address). However, some routers (like my TP-Link Deco, for example), can only be managed using dedicated Android or iOS apps.
Once there, locate the QoS settings — this might be under advanced features or traffic management. You can then assign priority to downloads or specific devices, ensuring they get the bandwidth they need without interference from lower-priority activities.
This feature is really useful in households with multiple users or devices, as it lets you customize how bandwidth is distributed. While QoS won’t increase your overall download speed, it helps you control critical activities, like large downloads, and get the best performance possible for any device you choose.
3. Outdated Hardware
Outdated hardware can seriously slow down your download speeds and overall internet performance. Look up your modem and router’s brand and model names on Google. If they’re a few years old, they might not be able to support the speeds your ISP provides.
Upgrade Your Equipment
As technology advances, newer models are built to handle faster speeds, support the latest standards (such as Wi-Fi 7), and offer better coverage, making them essential for maintaining a strong connection. Upgrading your equipment can even boost your download speeds without needing to change your internet plan.
When shopping for new equipment, make sure it’s compatible with your ISP and supports the latest features. Routers with dual-band or tri-band capabilities are great for households with multiple devices connected, as they help improve performance. A new router could also eliminate those annoying dead zones in your home where the signal is weak.
If your home is larger or has multiple floors, consider using Wi-Fi mesh pods. These devices work together to ensure every corner of your home has access to the fastest speeds possible.
Update Your Router Firmware
You may be able to update your router instead of buying a new one. Device manufacturers often release firmware updates that can improve performance, fix bugs, and address security vulnerabilities. Keeping your router’s firmware up to date ensures you’re benefiting from these improvements, and it could also help boost your download speeds.
Most modern routers can automatically check for firmware updates, but it’s a good idea to manually check every few months. To do this, log into your router’s admin interface (you’ll typically do this by entering the router’s IP address into your browser). From there, look for the firmware section, which will tell you if an update is available.
Updating your router’s firmware is usually a straightforward process. Once an update is ready, you’ll often just need to click a button to begin the process. However, make sure to follow the router’s instructions carefully to avoid any interruptions during the update.
While not every firmware update will dramatically improve your speeds, it’s an easy, low-effort way to potentially improve your connection.
4. Too Many Background Applications
Background apps and updates can quietly use up your bandwidth, slowing your download speeds. Whether it’s software updates, cloud backups, or apps syncing in the background, these tasks can consume valuable internet resources while you’re trying to download something.
Disable Background Apps and Updates
Start by closing unnecessary apps that might be using the internet. On Windows or macOS, you can check for active processes in the task manager or activity monitor and end any tasks that don’t need to be running. On mobile devices, make sure apps aren’t downloading or updating in the background.
You can also disable automatic updates, but this poses a security risk, and I don’t recommend it. All that software needs to be regularly updated — maybe just not at the moment when you’re trying to download a large file.
5. Malware Infection
Malware can significantly slow down your download speeds by consuming bandwidth or affecting your device’s performance.
Scan Your Computer for Malware
It’s a good idea to regularly scan your computer for any malicious software that might be running in the background and causing issues — slow downloads included.
Use a trusted antivirus program to perform a full system scan and remove any threats. Though certainly not the only option, Norton is excellent at detecting and removing malware. It’ll keep your PC malware-free and will allow you to continue getting the fastest possible download speeds.
6. Unreliable Sources
Downloading from unreliable sources can slow down your connection. Files from these sites may be poorly optimized, contain bloatware, or even have malware that affects your system’s performance. Unofficial or torrent sites often also have tons of ads and pop-ups that can slow things down.
Download From Reputable Sources
Trusted platforms such as the Apple App Store, Google Play, Steam, and Adobe have optimized servers that ensure faster downloads. These sites offer smaller, more streamlined files, making your downloads quicker and more efficient. It may seem like a small step, but downloading from trusted sources can make a big difference in your download speeds and keep your system safe.
7. ISP Throttling
Some ISPs slow down your connection during peak times to regulate traffic in their network and clear up network congestion. Sometimes, they do this even when the traffic is light. This practice is called throttling. You could also be on a plan with a data cap after which your data will be throttled (this is more common on mobile).
Use a VPN
If your ISP is throttling your download speeds, using a virtual private network (VPN) can help bypass this restriction — but keep in mind that a VPN’s primary purpose isn’t to increase the speed of your internet.
That said, a VPN (like ExpressVPN) hides your online traffic, making it difficult for your ISP to selectively limit your bandwidth. This can result in faster download speeds, especially for activities the ISP typically throttles.
A VPN works by encrypting your internet traffic and rerouting it through secure servers, which prevents your ISP from monitoring your usage. However, it’s crucial to choose a reliable VPN, as some can slow down your connection due to poor server performance.
In addition to bypassing throttling, a VPN offers privacy and security by masking your IP address and protecting your data from hackers. It also allows you to access geo-restricted content. While a VPN won’t help if your connection speed issue is unrelated to throttling, it’s still a great tool to have to protect your privacy.
8. ISP Issues
Beyond throttling, some ISPs experience technical issues or poor infrastructure in certain areas, which can affect download speeds. Always check sites like Downdetector to see if your ISP is experiencing any technical issues.
Upgrade Your Plan… or Shop Around for a Different ISP
It might be time to consider upgrading your internet plan — especially if your internet speed test revealed less-than-desirable results. Depending on your location, ISPs often offer various plans with different speeds.
Keep in mind that, like everything else, ISPs and internet plans vary in quality, so it’s worth shopping around and comparing options to make sure you’re getting the best value.
Before making a switch, research the ISPs available, check customer reviews, or ask neighbors about their experience with specific providers to make sure you’re choosing one with solid performance.
Editors’ Note: ExpressVPN and this site are in the same ownership group.
Additional Tips for Speeding Up Your Downloads
There are a few additional things you can do to boost your download speeds:
If Torrenting, Find Torrents With a Higher Seeder-to-Peer Ratio
When downloading torrents, the speed of your download depends on the seeder-to-peer ratio — essentially, the number of people sharing the file vs. the number of those downloading the file. Torrents with a higher seeder-to-peer ratio typically download faster, as more people are sharing the file.
To improve your download speeds, look for torrents with a high number of seeders compared to peers. The more seeders there are, the faster your download can be, since the file is being uploaded by more sources at once. You can usually see the seeder-to-peer ratio listed next to the torrent before you start the download.
Additionally, it’s helpful to use a torrent client that allows you to prioritize certain files within a torrent or adjust the number of connections, as this can further speed up your downloads. For example, Transmission is great for Mac users, while qBittorrent is a good option for Windows users.
Use Port Forwarding
Admittedly, this is a complicated procedure, and the exact steps vary depending on your router. But for those willing to accept the challenge, port forwarding can significantly improve download speeds, especially for certain applications like torrenting or gaming. When you forward ports, you’re allowing specific traffic to pass through your router, which can reduce network congestion and speed up connections for those activities.
To use port forwarding, you’ll need to log into your router’s settings and manually configure the ports used by the application you want to speed up. Each program or service will have its own set of ports that need to be forwarded. Once the ports are open, your router will allow faster communication between your device and the internet.
Keep in mind that port forwarding can be a bit tricky, and not all routers have the same interface. If you’re not comfortable with this process, check your router’s manual or search online for detailed instructions specific to your model.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I speed up my download speed?
There isn’t a single fix for slow download speeds; instead, there are several adjustments you can try to improve your connection. Start by eliminating background apps and ensuring you’re using reputable download sources.
You can also switch from Wi-Fi to a wired ethernet connection, which is generally faster and more stable. If your internet plan is too slow, consider upgrading it, or check if your router or modem needs to be replaced. Reducing the number of devices on your network and upgrading your equipment can all contribute to faster downloads.
How do I fix poor internet download speed?
To fix poor download speeds, you’ll need to identify the underlying issue. Begin by checking if there are background applications using bandwidth or if your router is too far from your device.
If your internet plan is too slow, consider upgrading it. Additionally, switching to a wired ethernet connection can make a significant difference. Upgrading outdated equipment, like your modem or router, or limiting the number of devices connected to your network can also help improve your download speeds.
How can I get a 1,000 Mbps download speed?
Achieving gigabit internet (1,000 Mbps) requires a combination of the right internet plan and equipment. First, make sure your ISP offers gigabit speeds, and that your modem and router are capable of handling those speeds.
To fully take advantage of a gigabit connection, use a wired ethernet connection instead of Wi-Fi. This ensures you’re getting the maximum speed available. Additionally, limit the number of devices on your network and check your home’s infrastructure to ensure there aren’t any obstacles slowing down your connection.
Is 100 Mbps fast?
100 Mbps is considered fast for most everyday internet tasks, such as browsing, streaming, and video calls. For a single user or small household of around 2–3 people, this speed is generally sufficient to avoid slowdowns.
However, if multiple devices are streaming or downloading large files at the same time, you may experience slower speeds. If your household has several people using the internet simultaneously, you might need a faster plan to keep up with the demand.
