How to Speed Up Internet Connection in Windows 8: Simple Guide

The slow speed of the Internet in Windows 8 can be because of some reasons that if you fix them, the speed will increase. Therefore, we need to know how to speed up the Internet connection in Windows 8 to have a better Internet connection. In this article, we are going to tell you possible ways to fix this problem.

Empty DNS Cache

Whenever users of the Internet access a website, the ISP DNS Server give them an IP address that is a readable machine. The system stores the information in a hidden place. This collection is called DNS Cache, which can affect the speed of the Internet. You can clean these unnecessary data to have a better Internet connection. To do so, follow the steps below:

1. Go to the Start Menu.
2. Type CMD.
3. Find Command Prompt in the search results and right click on it.
4. Click on Run as Administrator.
5. Select Yes to confirm it.
6. Type IPCONFIG /FLUSHDNS in the displayed black window.
7. Press Enter.
8. Now the DNS Cache is deleted successfully.
9. Close Command Prompt.

Disable Bandwidth Reserves

Windows reserves 20 percent of the total bandwidth by default. You can disable it to increase the speed of your internet. To do so, follow the steps below:

1. Hold Windows + R to open the Run box.
2. In the run box, type gpedit.msc.
3. Press Enter to open Local Group Policy Editor.
4. Click on QOS Packet Scheduler on the left pane of GP Editor by the following path:

Local Computer Policy\Computer Configuration\Administrative Templates\Network\QoS Packet Scheduler

• On the right pane, click on Limit Reservable Bandwidth entry.
• Double click on the entry to edit it.
• Choose Enabled.
• Set the percentage of Bandwidth Limit to 0.
• Select OK to confirm it.
• Exit Local Group Policy Editor.

You can also do the procedure below instead of the above procedure. Follow the steps below to use this alternative way:

1. Hold Windows key + R to open the Run box.
2. In the run box, type regedit.
3. Press Enter to open Registry Editor.
4. Navigate through HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINEin the left panel of Registry Editor to reach:

SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows

• Locate a sub key with the name of Psched under Windows key.
• If you do not have it, right click on the Windows key and choose New to create a Key.
• Name this key as Psched.
• Right-click on Psched to make a New DWORD Value.
• Name the values as NonBestEffortLimit.
• Double click on the value to Modify.
• Select Decimal as Base in the dialog box and put a desired number from 1 to 100 as Value Data.
• Exit the Registry Editor.
• Restart your computer.

Update Network Card Driver

Local Area Network or LAN Adapter or Wireless LAN Card is hardware intermediating among the user PC. To have high-speed internet, you must have the correct and up-to-date drivers. To update the network card driver, follow the steps below:

1. Find out the Model and Make of your LAN Adapter.
2. Enter the website of manufacturer.
3. Look for the model in the Drivers Update area.
4. Download and Install the concerned utility.

You can also do the procedure below instead of the above procedure. Follow the steps below to use this alternative way to update your WLAN drivers:

1. Go to the Start Menu.
2. Type Device Manager and open it.
3. Locate Network Adapters in the Device Manager window.
4. Double click on the Network Adapters to find your Wired and Wireless LAN devices.
5. Right click on your hardware driver.
6. Select Update Driver Software.
7. Choose Search Automatically for Updated Driver Software.
8. Windows will search for the latest drivers automatically and install them.
9. Exit Device Manager.
10. Restart your system.

Disable Unnecessary Services

Windows 8 can startup more services automatically. These services can slow down the speed of the Internet by using your level of memory. Therefore, you can disable unnecessary services to increase the speed of your Internet. To do so, follow the steps below:

1. Hold Windows + R to open Run box.
2. Type services.msc in the run box.
3. Press Enter to open the Services window.
4. Double click the services that you do not want to start automatically.
5. Set Manual against the Startup Type.
6. Hit OK to save changes and exit.

Note: The specified services that mainstream users are not use consider Distributed Link Tracking Client, Performance Logs & Alerts, Diagnostic Policy Service, Windows Error Reporting Service, Program Compatibility Assistant Service, Offline Files, Secondary Logon, Windows Image Acquisition (WIA).

Reset WinSock

WinSock demonstrated the way for your Windows network software to connect to the network services. Restarting the WinSock can increase the speed of the Internet significantly. To reset it, follow the steps below:

1. Go to the Start Menu.
2. Run Command Prompt as administrator.
3. Type NETSH INT IP RESET C:\RESETLOG.txtin the displayed black window.
4. Press Enter.
5. Exit Command Prompt.
6. Restart your computer.

Run the Network Troubleshooter

Follow the steps below to run the Network Troubleshooter:

1. Hold Windows + C to see the Charms bar.
2. Type Troubleshooting and click on it under Settings.
3. In the search bar, type Network Troubleshooter.
4. Select Network Troubleshooter to run it.

Change DNS Settings

The address book of the internet is Domain Name System (DNS) that which translates a web address to a numeric IP address that your computer can understand it will. ISP, by default, provides its own DNS to resolve addresses. Besides, there are a lot of public DNS servers available that you can use to increase the speed of your internet connection.

Google Public DNS or Cloudflare’s 1.1.1.1 DNS resolver are recommended to use. If you want to change your DNS server on Windows, follow the steps below:

1. Go to the Control Panel.
2. Open Network Connections.
3. Right click on an active network adapter.
4. Click on Properties.
5. Double click on the Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) entry.
6. Input the new DNS server addresses.

On macOS, do the following procedure:

1. Enter System Preferences.
2. Select Network.
3. Choose an active network adapter.
4. Select the gear icon.
5. Click on Configure IPv4.
6. Input the new DNS server address.

Note: On Linux, edit the /etc/resolv.conf file to this:

nameserver 8.8.8.8

nameserver 8.8.4.4

Update Wi-Fi Drivers

Drivers that you have already installed on your system may need to be updated. Follow the steps below to update your Wi-Fi Drivers:

1. Go to the Wi-Fi Internet Service Provider website.
2. Select the Download section.
3. Select Drivers.
4. Choose an operating system and its version and download them.
5. Enter the Device Manager under Reinstall the Adapter section.
6. Expand Network Adapter.
7. Right-click on your Network Adapter.
8. Click on Update Driver Software.
9. Select Browse My Computer for Driver Software in the new dialog box.
10. Select Browse.
11.  Choose the file that you have downloaded to your desktop.
12. Hit OK/Next.
13. After it finishes successfully, Hit Close.

Optimize Wi-Fi Internet Settings

Another way to have faster Wi-Fi Internet on Windows 8 is optimizing your network configurations and settings, which needs special software to evaluate the status of your network. To do so, follow the steps below:

1. Download RegInOut and install it.
2. On your Taskbar, click on the Start.
3. Start Screen must appear.
4. On the right side, select Focus on the Search Box.
5. In the Search Box, Type RegInOut System Utilities.
6. Check it from the result.
7. On the left, select the Internet Optimizer tab.
8. Set your Internet speed as Slow.
9. Select Analyze.
10. Click on Optimize.

Disable Global Auto-Tuning Feature

Global Auto-Tuning is refer to the data which transfer for HTTP traffics, and if it is not working properly, it decreases your Internet speed.

1. Select the Start on your Taskbar to see the Start Screen.
2. One the right side of your screen, move your cursor to focus on the Search box.
3. In the search box, type Command Prompt.
4. Select Apps icon.
5. From the Search Results, right-click on the Command Prompt.
6. On the bottom of your screen, select Run as Administrator.
7. Type the following command on by one:

C:\Windows\System32 netsh interface tcp set global autotuning=disabled netsh interface tcp show global

• If it shows Auto-Tuning is disabled, you have done everything properly. If it not, you must check the commands again.
• Type Exit.
• Hit Enter.

Uninstall Remote Differential Compression API Support

A Windows feature is Remote Differential Compression (RDC) which can slow your Wi-Fi. Follow the steps below to uninstall it:

Note: if you would like to install it again, you must just have a genuine Windows 8 installation DVD ROM.

1. Go to the Control Panel under Reinstall the Adapter section.
2. Select Programs.
3. Select Turn Windows Feature On or Off under Programs and Features.
4. Remove the check in the box next to the Remote Differential Compression API Support.
5. Hit OK.
6. Wait until the process finishes.

Switch to a Wired Connection

If you use wired connections, they are much faster than wireless networks, especially when you use Wi-Fi 6. Therefore, connect to the internet with an Ethernet cable if it is possible for you. It is because Ethernet cables provide a reliable, stable, and faster connection than wireless signals. For a faster internet connection, use a wired connection instead of a wireless network.

Use a VPN

If you mostly use a public wireless connection, your information and data can be at risk. Therefore, you can use a VPN to secure your information and also increase your internet speed.

Update Your Network Adapter Drivers

Slow internet speed can be due to outdated drivers. Thus, if you are having trouble connecting fast to the Internet, you need to check and install your drivers with Windows Update or the manufacturer’s website to update the network adapter drivers.

Check Viruses and Malware

Another reason for slow internet connection is malware and viruses. You should scan your viruses and malware on your computer with an antivirus program to stop these threats.

Check Your Web Browser

One of the things that can affect the speed of the Internet is the web browser. Ensure that your browser is updated, and disable any unessential extensions and plugins.

Upgrade Computer or Laptop Hardware

If you are using an old laptop or computer, you should upgrade it to a new one. Old computer does not have the processing power to have a fast internet connection. Thus, but a new computer or laptop and ensure that it has a fast processor and 802.11ac Wi-Fi.

Get a Wi-Fi Mesh Network

One type of Wi-Fi system that has many devices that spread all over your home or office is Mesh Network. It can create a single wireless network to help improve Wi-Fi speed in large or multi-story buildings. 

Develop Your Wi-Fi Signal

There are many things that you can do to improve your Wi-Fi signal if you are using a wireless connection.

Update Your Internet Plan

If you are using a basic entry-level Internet plan, you should upgrade it to a faster option. The thing you must do first is to contact your service provider to check the available options in your area.

Update Your Firmware

Manufacturers always provide updates for routers. So check their website to see if there is an update available for your router’s model or not.

Upgrade the Antenna of Your Wi-Fi

Many routers have external antennas that can be set by changing their angle and direction. In this way you can improve the signal and have a better Internet connection, or you can replace the antenna with a powerful one.

Get a Range Extender.

A range extender or repeater, or booster can make the signals of your router more powerful. It is a practical way if you are using the router in a place with a lot of walls.

Check your Router or Modem

Using a bad modem or router can be one of the main reasons for a slow internet connection. Thus, if you use a modem for more than 3 or 4 years, you might need to upgrade it.

Restart Your Modem or Router

Restarting your modem or router can be a good idea if you face the low speed of the Internet. This can increase the speed of your Internet connection.

Change the Place of Your Router

The place of the router can impact the speed of the Internet. If you would like to have a faster internet connection or have stronger signals, the best place to put your modem is in the center of that location. If it is placed in the corner of a wall or behind a piece of furniture, change the place to have a faster Internet speed.

Get another Router

You can get a new router if all the above techniques do not work. Search for a modem that supports the standards of the latest Wi-Fi and the one with enough bandwidth, or you may need to have one modem with multiple antennas to improve the Internet speed and Wi-Fi signals.

Conclusion

There are many ways to increase the speed of Internet connection in Windows 8 that we presented here in this article. Which method is more practical for you? Do you need to buy a new router? Share your ideas with us.