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Slow Internet or Wi-Fi? Try These Fixes

Run a speed test, cut bandwidth use, move closer to your router and restart it, switch Wi-Fi bands and channels, and know when to call your internet provider.

Updated 9 min read

Quick Answer

Run a speed test, then connect another device to the same Wi-Fi to see if it’s slow too. Move your device closer to the router and away from obstructions and sources of interference like microwave ovens and cordless phones, and turn off devices you aren’t using so they don’t drain bandwidth with large downloads. If your speed test results are still less than you expected, restart your modem and contact your internet service provider.

Common causes

  • Other devices and downloads sharing your bandwidth
  • Distance from the router, walls and other obstructions
  • Wireless interference from nearby networks and household devices
  • A congested Wi-Fi channel or the slower 2.4 GHz band
  • Programs, spyware, viruses or browser add-ons on your computer
  • A temporary slowdown or plan limit from your internet provider
  • Busy websites and peak-time internet congestion

Step-by-Step Solutions

Start with a speed test, work through the steps in order, and run the test again after each change to see if your speed has improved.

  1. Step 1: Run a speed test and try another device

    A speed test gives you a baseline, and a second device shows whether the slowdown is on more than one device.

    Before you change anything, run a network speed test to get a baseline. Microsoft suggests running several tests at different places in your home and recording the results, then running them again after you make changes to see if your Wi-Fi performance has improved. On Windows, you can get a network speed test app from the Microsoft Store.

    Connect another device to the same Wi-Fi. If the problem persists on that device too, Microsoft says the router may require maintenance or replacement.

    If your results are less than you expected, the internet speed from your provider may be slower than expected right now. Google suggests contacting your internet service provider in that case.

    Good to know

    Microsoft says the type of internet connection you use is the most important factor in determining your connection speed.

  2. Step 2: Turn off devices and apps that use bandwidth

    Every device on your Wi-Fi shares the same connection, so heavy use on one can slow down the others.

    Whenever a device connects to your Wi-Fi network, it competes with other devices for bandwidth. Depending on your service, doing several high-bandwidth activities at the same time may result in a slower connection.

    Make sure devices you aren’t using are off, and that none of them are draining bandwidth with large downloads.

    On a Windows PC, close other programs you have running.

    Good to know

    On a corporate network, general network and proxy server use can affect your internet performance. If your internet access is slow at times, Microsoft suggests discussing it with your network administrator.

  3. Step 3: Move closer to your router and away from interference

    Distance, walls and other wireless devices can all slow down your Wi-Fi.

    Your distance from the router and physical obstructions affect the quality of your connection. Move your device closer to the router, but not right next to it, and make sure there are no physical obstructions between them.

    Avoid using your wireless devices near common sources of interference, such as power cables, microwave ovens, fluorescent lights, wireless video cameras and cordless phones. Metal has very high interference potential, and a metal-reinforced concrete floor between your router and device could cause poor Wi-Fi performance.

    If you can, move the router toward the middle of your home or room, and higher if possible. Placing it in a corner or under a desk can reduce your Wi-Fi signal strength.

    On Android, if none of the bars in the Wi-Fi indicator at the top of the screen are filled in, you may be out of range. Move closer to the router and check if you have a stronger connection.

    Good to know

    If moving closer to the router or moving the router itself isn’t an option, Microsoft says you can try a network extender to improve your Wi-Fi signal.

  4. Step 4: Restart your modem and router

    A restart creates a new connection to your internet provider and can improve slow performance.

    Restarting your modem and router creates a new connection to your internet service provider. Everyone connected to your Wi-Fi network will be temporarily disconnected while you do it.

    Unplug the power cable for the router, then unplug the power cable for the modem. Microsoft says to wait at least 30 seconds or so. Then plug the modem back in and wait for its lights to stop blinking. Then plug the router back in and wait a few minutes for both to fully power on. You can usually tell they’re ready by looking at their status lights.

    If you have a cable modem and Wi-Fi router combo device, you only need to follow the steps for that single device.

  5. Step 5: Connect to the 5 GHz or 6 GHz band

    If your router offers more than one band, 5 GHz and 6 GHz give faster throughput over a shorter range.

    Faster throughput is generally available on a 5 GHz network, which is better suited for streaming movies and gaming, but it has a shorter range than 2.4 GHz. In most cases, a 2.4 GHz network works fine for basic tasks like browsing the web or using email.

    On Windows, if your list of available Wi-Fi networks includes both a 2.4 GHz network and a 5 GHz network, try connecting to the other network. On iPhone or iPad, if your router supports separate frequencies, try joining 5 GHz instead of 2.4 GHz.

    A 6 GHz network can give you the best network performance when you’re close to your router. You need a newer router and a device that both support Wi-Fi 6E.

    Good to know

    Google notes that an older device likely won’t support the latest Wi-Fi standards for the fastest speeds.

  6. Step 6: Change your router’s Wi-Fi channel

    A crowded channel can slow down your Wi-Fi, especially where there are many networks nearby.

    Congested channels can slow down your Wi-Fi network performance. This is especially true if there are a lot of Wi-Fi networks around you.

    To change settings on your router, you need to sign in to it, usually through a web browser. Check your router’s documentation or its maker’s website for how to do this.

    Configure the router to use a different Wi-Fi channel, or have it scan for the channel with the least interference. On a 2.4 GHz network, Microsoft recommends channel 1, 6 or 11, because these channels don’t overlap. On a 5 GHz network, choose the channel with the fewest access points.

    Good to know

    On Windows, a Wi-Fi network analyzer app from the Microsoft Store can help you compare channels.

  7. Step 7: Check your computer for what’s slowing it down

    On a computer, spyware, viruses, browser add-ons and low disk space can slow your connection.

    Microsoft says two of the most frequent causes of poor internet performance are spyware and viruses. Run your antivirus software at all times, and regularly run an antispyware program to clean out any spyware.

    Some browser add-ons can also slow your internet connection. Low disk space can cause performance problems too, and you can free up space by deleting your browser’s temporary files.

    On a Mac, if Wi-Fi issues are detected, you can view the issues and suggested solutions by choosing Wi-Fi Recommendations from the menu bar. Wi-Fi recommendations aren’t available for enterprise networks or Personal Hotspots. You can also use Wireless Diagnostics to solve problems with a network you’ve already set up.

  8. Step 8: Compare Wi-Fi and mobile data on your phone

    Switching between Wi-Fi and mobile data lets you check if there’s a difference.

    On iPhone or iPad, slow performance can occur due to network congestion or when your device reconnects to cell towers while you’re moving. Even with a strong signal, you might need to wait, try a different location or use Wi-Fi.

    On Android, restart your device first. Then open your Settings app and tap Network & internet or Connections, depending on your device. Turn Wi-Fi off and mobile data on, and check if there’s a difference. If not, turn mobile data off and Wi-Fi on and check again.

    Good to know

    On iPhone and iPad, Apple says to contact your carrier if cellular data issues persist across multiple locations.

Still slow?

If your speed test results stay lower than you expected, or you have recurring problems with slow internet, contact your internet service provider. Ask if there are any current issues that might be slowing your internet, or if there’s anything they can do to improve your speed. Your provider may be working on its network in your area, and your speed can also be limited by your plan. If other devices on your Wi-Fi are slow too, Microsoft says your router may require maintenance or replacement.

Before you restart your router: Restarting your modem and router temporarily disconnects everyone connected to your Wi-Fi network.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my internet slower at certain times of day?

Local internet congestion happens when many people try to connect to the internet at the same time, most often at peak activity times. Even with a fast connection, busy websites can also slow things down.

Is 5 GHz Wi-Fi faster than 2.4 GHz?

Generally, yes. A 5 GHz network offers faster throughput, and devices on 2.4 GHz may not reach the same speeds. The trade-off is that 5 GHz has a shorter range.

Can my internet plan limit my speed?

Yes. Your internet provider controls the bandwidth and speed coming into your home, and your speed can be limited based on your plan. You can ask your provider about upgrading your plan to get more bandwidth.

Can an Ethernet cable slow down my internet?

It can, because your internet speed is limited by the slowest component on your network. Google recommends Cat 5e or Cat 6 cables for internet speeds faster than 100 Mbps, so check whether your cable’s speed rating is lower than the speed you expect from your provider.

Why is my internet slow on only one device?

Wi-Fi speed can vary with the type of device, its distance from the router, the frequency it’s connected to and physical barriers like walls. An older device likely won’t support the latest Wi-Fi standards for the fastest speeds.

Sources & review

This guide was checked against official support instructions from Microsoft, Apple and Google on September 30, 2026. Device options can change with software updates.

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