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My pc is limiting my download speed on browsers

Anonymous
2024-03-23T22:04:12+00:00

So i had this problem for a few week now - when i tried to download something from my browser (tried with edge, firefox opera and chrome), my download speed caps at 2 mbps. I have a 100 mbitps plan from my internet provider so i found that weird so i ran a speed test. The results: Download speed about 100mbitps on my pc and other devices. I tried the speedtest with and without LAN cable.

When using an app (like the speedtest app or steam) I get the full 100Mb bandwidth - eliminating any possiblility that there is a fundamental problem with the router, cable, LAN adapter, or other similar hardware limitation. The problem occurs only when downloading via the browser (any website download).

I also tried WSL and booted a linux distribution - there I also can download with 100Mbit/s..

Some information regarding my system:

  • Windows 11 Home (Version: 23H2, Build: 22631.3235)
  • I only use Windows Defender as Antivirus Program
  • Windows Network Drivers are up to date as far as I know
  • Do not hesitate to ask for further information!

Things I tried:

  • Inplace-Upgrade of Windows 11 to repair the version --> wasnt successful
  • WSL to try if I have the same download speed --> No, it is normal there
  • Download via cmd with curl (so basically the same as downloading via Browser) --> Also capped at 2mbps.
  • Clean Boot in Windows (disabled all autostart-services and services which are not from windows) --> wasnt successful
  • Booted in safe mode with network --> wasnt successful

My guess is that there is some problem with my Windows Version as WSL with Linux worked fine on my machine. I also will boot a linux image from a USB Stick and update my findings here.

After googling for hours and trying various things, i still haven't found a solution, so my last option is writing this post in hopes someone can help.

It would be great if someone from windows has a solution. I really do not want to install Windows completely new and lose all my data.

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Internet and connectivity

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  1. Anonymous
    2024-03-24T12:05:19+00:00

    Hey JayVeeru1975,

    as I mentioned above, my Internet Provider should not be the problem since other devices can download files normally with about 100mbit/s.

    One Question - my pc is the only device which has a static IP address, could that be a problem?

    I can watch YT videos normally up to 4k without stuttering.

    When downloading files from brands like Microsoft or Nvidia, I also get the download speed of 2MB/s. I raises from 1MB to 2MB in the first seconds and then it is capped.

    On the testfile site my download speed is worse than on other sites.. :(

    1 person found this answer helpful.
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  2. Anonymous
    2024-03-24T12:02:04+00:00

    Hello Hahn,

    thanks for sharing your ideas regarding my problem.

    I tried all three suggestions (Network Reset, Flush DNS Cache, Local Admin), all of them did not work unfortunately. :(
    Do you have other ideas?

    Thanks in advance!

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  3. Anonymous
    2024-03-24T11:40:10+00:00

    What happens on places like YT?

    Do you get playback issues on 4k or HW videos?

    What happens on downloads from main sites like Microsoft or branded driver sites?

    Try on a site like this

    Test file

    Tried to check if your ISP has throttling?

    Try with a VPN and see if you get the same results, then it'll point it down to your ISP throttling you.

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  4. Anonymous
    2024-03-24T09:31:43+00:00

    Hi Tim,

    Welcome to Microsoft Community.

    I'm Hahn and I'm here to help you with your concern.

    It sounds like you've been thorough in your troubleshooting process. Since you've ruled out hardware issues and the problem persists across multiple browsers but not in other applications or WSL, it does seem to be related to your Windows environment or settings specific to browsers.

    Here are a few additional steps you might consider:

    • Check Windows Firewall and Antivirus Settings: Your Windows Defender Firewall or third-party antivirus software might be blocking or throttling download speeds. Temporarily disable these security measures (if safe to do so) and test the download speed again.

    Disclaimer: Temporarily turn off real-time Microsoft Defender antivirus protection in Windows Security. However, keep in mind that if you do so, your device may be vulnerable to threats. So please turn it on immediately once issue fixed.

    • Reset Network Settings:
      • Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Advanced network settings.
      • Select Network reset at the bottom of the page.
      • This will remove and reinstall all your network adapters and set other networking components back to their original settings.
    • Flush DNS Cache:
      • Open **Command Prompt as an administrator.
      • Type ipconfig /flushdns and press Enter.

    If none of these steps resolve the issue, and since you've already tried a clean boot and safe mode, you might want to consider creating a new user profile on your PC to see if the problem is specific to your current user profile. If the issue doesn't occur on the new profile, you could migrate your data over and continue using the new profile. Create a local user or administrator account in Windows - Microsoft Support 

    Microsoft attaches great importance to user experience, you can submit your ideas and suggestions through the Feedback Hub, and the development team will regularly review submissions for ideas or fixes.

    Send feedback to Microsoft with the Feedback Hub app - Microsoft Support

    Please share the feedback link here after submitting as it will allow others on the forum to vote for your submission, including me. More votes will lead to more visibility and higher priority to the development team.

    I hope this helps.  If there is anything not clear, please do not hesitate to let me know.

    Your Sincerely

    Hahn - MSFT | Microsoft Community Support Specialist

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