The Internet has completely changed the way we interact with the world. For many of us, it’s an essential part of our personal and professional lives. That’s why Internet connectivity issues can be so frustrating. Is your Internet slow on one computer but fast on another? Do you wish to know how to resolve this issue? Well, then, you’re in the right place!
This article contains the answers to all your questions. We’ll explain why you may be facing this issue and the steps you can take to resolve it. If that sounds like something you’re interested in, read on to know more!
Table of Contents
How to Check if Your Internet is Slow on one Computer but Fast on Another
If you suspect the internet connection on a device is faster or slower than another, you can perform a simple test. You can use many online tools to test your Internet connection speed on different devices. This is the first step you should take before trying any of our solution methods.
We recommend using the following websites to check the speed of your Internet connection:
To check your Internet connection speed using FAST, complete the following steps.
- Turn on your computer.
- Open the FAST website.
- The website will immediately begin to calculate your Internet speed.
- Wait until the results are displayed.
- Turn on another computer or device.
- Again, go to the FAST website.
- Wait until the results are displayed.
- Compare the results.
To check your Internet connection speed using Speed Test, complete the following steps.
- First, turn on your computer.
- Then, go to the Speed Test website.
- Click the option that says Go.
- The website will start to calculate the speed of your Internet connection.
- Wait until the results are displayed.
- Turn on another computer or device.
- Go to the Speed Test website on this device and click the option that says Go.
- The website will start to calculate the speed of your Internet connection.
- Compare the results.
Of course, there are other websites out there that you can use to check the speed of your Internet connection. We recommend using FAST or Speed Test, as these tools are known to provide accurate results.
Why Is My Internet So Slow On One Computer but Fast on Another?
There are many reasons your Internet may be slow on one computer but fast on another. Knowing the cause of the issue can help you resolve it; that’s why we’ve described them in great depth below. Look through the list and see if anything applies to your situation.
Reason#1) The Location of Your Computer
The location of your computer may also be responsible for slow Internet on one computer. Is one of your devices placed in an area with a weak WiFi signal? Try moving the computer closer to the route.
We also recommend placing the main router in a high and open space. Consider switching to a mesh WiFi network if this is a frequent issue. You can also use WiFi extenders to boost the WiFi signal.
Reason#2) The Health of Your Computer
The health of your computer can also cause a difference in the internet connection speed. Factors such as the amount of memory on your computer or the condition of the hard disk can affect Internet speed. So if you’re using an old laptop, this may be why the Internet is slow on one laptop but fast on another.
Reason#3) Programs Running On Your Computer
Most of us aren’t always aware of the apps and programs running in the background when using a computer. CPU-intensive programs use up a lot of power and memory. They also take up a lot of disk space. If too many CPU-intensive applications run simultaneously, the Internet speed may be affected.
Reason#4) Outdated Drivers
Outdated network drivers can cause a lot of issues. An outdated driver can affect your network connection by reducing download speeds and causing connectivity issues. This may the reason why you’ve noticed slow Internet on one computer compared to another.
Reason#5) Wrong WiFi Settings
The internet speeds may also differ because the computer is set to the wrong WiFi standard settings. Setting a slower WiFi standard can speed up the Internet speed. If your Internet is slow on one laptop compared to another, this may be why.
How To Fix Internet Slow on One Computer but Fast on Another Issue
Method#1) Update Drivers on Your Computer
Outdated network drivers can slow down the Internet connection on a computer. This may be the reason why the Internet is so slow on one computer but fast on another. Therefore to resolve this issue, you must update the network drivers.
To update network drivers, complete the following steps:
- Turn on your computer.
- Press the Win + R keys to open the Run Program.
- Type devmgmt.msc in the search box.
- Press Enter to open the Device Manager.
- Go to the Network Adapters directory.
- Right-click on the name of your network driver.
- Select the option that says Update Driver.
- Choose the option that says Search automatically for updated driver software.
- Follow the directions you are shown to update the network drivers.
- Restart your computer and check if the issue persists.
Method#2) Restart Network Adapter
Restarting the network adapter can fix many types of internet connectivity issues. If the Internet is slow on one computer but fast on another, restarting the network adapter may help.
To do so, complete the following steps.
- Turn on your computer.
- Press the Win + R keys to open the Run Program.
- Type devmgmt.msc in the search box. Press Enter to open the Device Manager.
- Go to the Network Adapters Directory.
- Right-click on the name of your network driver.
- Select the option that says Properties.
- Go to Advanced.
- Here, go to the Property heading and scroll to the option that says Speed & Duplex.
- Confirm if Auto-Negotiation is set.
- Go to Settings > Network & Security > Status.
- Select the option that says Change adapter options.
- Right-click on the Network Adapter.
- Select the option that says Disable.
- Restart your computer and enable the network adapter once more.
Method#3) Reset the TCP/IP Stack
A corrupt TCP/IP stack may be responsible for the issue that you’re facing. To fix this issue, complete the following steps.
- Press Win + S keys
- Type cmd in the search box.
- Press Enter to open Command Prompt.
- Type the following command in the elevated Command Prompt: netsh int ip reset c:\resetlog.txt
- Press Enter. These steps should reset the TCP/IP Stack.
- Restart your computer and check if the issue is still present.
Method#4) Change WiFi Settings
Changing the WiFi settings on your computer may resolve the issue. To do this, complete the following steps.
- Open the Search Bar on your computer and look up Device Manager.
- Go to the Network Adapters Directory.
- Right-click on the name of your Network Adapter.
- Select Properties.
- Go to Advanced.
- Go to the setting that allows you to change the WiFi standard or speed.
- Change the value in this option from 802.11b/g/n to 802.11b/g.
Method#5) Close Faulty or Extra Programs and Apps
To close background programs and applications, complete the following steps.
- Open the Search Bar on your computer and look up Background Apps.
- Close unnecessary and CPU-intensive programs and applications.
For faulty programs and applications, complete the following steps.
- Open the Search Bar on your computer and look up Task Manager.
- Go to the Processes tab.
- Close these programs or applications.
Final Thoughts
There are many reasons you may notice a difference in internet speed on your computer. The location or health of your computer may cause the problem. Other than this, a corrupt TCP/IP stack or wrong WiFi standard settings may be responsible.
This article has explained why you may face your Internet being slow on one computer while not on the other and the steps you can take to resolve it. We’ve covered the solution methods in detail, and if you read the article closely, we’re sure you won’t encounter any issues. Good luck!