Nowadays, residences and establishments need to have a stable WiFi connection. It helps you to connect with your loved ones virtually, buy your desired items and services, manage your finances, and do other related online activities. However, some users have wondered, “why is upload speed so slow?”
A stable upload and download speed on your internet connection are necessary to avoid internet-related issues. This guide will show you the most common reasons why your internet upload speed is slow and how to make upload speed faster.
Read this guide to know more.
Table of Contents
Why is My Upload Speed So Slow?
Various factors can negatively affect your internet upload speed. This problem can be related to your internet service provider (ISP), outdated hardware, misconfigured network settings, malware, and other related issues.
Here are the most common reasons why your upload speed is so slow:
- Limited Bandwidth – Most of the time, your current internet plan will determine the maximum upload and download speeds you’ll get on your devices. If you’re still on a basic internet plan, chances are it won’t keep up with your high-bandwidth activities, like video conferencing, streaming, and much more.
- Outdated Router – Using the free router from your ISP is typically a great idea, but it also can get outdated over time and limits your internet speeds. Try looking for a new router or consulting your ISP for other compatible routers that can match your current download and upload speeds.
- Outdated Network Drivers – Firmware updates for your router and computer are essential to avoid bugs, which can directly affect your upload speed.
- Network Congestion – If you have limited bandwidth, but you’re hosting too many devices, it can easily cause network congestion. When these devices are doing high-bandwidth activities simultaneously, it can lead to your upload speed slowing down.
- Malware – Suspicious software apps and tools can occupy your internet connection and slow your computer down. Try using trusted antivirus software tools such as Windows Defender (for Windows OS) and Malwarebytes to scan your device for malware or viruses.
How to Fix Upload Speed on Your Internet Connection
As mentioned earlier, upload speeds are needed for video meetings, calls, streaming, and uploading various data on the internet. Here are some easy troubleshooting methods to fix your internet upload speed. Remember to review each fix and check which one is the most effective for your computer:
Fix #1: Power Cycle Your Router
The first thing that you can do to fix internet-related issues is by power cycling your router. It re-initializes all of its internal components and fixes bugs or glitches. To power cycle your WiFi router, follow these steps:
- Turn off your router and unplug its power adapter from the socket.
- Wait for one minute to drain the power.
- Then, plug the power adapter back in and turn on your router.
- Check your internet speed via speed tests online, like Google and Speedtest.
Fix #2: Connect via Ethernet or a Wired Connection
While connecting wirelessly to the internet is the norm nowadays, it’s still ideal to opt for an Ethernet or wired connection, especially when doing high-bandwidth activities online. This way, you’ll have exclusive access to your connection and avoid network congestion caused by other devices.
Fix #3: Update Network Adapter Drivers and WiFi Firmware
Network driver updates can potentially fix bugs and slow internet speeds on your network. They contain the latest firmware and network configurations necessary to connect your computer to the internet at optimal speeds.
To update the network adapter driver on your Windows computer, follow the steps below:
- Select the Search function on the taskbar and enter the keywords device manager.
- Choose Device Manager from the search results to open the app.
- Find the Network Adapters option and click it to expand.
- Find the primary network adapter your computer is using and right-click it.
- Select Update Driver > Search automatically for updated driver software and follow the on-screen steps.
- Once the updated driver is installed, restart your computer and check its internet speed.
Similarly, it’s also essential to install the latest firmware updates for your router device. To do this, proceed to these steps:
- Use Google search to find your router manufacturer’s official website and download the latest firmware update for your router’s model.
- Next, go to your router’s web management page. You can do this by visiting your router’s IP address and entering the login details for admin access.
- Find the Update section and choose the firmware file you downloaded earlier.
- Wait for your router to install the update.
- Next, reboot your router and check its internet speeds.
Fix #4: Change the DNS Settings on Your Computer
Domain Name Setting or DNS is a necessary feature when browsing the internet. While opting for the default DNS settings on your computer is recommended, you can change it to Google Public DNS to solve internet speed issues.
To change your DNS settings to Google DNS, proceed to the steps below:
- Press the Win + R keys on the keyboard to open the Run application.
- Input control and select OK to open the Control Panel.
- Under Network and Internet, select View network status and tasks.
- Choose Change adapter settings on the left pane and right-click on your network connection.
- Select Properties and double-click the Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) item.
- Choose Obtain an IP address automatically and enter the following values:
Preferred DNS server: 8.8.8.8
Alternative DNS server: 8.8.4.4.
- Select OK and reboot your computer. Check if your upload speed increases.
Fix #5: Disable All VPN Services
Although a virtual private network (VPN) enables you to browse the internet anonymously, it affects your network’s performance and significantly slows down your upload speed. Try disabling it or using another VPN service that less affect your internet speed.
Final Thoughts
Ideally, you need fast upload and download speeds for a stable internet connection. However, your upload speed can appear slow due to various factors, like outdated network drivers or routers, malware, and a limited internet speed on your current plan.
Hopefully, this guide helps you fix your home network’s upload speed. If you need more assistance, try contacting your ISP’s customer support hotline.