Windows 10: Windows 10 capping download speeds across all network adapters

For some reason, Windows 10 is limiting the download speed on all the network adapters on my PC to a small fraction of what it should be. I have a roughly 700 Mbps-down internet connection, but testing via Speedtest.net or any other speed testing service consistently results in only about 130 Mbps down. This isn't just evident in internet speed tests, either. Downloading files shows the same speed-capping behavior, whether I do it via Origin, Steam, a web browser, a network share in File Explorer, whatever.


Crucially, this isn't a problem limited to one driver or even a single network adapter. My motherboard happens to have two built-in Gigabit Ethernet ports one an Intel I211, and the other an I219, and Qualcomm Atheros QCA61x4A 802.11AC Wireless Network Adapter. No matter which I'm using the problem manifests the same: an apparent cap on my download speed at right about 130 Mbps.


And before you start to think there's an easy solution, there's this too: I also have a Kubuntu installation running on this same PC. Under Kubuntu, using any of the same network adapters I get the speeds I expect: e.g. Speedtest.net shows about 600-700 Mpbs on the download side, as it should. So I have to conclude that my hardware is fine, but something is desperately broken in Windows.


Here's a pastebin of my system info, if it's helpful.

:)

 

Network Speed issue while downloading in Windows 10

Hi,



Thank you for writing to Microsoft Community Forums.



We understand how difficult it is, when the device doesn't work in the way it should and in order to get clarity and to assist you accordingly, please reply with the answers to the questions below

• Are you aware of any changes on the PC, prior to this issue?
  
• Are you able to download anything on a different device with 20 Mbps speed?
  
• Did you try connecting the computer using an Ethernet cable and check the speed?
  
• Are you getting the speed issue while streaming videos online on any browser?

However we would suggest you to perform a
Network Speed Test and post a screenshot of the speed test result for further investigation. (Please follow the steps mentioned in the

screenshot posted by Shawn ‘Cmdr’ Keene on Oct 2, 2015 to post the screenshots.) Do not share any personal information in the screenshots.



Meanwhile you can perform the below steps and check the speed of the network.



Method 1: Disable Windows Updates.

Disable Windows updates temporarily until your current browsing task or download is complete. Windows Updates usually take away a sizeable chunk of your network bandwidth to download large files for updating data
and this could slow down the internet speed. Once the task is complete, re-enable Windows updates.



Steps to disable and enable Windows updates temporarily.

1. Press Windows +R key from the keyboard to launch Run command.
   
2. Type services.msc and click Ok.
   
3. Then scroll down and select Windows Updates and click on Stop from the left pane.
   
4. To enable the Windows Update service, you need to follow step 1, 2 & in 3 you need to click on Start.

Method 2: Disable the non-Microsoft antivirus.

If you have any non-Microsoft security/anti-virus software installed, please disable it temporarily and check the speed of the network.



Disable Antivirus or security software disclaimer: If you have Windows 10, you’ll get the latest antivirus protection with Windows Defender. When you start up Windows 10 for the first time, Windows
Defender is on and actively helping to protect your PC by scanning for malware (malicious software), viruses, and security threats. Windows Defender uses real-time protection to scan everything you download or run on your PC. Windows Update downloads updates
for Windows Defender automatically to help keep your PC safe and protect it from threats.



Method 3: Update the network driver.

Windows 10 installation often automates the process of installing generic or proprietary drivers for wireless network services, using the repository of drivers bundled with the operating system (OS). However, these drivers could
sometimes cause stability or incompatibility issues with the hardware as they often limit the functionality of the device, unlike official or manufacturer released drivers.



To circumvent this problem, just download and install the latest Wi-Fi adapter drivers from the manufacturer's website. This will ensure enhanced stability and performance of the device.



You can also update the network adapters from device manager. Please follow the steps as mentioned in this article:
Update drivers in Windows 10



We would suggest you for additional information, to refer this article:

Why is my Internet connection so slow? Also check with the
Internet Service Provider, if they have capped the internet bandwidth from there end.



We await your response.



Aditya Roy

Microsoft Community – Moderator

 

Windows 10 home version 1903 wifi download speed capped.

Hello as the title says my internet download speed is very slow its capped to 4.5Mbps where as it should be around 10-15 Mbps my laptop is dell Inspiron 7559 and wireless adapter is Intel Dual band wireless AC 3165, cant pinpoint as to when this problem
started I noticed it suddenly while downloading update for a game on steam. ran speed tests and found out its capped to 4.5Mbps, thing is I did the same test on ubuntu with speedtest.net it gave the speed it should which is around 15Mbps. Its also fine on
mobile but its limited on windows for some reason. I reinstalled its drivers tried using ipconfig /flushdns with no luck at all did a full computer scan with windows defender and no malware or virus found. Anyone got a suggestion?

 

network adapters

Hi, Michael.



Thank you for posting your query in Microsoft Community.

As per my understanding, you may be facing an issue with your driver updates.

I suggest that you perform the steps mentioned below and check if it helps you resolve your issue.



Method 1: Network troubleshooting

• • • On the search bar type “Troubleshooting”
    • Click on “Network and Internet”
    • Click on “Network Adapter” and run the troubleshooter.

Method 2: Download and install the latest firmware updates for the Network adapter

Follow these steps to un-install the drivers:

• On the search bar type “ Device Manager”
• On the left pane locate “Network Adapter” and expand by clicking on it
• Right on the “ Network driver” option and click “Uninstall’
• Download the latest Wireless network adapter driver setup file from the manufacturer’s website and install it.

Your reply is very important for us to ensure a proper resolution. Please get back to us with the above information in order to assist you accordingly.

For further assistance, you can post your query in Microsoft Community