How to speed up internet on Dell laptop

Learn 8 ways to fix slow Wi-Fi speed on your Windows 10 PC

Overview: Slow WIFI speed is a common issue which almost all Windows user face these days. Unfortunately, speed issues aren’t always easy to diagnose and troubleshoot so we have come up with plenty of troubleshooting to fix slow Wi-Fi connection.

So, let’s start with real user’s practical scenarios!

Practical Scenario 1: Really Slow Wireless

brand new Inspiron 5500 with a qualcomm qca9377 only getting download speeds of about 25mbps.  Have a mac hardwired to network getting 330mbps, as second wireless mac is getting 110mbps, an older HP windows machine is getting 100mbps.  but this brand new dell is only getting 25mbps.  I’ve tried everything.  Unplugged and reset everything.  Shutdown antivirus and firewalls.  updated adapter driver. Ran Network Troubleshooter. Pinged the Default Gateway. Reset the TCP/IP stack.  Released and renewed the IP address. Flushed and reset the DNS client resolve cache.Nothing helps.  Any suggestions?  I’m connected to an Orbi AC3000 which is wired to a Time Warner Cable modem.  This is only this one device having problems.

Dell Community

Practical Scenario 2: DELL Inspiron 15 5570 WIFI VERY SLOW – Frustrating

I’ve been seeing this in quite a lot of threads on the internet, there is an issue with the wifi module (intel dual band wireless-AC 3165) that DELL is using in its new line of laptops. I have Comcast’s 250mbps internet connection at home. I have several other devices (phones, tablets, chromebook) that get at least 40-50mbps with wireless connection (checked using speedtest.net app) but the new DELL laptop 5570 that I bought in January 2018 from DELL’s website is only getting 1-2mbps download and 3-4mbps upload speed. Can someone explain whats going on and help troubleshoot this problem. I’ve reset the modem, checked it’s firmware and updated the DELL system with all new updates. Wifi module driver is also up to date. I’m using DLink DIR 850L router. I hope I provided enough info. Please help.

Dell Community

Just like the above two users, there many users who are facing the same slow WIFI issue. The solution provided in this post is not only limited to Dell user but is applicable to all brands like HP, Lenovo, Acer, and all the Windows 10 users.

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Solution 1: Uninstall SmartByte application

Almost all Dell computers come with a preinstalled SmartByte application. I was able to fix the slow Wi-Fi issue by uninstalling this app on my Dell computer. Please follow the below steps to uninstall SmartByte.

Open Apps & Features by typing Apps & Features in the Windows search box as shown below

How to speed up internet on Dell laptop

How to speed up internet on Dell laptop

Once Apps & Features is open type SmartByte in the search box and Uninstall it as shown below

How to speed up internet on Dell laptop

How to speed up internet on Dell laptop

Once uninstalled, restart your PC and then run a speed test, you will see the Wi-Fi jumping to its maximum speed.

Solution 2: Set the “Wireless Adapter Settings” to “Maximum Performance” Through Power Options.

This option provides us to change the Wireless adapter settings to maximum performance on Battery only and charger plugged in. Setting Wireless adapter settings to maximum performance on the battery is only applicable to laptops. Steps are shown below.

Make a right click on the battery icon located on the bottom right of your screen and then click on Power options

How to speed up internet on Dell laptop

Click on Change plan settings

How to speed up internet on Dell laptop

How to speed up internet on Dell laptop

Click on Change advanced power settings

How to speed up internet on Dell laptop

How to speed up internet on Dell laptop

Now expand Wireless adapter settings and then expand Power saving mode and then select “Maximum performance” On Battery and Plugged in both as shown below.

How to speed up internet on Dell laptop

Solution 3: Scan for Malware or Viruses

Many Malware and Viruses use the internet when the browser is open and can result in slow internet speed and even slows down the performance of the system. Use Windows Defender to scan your PC or you can use any preferred Antivirus you have and remove spyware and Virus from your PC. Also, run Windows Update to update your computer.

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Solution 4: Clear Browser History, Delete Temporary Internet Files

Certain items in the history or settings of a browser can slow down your internet connection.

Clear browser data in Microsoft Edge

  • In Microsoft Edge, click the three dots icon (. . .) located in the top left corner, then select Settings

How to speed up internet on Dell laptop

  • Under Clear browsing data, click Choose what to clear

How to speed up internet on Dell laptop

  • Put a check to Browsing history, Cookies and saved website data, Cached data and files and Tabs I’ve set aside or recently closed. Then click Clear.

How to speed up internet on Dell laptop

Also read: How to fix slow performance issue in Windows 10

Solution 5: Update network drivers

Dell Users can visit the below link to update the network drivers/Wi-Fi driver, Enter the service tag for your Dell PC and then go to drivers and download to find network driver and update. Also, update the BIOS to the latest from here.

Dell Support

Other brand users can update the driver from their respective manufacturer website or can update the wireless driver from the device manager.

Solution 6: Distance Between the Router/Modem and Device is Far

The more is the distance, the weaker is the signal and the slower is the internet speed. The router should be closer to the devices. Place your router as high up as possible to extend the coverage. Wi-Fi router should be placed as close to the middle of your home as possible. This helps provide the best possible Wi-Fi signal throughout.

Solution 7: Avoid Signal Blockers

Don’t keep the router on the ground, do not keep it in a closet or cabinet because it will deteriorate the Wi-Fi signal.

Items like a cordless phone, microwave, baby monitor, concrete and metals will block the Wi-Fi signals so try avoiding these items near to the Wi-Fi router.

Solutions 6: Avoid Congestion

If you have too many devices connected to the same network it will result in slow internet speed, try to minimize the congestion and use as less device as possible to enjoy maximum speed. Sometimes you have Windows update running on different or same devices in the background and you might not be aware of it.

Solution 7: Restart/Power cycle Your Router/Modem from Time to Time

Sometimes we forget to restart the router/modem at our home for months and this results in slow Wi-Fi speed. Most of the time only restarting the router fixes the issue. Shut down your PC, unplug the power cable from the router/modem and wait for 30-60 seconds and then reconnect the power cable, wait till router is up and all the lights are up, now start the PC and see the difference.

Solution 8: Contact Your ISP (Internet Service Provider)

If none of this help then you can contact your ISP and they can help you to update latest router firmware and will let you know if they have any kind of issue at their end.

Wrap up

In this post, we learned different causes of slow Wi-Fi speed and different solutions to overcome the issue. I hope this post helped you to fix your slow Wi-Fi speed on your device.

 

Why is my Dell laptop so slow on the Internet?

System performance issues can be caused due to: Fragmented data on the hard disk drive. Unused applications running in the background. Outdated drivers for devices such as chipset, BIOS, docking stations, and so on.

How can I speed up my laptop wifi?

For a general look at your Wi-Fi speed, you can go into your laptop's “Network and Internet” menu found on the control panel. From there, select “Network and Sharing Center” and then click on your Wi-Fi name. This opens a Wi-Fi status window that shows a variety of network data points.

How can I increase my WIFI browsing speed?

For the best signal, put the wireless router out in the open on the main floor of your house, away from walls and obstructions. Ideally, you'll want to position it off the floor, above the furniture. Keep it away from other electronics that might cause interference, like microwaves, baby monitors, and cordless phones.