Internet gradually slows down

Anonymous
2014-02-18T13:39:39+00:00

I am using a desktop computer with Windows 7. I am connected to the internet via a Netgear wireless router, and recently I have been experiencing a problem where my internet speed gradually slows down and ultimately I am unable to load webpages/internet content through any browser/other software (eg skype calls, dropbox). 

When I initially boot the computer, internet speeds are fine, but the longer I use it the slower my connection gets.

I have many other devices on this network that have no problem with internet speeds - a Mac laptop, a Playstation 3, a 3DS, a Playstation Vita, an iPhone, etc. this problem is isolated to my Windows PC. I assume it is a software or configuration issue as my signal strength is strong (literally three metres away from the router, my computer is relatively new (less than a year), and the problem seems to 'fix' itself when I reboot my computer each time, until the connection starts to slow down again.

What might be the cause of this problem? I'm happy to respond with configuration info on my computer and router if you let me know what is relevant to post.

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Internet and connectivity

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

0 comments No comments

46 answers

Sort by: Most helpful
  1. Anonymous
    2016-04-19T13:52:18+00:00

    Hi,

    Safe Mode is a good way to find problems, but the issue I have with it is that if you have a problem like discussed here where the PC has to be on for a while and in use before the problem occurs, it is difficult to use Safe Mode, because from my understanding it requires a restart to go to safe mode and restart usually makes the problem go away anyway.

    Is there a way to go to safe mode without restarting and making the problem go away?

    Can the PC be used as normal in safe mode over time with normal applications to see if the problem occurs over time?

    Thanks for any suggestions.

    Was this answer helpful?

    1 person found this answer helpful.
    0 comments No comments
  2. Anonymous
    2014-12-19T03:25:05+00:00

    Unfortunately, no - I eventually gave up and just connected my pc to the router with an ethernet cable. It's unsightly and I trip over it often, but it's still less frustrating than connectivity problems! 

    Sorry!

    Was this answer helpful?

    1 person found this answer helpful.
    0 comments No comments
  3. Anonymous
    2014-02-19T04:33:31+00:00

    Hello Echidnite,

    Thank you for posting your question on Microsoft Community.

    I would like to know some information about the issue so that we could help you better.

    Have you made any hardware or software changes to your computer?

    What is the make and model of your desktop?

    I would suggest you to try following methods and check if it helps.

    Method 1:

    Use this Microsoft help article and check.

    Why is my Internet connection so slow?http://windows.microsoft.com/en-in/windows/why-internet-connection-slow#why-internet-connection-slow=windows-7

    If it does not help, then use article in method 2.

    Method 2:Is Internet Explorer slow? 5 things to try

    http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows/help/internet-explorer/slow-five-tips-to-boost-performance

    Important Notes:

    The Reset Internet Explorer Settings feature might reset security settings or privacy settings that you added to the list of Trusted Sites. The Reset Internet Explorer Settings feature might also reset parental control settings. We recommend that you note these sites before you use the Reset Internet Explorer Settings feature. Resetting Internet Explorer isn't reversible, and all previous settings are lost after reset.

    Any data files that are infected may only be cleaned by deleting the file entirely, which means there is a potential for data loss.

    I hope this information helps.

    Please do let us know if you need any further assistance.

    Thank you

    Was this answer helpful?

    1 person found this answer helpful.
    0 comments No comments
  4. Anonymous
    2014-02-19T14:32:06+00:00

    A new function was added to Disk CleanUp in October 2013, which is not available in cCleaner. You need to change existing settings to take advantage of the new function. Type Disk CleanUp in the Search Box above the Start Button and press the ENTER key. Click on OK and after the space calculation you will see a window with a list of Files to delete. Use the scroll bar to the right of the window to see hidden entries further down the list. Check the boxes before Service Pack BackUp Files and Windows Update CleanUp and click on OK You will see savings every time after Windows has been updated but they are not as significant when it is run after the first time. You need to restart the computer to complete the process.

    Please download and run ADWCleaner:

    http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/download/adwcleaner/

    Please download and run Junkware Removal tool

    http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/download/junkware-removal-tool/

    Please provide a copy of your System Information file. Type System Information in the Search Box above the start Button and press the ENTER key (alternative is Select Start, All Programs, Accessories, System Tools, System Information). Select File, Export and give the file a name noting where it is located. Do not place the cursor within the body of the report before exporting the file. The system creates a new System Information file each time system information is accessed. You need to allow a minute or two for the file to be fully populated before exporting a copy. Please upload to your Sky Drive, share with everyone and post a link here. Reports in normal mode preferred. Please say if the report has been obtained in safe mode.

    Please upload and share with everyone copies of your System and Application logs from your Event Viewer to your Sky Drive and post a link here.

    To access the System log select Start, Control Panel, Administrative Tools, Event Viewer, from the list in the left side of the window expand Windows Logs and select System. Place the cursor on System, select Action from the Menu and Save All Events as (the default evtx file type) and give the file a name. Do the same for the Applications log. Do not provide filtered files. Do not clear logs whilst you have a continuing problem.

    For help with Sky Drive see paragraph 9.3:

    http://www.gerryscomputertips.co.uk/MicrosoftCommunity1.htm

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments No comments
  5. Anonymous
    2014-02-19T14:16:02+00:00

    Thanks for your response!

    I haven't recently made any hardware or software changes of any significance, my webcam recently stopped working so I uninstalled the drivers for that. About a month ago I bought a new Logitech mouse, but it's just using the same software as my previous mouse.

    My desktop was custom built, so I can't give a make and model, and I don't have my manufacturing receipt available currently so I can't be 100% on every detail, but roughly:

    8GB RAM

    Acpi x64-based pc motherboard

    AMD Radeon HD 7700 Series Graphics Card

    Intel Core i7 Processor

    Looking at your first linked article and breaking down some of the points, a lot of them don't apply, as I have a good connection, good signal strength, other devices have very good speeds. I do not have any malware or viruses and have checked using Kaspersky Internet Security,

    The second linked article focuses on Internet Explorer which I do not generally use - regardless of which browser I use I experience the same eventual slowdown, in Chrome, Firefox or Internet Explorer, and it also affects other services like Steam and browsing the iTunes store. So I don't think making Explorer specific configuration changes will help me.

    My situation is a bit different from just have slow speed in general because when I initally boot my computer my connection speed is quick but it gradually slows down as I use the computer over the course of a couple of hours.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments No comments