How to Remove Internet Speed Limits on Windows

If you’re facing sluggish internet speeds on your Windows machine and suspect speed limits are at play, you’re not alone. Windows can sometimes impose throttling or limit the speed of your connection due to various system settings, network configurations, or even external factors like ISP-imposed limits. Fortunately, there are several ways to remove these limits and enhance your browsing, downloading, and streaming experience. By tweaking settings within Windows and making some adjustments in the system, you can significantly improve internet speed and bypass unnecessary restrictions. This guide will help you identify these limits and remove them to maximize your network performance.

Identifying Speed Limiters in Windows

Before you can effectively remove internet speed limits, it’s important to first understand what may be causing the issue. Windows 10 and Windows 11 have several built-in features that can sometimes restrict the internet speed. One of the most common culprits is the QoS (Quality of Service) settings, which prioritize certain types of network traffic. In addition, Windows updates or background processes might also be consuming bandwidth, limiting the available speed for your applications. Identifying and eliminating these factors is the first step in achieving a faster connection.

Disabling Windows QoS Packet Scheduler

One key feature that can throttle your internet speed is the QoS Packet Scheduler, which is part of the Windows operating system. By default, this feature limits the bandwidth usage for certain applications, often to avoid network congestion. To remove this limit, you’ll need to disable the QoS Packet Scheduler. Navigate to the Group Policy Editor by typing gpedit.msc in the search bar and pressing Enter. From there, go to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Network > QoS Packet Scheduler, and set “Limit Reservable Bandwidth” to 0%.

Adjusting the Maximum Transmission Unit (MTU)

The Maximum Transmission Unit (MTU) refers to the largest packet size that can be transmitted over a network. If your MTU is incorrectly set, it can cause packet loss and limit your internet speed. To adjust the MTU in Windows, open the Command Prompt as an administrator and use the command <code>netsh interface ipv4 set subinterface "Ethernet" mtu=1472 store=persistent</code>. This will set a standard MTU size that helps optimize your connection. Ensure you choose an MTU size suitable for your network to avoid any further issues.

Configuring Network Adapter Settings

Sometimes, the settings on your network adapter can be the culprit behind limited internet speeds. You can configure these settings by opening the Device Manager and locating your network adapter under the “Network Adapters” section. Right-click the adapter and select Properties, then go to the Advanced tab. From there, you can tweak several options such as Speed & Duplex, Flow Control, and Jumbo Packet to allow higher network throughput. Modifying these settings can often boost your connection speed by allowing the system to better handle larger packets of data.

Removing Windows Bandwidth Limiters Using Registry Editor

Windows has certain bandwidth limiters that can be adjusted in the system registry. By modifying the registry, you can remove these bandwidth restrictions and speed up your connection. To do this, press Win + R, type regedit, and press Enter to open the Registry Editor. Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESoftwarePoliciesMicrosoftWindowsPsched and ensure that the value for “NonBestEffortLimit” is set to 0. This action removes the bandwidth throttling limits imposed by the system.

Disabling Windows Update Delivery Optimization

Windows Update Delivery Optimization is a feature that allows your system to download updates from other computers on the network, which can use up bandwidth. While this can be helpful for speeding up updates, it can also slow down your internet speed when the system is downloading updates in the background. To disable this feature, go to Settings > Update & Security > Delivery Optimization, and turn off the option “Allow downloads from other PCs.” This will prevent Windows from using your bandwidth to share updates with other devices, thus freeing up more resources for your tasks.

Checking for Malware or Unwanted Background Applications

In some cases, malware or unwanted background applications can consume your internet bandwidth, leading to slow speeds. Use a trusted antivirus program to run a full system scan to ensure your machine is free from malware. Additionally, you can use the Task Manager to identify any applications that may be using excessive network resources. If you find any unnecessary programs consuming bandwidth, close them to free up resources and boost your internet speed. Keeping your system clean from unnecessary software ensures that your bandwidth is only used for essential tasks.

Using a Wired Connection Instead of Wi-Fi

Although Wi-Fi is convenient, it can often result in slower speeds compared to a wired connection. If you’re experiencing slow internet, consider switching to a LAN (Local Area Network) cable for a direct connection to your router. Wired connections typically offer more stable and faster speeds than Wi-Fi, which can be affected by interference, range, or congestion. Simply connect an Ethernet cable from your computer to the router and test your internet speed. In many cases, this simple change can greatly improve your overall network performance.

Configuring DNS Settings for Faster Speeds

Sometimes, the Domain Name System (DNS) servers provided by your ISP may not be the fastest option. Changing your DNS settings to a faster public DNS service can help increase your browsing speed. To change your DNS, go to Network Connections, right-click your active network, and choose Properties. Under the Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) settings, choose “Use the following DNS server addresses” and enter a reliable DNS service, such as Google’s DNS (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4) or Cloudflare’s (1.1.1.1). This change can lead to faster website loading times and a smoother browsing experience.

Updating Network Drivers

Outdated network drivers can often lead to performance issues and slower speeds. To ensure that your drivers are up to date, open the Device Manager and locate your network adapter. Right-click the adapter and select Update Driver. Windows will automatically search for the latest driver updates. Keeping your drivers up to date ensures that your network adapter can communicate effectively with your router, leading to faster internet speeds.

7 Steps to Remove Internet Speed Limits on Windows

1. Disable the QoS Packet Scheduler in Group Policy.
2. Adjust the Maximum Transmission Unit (MTU) for better throughput.
3. Configure your network adapter settings for optimized performance.
4. Modify the system registry to remove bandwidth throttling.
5. Turn off Windows Update Delivery Optimization.
6. Scan for malware and close unnecessary background apps.
7. Switch from Wi-Fi to a wired connection for faster speeds.

7 Tips for Maintaining High-Speed Internet on Windows

1. Regularly check and update your network drivers.
2. Clear your browser cache and cookies to improve speed.
3. Use a faster DNS service like Google DNS or Cloudflare.
4. Avoid using multiple devices that consume large amounts of bandwidth.
5. Install a reputable antivirus program to protect against malware.
6. Monitor your internet usage with a bandwidth monitoring tool.
7. Keep your operating system and software up to date.

Pro Tip: Make sure to configure your DNS settings to use a faster and more reliable DNS service, as this can significantly reduce page loading times and improve overall internet speed.

“Small tweaks to your network settings can have a big impact on your internet speed, so don’t overlook the potential for optimization.”

Improving your internet speed on Windows can be a game changer for your online experience. By following the steps above, you can effectively remove the speed limits imposed by the system and enjoy a faster, more reliable connection. Don’t forget to bookmark this article for future reference and share it with others who may be struggling with slow internet. Regular maintenance, such as updating your drivers and checking for malware, will help ensure that your internet speed remains at its best. Keep these tips in mind, and you’ll never have to worry about slow internet again.