Struggling with slow internet on your Windows PC? Before you blame your router, switch ISPs, or install a third-party booster, pause. What if the real solution is already baked into your system?
In this guide, we’ll show you how to increase your Wi-Fi speed using only built-in Windows settings—no apps, no gimmicks. These tweaks are perfect for anyone looking to unlock smoother streaming, lag-free gaming, or more stable video calls.
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Why Windows Might Be Slowing You Down
Most Wi-Fi issues aren’t due to your router—they’re buried in how Windows configures your wireless
adapter and power settings. Let’s fix that.
Tweak Your Wi-Fi Adapter Settings
The first step is to check your network adapter configuration.
Steps:
- Open the Start Menu, search for Device Manager, and launch it.
- Expand Network Adapters.
- Right-click your Wi-Fi Adapter (it may be labeled something like “Intel(R) Wireless…” or “Realtek…”).
- Click Properties, then go to the Advanced tab.
Look for options like:
- Bandwidth Capability – Set this to the highest available (e.g., 802.11a/b/g/n/ac).
- Preferred Band – Set this to 5GHz if your router supports it.
⚠ Why it matters:
5GHz offers higher speeds and less interference than 2.4GHz—perfect for streaming, gaming, or video
conferencing.
Fix Power Settings That Throttle Your Connection
Windows often reduces your wireless performance to save battery, especially on laptops. Here’s how to
override that:
Steps:
- Open Control Panel > Power Options.
- Click Change Plan Settings on your selected plan.
- Choose Change Advanced Power Settings.
- Expand Wireless Adapter Settings > Power Saving Mode.
- Set both On Battery and Plugged In to Maximum Performance.
Did you know?
This one setting alone can stop Wi-Fi speed drops during video calls or gaming.
Stop Background Wi-Fi Scanning with One Command
Windows has a background process that constantly scans for new Wi-Fi networks—even when you're
connected. That sounds helpful, but it actually causes micro speed drops.
How to Disable It:
- Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
- Type or paste the following command:
netsh wlan set autoconfig enabled=no interface="Wi-Fi"
This disables automatic network scanning for the selected interface.
Pro Tip:
You can still manually connect to Wi-Fi whenever needed—this just stops background interruptions.
Run a Speed Test: See the Difference
Now that you've made all three tweaks, it’s time to see the results for yourself.
Visit Speedtest.net or use the Ookla app to test your connection before and after.
You should see:
- Lower ping
- Faster download/upload speeds
- Less fluctuation in performance
✅ Final Thoughts: Clean, Fast Wi-Fi—No Apps Needed
These three simple changes can dramatically improve your Wi-Fi experience on Windows, especially on laptops or desktops in shared households.
- No software installs
- No hidden costs
- Just smart optimization
Summary of Fixes:
Want More Hidden Windows Fixes?
Subscribe to TechWithBenam ( on YouTube )for videos that show you how to get the most out of your
PC—without spending a dime or installing junk.
Share this with someone whose Wi-Fi is always “acting up.”
Got questions or other tricks that worked for you? Drop them in the comments below!