WiFi Slow: The Complete Fix

Published 2026 · 3 min read

Slow WiFi is either one device, the whole network, or your ISP. Run a speed test on the slow device and your phone side by side — the pattern tells you which.

Slow on one device only

Restart the device and check for background downloads or updates. Use the 5GHz band instead of 2.4GHz if your router offers both — 5GHz is faster over short distances. Forget and reconnect to the network.

Slow everywhere

Restart the router and modem (unplug for 60 seconds). Test with a cable plugged directly into the modem — if that's slow too, it's your ISP, not WiFi. Many devices streaming and downloading at once will also saturate the connection.

Slow far from the router

That's just signal strength. Move the router central and elevated, away from metal and appliances. A mesh system or extender covers dead zones properly.

Interactive version

Use the WiFi slow fixer — tell it when it's slow and get the exact steps.

Slow on one device vs slow everywhere

Run a speed test on this device and on a wired PC or phone. If only this device is slow, the adapter, its driver, or Wi-Fi power saving is the cause. If everything is slow, it is the plan, the router or the modem - not the laptop.

Distance and the wrong band

5 GHz is fast but weak through walls; 2.4 GHz travels further but is slower and more congested. If you are far from the router, connect to 2.4 GHz. Close to it, use 5 GHz. Moving the router off the floor and away from microwaves and metal helps more than any setting.

Adapter power saving slows speeds

Wi-Fi adapters that sleep to save power also throttle throughput. In Device Manager > Network adapters > your Wi-Fi > Power Management, uncheck "Allow the computer to turn off this device." Update the driver from the laptop maker's site as well.

Channel congestion

On 2.4 GHz, dozens of neighbors share three non-overlapping channels (1, 6, 11). Set your router to 1, 6 or 11 and prefer 5 GHz where the air is cleaner.