Internet speed drops only on PC, likely linked to Windows 11 updates
Internet speed drops only on PC, likely linked to Windows 11 updates
Hello! I've noticed my PC's Wi-Fi connection has been unstable lately, sometimes it stops working completely. I'm using the built-in antenna on my motherboard, and until recently I was getting about 200mbps during downloads. This seems to be typical for my setup. I've read that recent Windows updates (kb5028185 & kb5028851) have caused issues with Wi-Fi and Ethernet connections, but I'm not sure if those are related to my problem. I've uninstalled those updates several times and my connection usually returns after a restart. However, whenever I restart the computer multiple times, the download speed drops significantly (even reaching 400kbps while playing games), even after the updates are gone. I've tried various fixes: reinstalling Wi-Fi drivers, removing updates, resetting the Wi-Fi settings, manually setting DNS, clearing browser caches, resetting the modem, disabling VPN, and checking network usage in Task Manager. Since I'm not very tech-savvy, I followed these steps mostly because they were the most common suggestions online. So far, nothing has resolved the issue. As mentioned, my Wi-Fi works fine after the first boot when I restart right after uninstalling the latest updates, but it drops again on subsequent starts. Wi-Fi functions normally on other devices. I'm not sure what else to try and would really appreciate any advice. Thanks!
I believe you're referring to connecting it to the antenna on your motherboard. Have you considered updating your BIOS, since it's linked to your motherboard?
The raw speed test on www.speedtest.net provides results from their servers. Their network might be affected by game servers or Steam, so consider using a wired Ethernet connection for better performance. Check your Wi-Fi router settings and IP configuration by entering 192.168.1.1 in your browser—though the actual IP could differ.
You're doing the speed test correctly. The drop in speed to around 400kbps suggests your connection is affected by network congestion or ISP throttling. To improve stability, consider optimizing your settings, using a wired connection, and checking for local network restrictions. If possible, contact your ISP to investigate potential issues.
In raw speed tests, results range from 30 to 70, but Steam shows values below 0.400. That suggests a potential issue with Steam. Perhaps their servers experienced problems, causing slow performance. Check your CPU usage—especially during game downloads. Since Steam performs real-time decompression, a slow CPU or disk speed could be the cause. Are you consistently experiencing this lag, or does it happen occasionally? Also, confirm whether you're using the 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz wireless band. If unsure, you're likely on 2.4 GHz. Regardless of band, speed should remain stable. Consider switching to 5 GHz if your router and PC support it. For better performance, use an Ethernet connection instead. Speed improvements are noticeable—my experience shows a doubling in speed. Regarding the IP address, you can monitor and adjust your router settings. First verify you're connected to the router, then check its assigned IP in the LAN network. It should appear on the router display, either labeled or as 192.168.x.x. Enter those credentials in your browser, using the default admin/admin if prompted.
Absolutely, it's quite unusual. The issue isn't limited to Steam; other game clients also exhibit the same behavior and slowdown, along with a noticeable lag. This performance drop appears to fluctuate during downloads. CPU usage seems normal, though I'm still unsure about the cause. On my Ryzen 7 3700X, heavy gaming in 1440p only uses around 40-60% of the processor while running at full settings. I've confirmed I'm using a 5GHz connection, but the problem persists. I suspect switching to an Ethernet cable might help. The most puzzling part is that after rebooting, Wi-Fi suddenly works perfectly—reaching speeds above 200 Mbps in tests—until I restart the computer again. I'm considering checking the IP configuration settings, as you suggested. Thanks for your guidance!