How to Increase Download Speed

Visit an internet speed test page and note down your download and upload speeds. You’ll want a reference point to compare your speeds before (slower) and after (faster) optimizing your setup.

• To find a speed test website, search for "Internet speed test" in your search engine and choose a free speed test site. There will be plenty of options available.
• Once on the speed test site, enter your geographic location (if needed) and run the test. The site will show your download and upload speeds. Be sure to record these numbers.

Access the location where the computer stores DNS information. The location of this information varies across different operating systems. Here are the steps to access it:

• Windows 7/Vista: Open → Control Panel → View network status and tasks → View status (click on either wired or Wi-Fi connection) → Properties → Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) → Properties. At this step, select "Use the following DNS server addresses".
• Mac OSX: System Preferences → Network → View status (click on either wired or Wi-Fi connection) → Advanced → DNS

Delete the old DNS numbers and enter 2 or 3 open DNS server addresses in the empty fields. The open DNS server addresses include "208.67.222.222" and "208.67.220.220". Apply the changes once done.

• If you'd like to find custom DNS server addresses, you can use tools like Domain Name Speed Benchmark or Namebench by Gibson Research. These tools will scan your system and provide optimized DNS addresses you can use.

Close and restart your browser, then check the speed of the new DNS address. Go back to the speed test website you used earlier and check the increase in your internet speed after changing your DNS.

Maximize the number of connections. Peer-to-peer connections tend to download faster. To do this, open your torrent program (BitTorrent, Vuze, uTorrent, etc.), go to Options → Preferences → Bandwidth. Set the maximum number of peer connections per torrent to 500.

Enable your protocol encryption. This step disguises your downloads so that your ISP won't specifically throttle them. (ISPs typically throttle traffic if they detect BitTorrent is being used for large downloads). To do this:

• Go to Preferences → BitTorrent, then select "Protocol Encryption," and set it to "Forced." Click "Apply" if necessary, and exit the screen.

Always monitor your upload speed. For optimal connection, your upload speed should be balanced with your download speed. However, if your upload speed is too high, it will definitely affect your download speed. A good rule of thumb is to limit the upload speed to 80% of your available bandwidth.

Change the port to bypass ISP throttling. The default BitTorrent port is typically in the range of 6881 to 6999. By disabling the Random Port settings and manually entering a port number greater than 10000, you can significantly improve your download speed.

Install a download accelerator. Download accelerators are incredibly useful. Some work exceptionally well. They help you download everything quickly, easily, and organize your downloaded files. Two of the best download managers are Internet Download Manager and uGet.

Remove malicious spyware. Spyware are programs that secretly install on your computer and collect information about your internet usage. These programs, along with viruses, use system resources and slow down your computer. Spyware often sends reports about your internet activities, consuming bandwidth.

• Start by running antivirus software to scan your computer. Close all programs before scanning. Run the scan and restart your computer, then perform another scan for safety.
• Scan your computer in Safe Mode. Some developers create software that's hard to remove. To help your computer combat this, restart your Mac or PC in Safe Mode instead of the regular mode.

Install software that allows downloads from multiple servers. Many servers impose maximum download limits, which prevent you from achieving maximum speed. To bypass this, you can use a "download manager" like GetRight.

• What does this software do? Programs like GetRight download a file, then immediately search for it in multiple locations. It then splits the file into parts and downloads from different servers simultaneously. Using such software can boost your download speed by up to 1000%.

Ensure you have an effective antivirus program. Viruses slow down both your download speeds and web browsing. You should regularly run antivirus software, especially when connected to the internet. Popular antivirus software includes BitDefender, Avast, and AVG.

• Avoid Norton, as it can significantly decrease your computer's performance and is hard to fully uninstall.
• Run a virus scan at least once a week, more often if you frequently download files.
• Do not install multiple antivirus programs at once.

Install adware removal programs. Adware targets your browser, flooding it with ads and pop-ups. Adware often installs when you download software from the internet or accidentally click on ad banners. These programs can slow down your connection as they constantly fetch ads, often from overseas servers.

• Popular adware removal programs include Malwarebytes, Spybot S&D, AdwCleaner, and HitmanPro.
• You can install more than one adware removal program. It's recommended to install at least two different programs, as they tend to have different databases, allowing one to detect things the other might miss.

Run antivirus and anti-adware programs in Safe Mode. Safe Mode can help detect more infected files, improving the scanning process. To enter Safe Mode, restart your computer and hold the F8 key. Select Safe Mode from the options menu, then run your antivirus and anti-adware programs as usual.

• If you encounter difficulties removing viruses, and your antivirus software can't eliminate the threats, you may need to format your computer and reinstall the operating system.

Prevent future virus infections. After cleaning up viruses and adware, you should notice improved internet speed. It’s not beneficial if your machine gets infected again, so develop safe browsing habits to avoid wasting time on this issue in the future.

• Avoid downloading illegal files. While many pirated files are safe, they are the primary source of virus infections. Always ensure you download files from trusted sources.
• Don’t download unidentified email attachments. Email is a common vector for virus distribution. Be cautious with attachments, even from trusted friends or family, as their emails could be infected without their knowledge. Always double-check before opening "holiday photos" or similar files.
• Avoid clicking on advertisement pop-ups. Many ads and pop-ups try to trick you into thinking you need to click them. A common scam creates a pop-up resembling an antivirus alert, claiming your computer is infected and that clicking the pop-up is the only way to fix it. This is always false.
• Check online articles for more tips on avoiding viruses and malicious software.

Update your network device drivers. Ensure that both the Speed and Duplex settings are set to their maximum values. For devices such as network cards, a setting of 1 Gbps Full Duplex will provide optimal speed.

If you have a router, back it up and reset its page (refer to guides on accessing the router) and update the firmware. This will ensure your router operates at its best performance.

Ensure your router is free from interference. On a wireless router, the signal is broadcast in all directions, meaning you'll lose some signal strength if you place the router in a corner. Using aluminum foil can direct the signal in one direction, strengthening it in your study or living room.

• Other common factors that affect your connection include:
  
  • Using long coaxial cables to connect the modem. Shorter cables will result in faster speeds.
  • Keep devices that might interfere with the signal, like phones, away from your computer and router.

Clear your modem’s cache by unplugging it. Occasionally, the modem’s cache needs refreshing, and this is easy to do. Simply unplug the modem for 10 seconds, then plug it back in. Perform this reset every now and then to refresh the modem’s cache.

Find a wireless port that offers a higher speed connection. If you're using a laptop, look for a wireless port that provides a faster connection. You can find these at universities, internet cafes, libraries, your home, or a relative’s house—anywhere with high-speed internet access.

Close all unused programs while downloading. When downloading a large (or small) file, make sure to close programs you’re not using to free up bandwidth. Communication programs can consume significant bandwidth.

• If you need to use these programs during the download, consider using one computer for downloading and another for running your programs. You could use a library, borrow a friend’s computer, etc., to access a second machine.

Set up an optimized Internet connection. Your current Internet connection might not be providing the best speed. For instance, if you're using DSL but live far from the central office, you'll experience slower speeds. In such cases, switching to a different ISP or opting for cable might be a good solution.

Don't upload while downloading. Uploading files while downloading others puts a heavy strain on your bandwidth. It’s like running cold water full blast while only a trickle of hot water comes out, then wondering why the water isn’t warm enough. The same applies to bandwidth. If the upload (cold water) is maxed out, it’s harder to get a decent download (hot water).

• Set your upload bandwidth to 90% or less of your upload speed to leave enough bandwidth for downloading.

• Some download accelerators work great, while others don’t. Opt for programs that are highly rated and have a large number of downloads.
• Your computer could be slowing down your download speeds. Upgrade your memory, CPU, install antivirus software, and clean up your hard drive. If you're using wireless, make sure your network card is updated and free of software issues.
• A faster Internet connection may cost more, but it's definitely worth it!

• Computer
• Internet connection
• Hard drive space to store files
• For best results, your computer should have at least 1GB of RAM and a 1.5GHz processor.
• Some good software.