How to improve download speed: What it is and how to make it better

What is download speed?

Download speed is how many megabits per second (MBPS) it takes for your device or internet connection to download data. This data can be in the form of pictures, videos, audio, files, and text. Whether you’re downloading an app or waiting for a website to load in your browser, you’ll need a fast download speed to do so quickly.

What affects download speed?

Your download speed can be impacted by how many devices are connected to your internet connection (or connection point) at once, what you use the devices for, and how fast and strong your internet connection is.

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How to improve your download speed

There are do-it-yourself methods you can try at home to pinpoint the culprit and fix your download speed. Try this if your downloads are taking forever:

Restart your device

Your computer or phone may be overworked. A simple restart can solve the problem.

Close inactive browser tabs

If you have too many browser windows open at once or too many apps running in the background, the high activity may affect your downloads. Close the tabs you don’t need, and attempt to download the file again.

Run an internet speed test

Use free internet speed test software to test your internet speed. If your speed is under 100 MBPS, you may want to speak with your internet provider about which speed range is best for your regular online activities. You also might want to upgrade your internet speed to fit the higher volume of data that you could be using.

Shut down apps you’re not using

Remember to close out applications that you’re finished using. Idle apps can still take up your internet’s bandwidth while they’re running in the background. Your download speeds may be slow if there’s insufficient bandwidth to support the download.

Test your modem and router

If your internet connection seems to be nice and fast, your download speed could be slow due to an issue with the equipment. Make sure your modem and/or router are plugged in and all their relevant lights are on. If your router is placed in a separate room, check its range specifications to ensure that the connection can reach you. If your router doesn’t send the connection far enough, look into setting up a mesh Wi-Fi network or purchasing a Wi-Fi extender for your home so you’ll have a fast, strong connection no matter which room you’re in.

Hardwire your connection

A quick way to potentially correct your slow download speed is to hardwire your internet connection. Connect your device to the modem using an ethernet cable. A direct connection might mitigate any issues that Wi-Fi could be causing.

Scan your device for malware

Have fast internet but slow download speed? A security threat to your device may be the cause. Viruses can use your internet and bandwidth while running in the background. Protect your device from viruses, malware, and other digital threats with antivirus software like Microsoft Defender.

If you’ve tried all these troubleshooting techniques, contact your internet service provider to see if they can run tests so you can get things up and running again.