A lot of factors can contribute to slow download speeds such as computer processor speed, operating system, memory, number of programs running in the background, open applications, updates downloading, number of computers on the same modem, and activity at the website or server you are accessing.
If you regularly experience “slow Internet” when you first start your computer, automated updates running in the background are often the culprit. Typically updates are scheduled to run when the computer is turned off. The updates will attempt to download as soon as the computer is turned on and Internet connection is established. Microsoft, antivirus software, Adobe, RealPlayer, etc. might all try to download updates at the same time, causing a temporary slow-down.
If you are concerned that your modem is not functioning properly, you can run a speed test as one way to check.
If your connection speed registers consistently less than the speed to which you subscribe, take the following steps:
- Wait a few minutes.
- If your connection speed does not improve after waiting a few minutes, try restarting your computer and/or modem to see if the problem is occurring in your system.
- If the problem continues, please contact Technical Support.