How to Fix slow Upload Speed Windows 11

Having a slow upload speed on Windows 11 can be frustrating, especially when you’re trying to upload files, stream videos, or participate in video conferences. A sluggish upload speed can make work, gaming, or content creation a nightmare. If you’re wondering how to fix slow upload speed Windows 11, this comprehensive guide will walk you through various solutions to optimize your internet connection and improve your upload performance.

Why Is My Upload Speed Slow on Windows 11?

Before diving into solutions, it’s essential to understand the possible causes of slow upload speeds on Windows 11. Here are some common reasons:

Internet Service Provider (ISP) Limitations – Some ISPs throttle upload speeds or provide asymmetric internet plans where download speeds are much higher than upload speeds.
Network Congestion – Too many connected devices consuming bandwidth can slow down your upload speed.
Background Applications – Apps running in the background may consume network resources, affecting upload speeds.
Outdated Network Drivers – Old or incompatible drivers can impact network performance.
Router or Modem Issues – Poor hardware performance or outdated firmware may lead to slow upload speeds.
Windows 11 Settings – Certain Windows 11 configurations, such as bandwidth limits or power-saving features, can impact upload performance.

Now, let’s explore various solutions for how to fix slow upload speed Windows 11.

1. Restart Your Router and Modem

One of the simplest fixes for slow upload speed is restarting your router and modem. This can help clear temporary network issues and refresh your connection.

Steps to Restart:

Turn off your router and modem.
Unplug them from the power source.
Wait for at least 5 minutes.
Plug them back in and turn them on.
Check your upload speed using an online speed test.

2. Check Your Internet Plan

Your ISP may provide slow upload speeds due to plan limitations. Check your internet plan to ensure that you are getting the advertised speeds.

How to Check:

Visit your ISP’s website or contact customer support.
Compare your current speed with the promised speeds using a speed test tool like Speedtest by Ookla.
If your upload speed is significantly lower than advertised, consider upgrading your plan or switching ISPs.

3. Disconnect Unnecessary Devices

If multiple devices are using the same network, they could be consuming bandwidth, resulting in a slower upload speed.

How to Fix:

Disconnect unused devices from the network.
Prioritize upload-heavy tasks by limiting downloads and streaming on other devices.
Enable Quality of Service (QoS) on your router to prioritize upload speed for specific applications.

4. Close Background Applications Consuming Bandwidth

Background applications like cloud storage (Google Drive, OneDrive, Dropbox) and gaming platforms (Steam, Xbox Live) may consume upload bandwidth.

How to Close Background Apps:

Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
Click on the Processes tab.
Identify network-intensive applications.
Right-click on the process and select End Task.
Test your upload speed again.

5. Update Network Drivers

Outdated network drivers can cause slow upload speeds. Updating your network adapter drivers can resolve connectivity issues.

How to Update Network Drivers:

Press Win + X and select Device Manager.
Expand Network adapters.
Right-click your network adapter and select Update driver.
Choose Search automatically for drivers.
Restart your PC and check if the upload speed improves.

6. Change DNS Settings

Using a custom DNS server can sometimes improve network speed and reliability.

How to Change DNS:

Open Control Panel and go to Network and Sharing Center.
Click Change adapter settings on the left panel.
Right-click your active network connection and select Properties.
Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and click Properties.
Select Use the following DNS server addresses and enter:
- Preferred: 8.8.8.8 (Google DNS)
- Alternate: 8.8.4.4 (Google DNS)
Click OK and restart your computer.

7. Disable Windows Auto-Tuning

Windows 11 has a feature called Auto-Tuning, which can sometimes slow down upload speeds.

How to Disable Auto-Tuning:

Open Command Prompt as Administrator.

Type the following command and press Enter:

netsh int tcp set global autotuninglevel=disabled

Restart your computer and test the upload speed.

8. Adjust Windows 11 Bandwidth Settings

Windows 11 reserves bandwidth for system updates and other tasks, which can impact your upload speed.

How to Adjust Bandwidth Settings:

Open Settings (Win + I).
Go to Windows Update > Advanced Options.
Click Delivery Optimization.
Under Advanced Options, set Upload bandwidth limits to a lower value or disable them.
Restart your PC and check the upload speed.

9. Use a Wired Connection

Wi-Fi connections can sometimes cause unstable speeds. Switching to an Ethernet connection provides a more stable and faster upload speed.

Steps:

Connect your computer directly to the router using an Ethernet cable.
Disable Wi-Fi if necessary.
Run a speed test to compare the results.

10. Scan for Malware and Viruses

Malware and viruses can slow down your internet speed by consuming network resources.

How to Scan for Malware:

Open Windows Security.
Click Virus & threat protection.
Select Quick Scan.
If threats are detected, remove them and restart your PC.

11. Contact Your ISP

If none of the solutions work, your ISP may be experiencing network congestion or throttling your upload speeds.

What to Ask Your ISP:

Check if there are service outages in your area.
Ask if your connection is being throttled.
Inquire about upgrading to a plan with better upload speeds.

Conclusion

A slow upload speed can be frustrating, but with the right troubleshooting steps, you can significantly improve your network performance. By following these solutions for how to fix slow upload speed Windows 11, you can enjoy faster and more stable internet connectivity. Whether it’s updating network drivers, tweaking settings, or switching to a wired connection, implementing these fixes will help optimize your Windows 11 experience.