How to Fix Slow WiFi on Windows 11 (Complete Guide 2026)

Slow WiFi on Windows 11 when other devices work fine is usually a driver or configuration issue, not a router problem. Here is a complete step-by-step diagnosis.

Step 1: Check Your Actual Speed

First, measure your actual speed at fast.com or speedtest.net. Also test from another device (phone on the same WiFi). If the phone is fast and the PC is slow, the problem is the PC. If both are slow, the issue is the router or ISP.

Step 2: Update the WiFi Driver

The WiFi adapter driver is the most common cause of slow speeds on Windows 11:

1. Open Device Manager (Win+X → Device Manager)
2. Expand Network adapters
3. Right-click your WiFi adapter → Update driver
4. Also check your laptop or motherboard manufacturer’s website for the latest WiFi driver

Step 3: Switch to the 5GHz Band

If your router is dual-band (WiFi 5 or WiFi 6), it likely shows two networks: 2.4GHz and 5GHz. The 5GHz band is much faster but has shorter range. Connect to the 5GHz network if you are near the router.

Step 4: Disable WiFi Adapter Power Saving

1. Device Manager → Network adapters → right-click WiFi → Properties
2. Power Management tab
3. Uncheck Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power

Step 5: Change the WiFi Channel on Your Router

If many neighboring networks use the same channel, there is interference. Log into your router settings (192.168.1.1) and change to a less congested channel. For 2.4GHz use channels 1, 6 or 11. 5GHz offers many more options.

Step 6: Reset Windows Network Configuration

Open CMD as administrator and run these commands one by one:

• netsh winsock reset
• netsh int ip reset
• ipconfig /release
• ipconfig /flushdns
• ipconfig /renew

Restart your PC afterward.

Conclusion

80% of slow WiFi cases on Windows 11 are solved by two things: updating the WiFi driver and switching to the 5GHz band. If the problem persists, reset the network configuration with the netsh commands above.