4.5 billion people have access to the internet. That number ticks upwards daily and is showing no signs of breaking pace.

Just because you have access to the internet though, doesn’t mean that you have access to good internet. As a matter of fact, since you’re reading this post, we’re willing to bet that you’re downright disappointed with the internet connection speeds that you’re getting.

Fortunately, there are several how to fix slow internet strategies that can help you troubleshoot and remedy the hiccups that you’re experiencing. Our team has compiled helpful tips that are worth tackling so you can crush your issues, fast.

1. Restart Your Computer

You won’t believe how many people spend hours trying to figure out how to fix slow internet only to find that a computer restart is all that was needed. To save yourself some serious grief, start your internet repair process by rebooting your machine.

If that doesn’t solve the problem, keep moving through our tips.

2. Run a Connection Speed Test

Putting a figure to the internet problem that you’re experiencing can be helpful if you have to call your service provider for help. The best way to quantify just how slow your internet connection speed is, is to run a speed test.

There are several free speed test tools that you can find online. Google has a great speed product that you can access here.

Be sure to note your internet connection’s upload and download speeds.

3. Scan Your Computer for Junk and Viruses

Digital trash like temp files and viruses can be the cause of your internet connection issues. To weed out this problem, use free online tools to systematically wipe your computer of all temp files. Then, use your machine’s built-in virus protection program to do a full scan of your system.

Delete and remove any junk that gets discovered.

Remedying registry errors that your computer may have could also help improve your computer’s internet speed. You can learn more about that here.

4. Try a Different Internet Browser

For those of you that are suddenly experiencing internet slow-downs, a browser update may be to blame. To rule out your internet browser as the cause of your internet speed woes, use a different browser to see if your speed problems persist.

Chrome, Firefox, Safari and Edge are all quality browsers that are worth trying.

5. Check Your Connection Speed on a Separate Computer

If you’re still having internet speed problems after going through the previous four steps, repeat everything that you just did but on a separate computer. This will eliminate your computer as the problem behind your connectivity issues.

Although an imperfect comparison, smartphones can also be used as a secondary device to test your connection speed if you don’t have an alternate computer.

6. Call Your Internet Service Provider

At this point, giving your internet service provider a call to help you with the troubleshooting process is a good idea. Be ready to let your service provider know what your connection speeds are (as you determined from the connection speed test that you ran earlier) so they can understand the gap that you’re experiencing between the speeds that you’re getting and what you’re paying for.

Your internet service provider may be able to diagnose and remedy the problem that you’re experiencing over the phone. If they can’t, they’ll likely send a technician over to replace any hardware that you’re leasing.

If you’re not leasing your internet service provider’s equipment, they’ll almost certainly blame your connection speeds on the modem/router that you’re using and suggest “upgrading” to theirs.

7. Upgrade Your Plan or Switch Providers

Depending on the relationship that you have with your internet service provider and the package that you’re subscribed to, you may need to upgrade to a faster internet package or switch to a different internet service provider to get the speed that you want.

Upgrading your plan should be as easy as requesting an upgrade over the phone. Weighing alternate providers can get a little bit trickier, particularly if you’re replacing your corporate internet connection.

For complicated internet migrations, you can learn more about IT and consulting services at networth.ca to see if getting professional assistance might benefit your organization. Personal internet migrations should be as easy as ending service with your current provider and engaging a better value one that works in your community.

8. Hardwire Into Your Internet

Sometimes, no matter what you do, you’ll find that your wireless internet connection is falling short of what your service provider is promising. It could be that the disconnect is coming from your space not being conducive to wireless signals.

The best way to circumvent that issue is to run an Ethernet cable through your home or office and hardwire into your router. If all else has failed to this point, hardwiring should almost certainly solve your problems.

Now That You Know How to Fix Slow Internet, Get to Work

Living life with slow internet means living a life where your peers are going to run circles around you. Our suggestion is to pick up the pace by exercising the how to fix slow internet tips that we’ve just shared with you.

With a little bit of investigative work and troubleshooting, you’ll be exploring the web at lightening-fast speeds in no time.

If you’ve got lifestyle questions, we’ve got answers. Browse more of the content on our blog today to continue fulfilling your need to know about the world around you!