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Experiencing slow internet speeds on a new or relatively new PC can be frustrating, especially when other devices connected to the same network are performing optimally. If your download speed is stuck at around 1.3 MB/s (which roughly translates to 10 Mbps), and you’ve ruled out issues with your Ethernet cable and router, the problem might be within your PC’s settings or hardware. This guide will walk you through the steps to diagnose and fix the issue.

Understanding the Problem

Before diving into solutions, it’s essential to understand why your download speed might be capped:

  • Link Speed Negotiation: Your network adapter and router communicate to establish the fastest possible link speed. If they fail to negotiate properly, the connection may default to a lower speed (e.g., 10 Mbps).
  • Faulty Hardware: A damaged Ethernet port or network adapter can limit connection speeds.
  • Driver Issues: Outdated or corrupted network drivers can cause speed limitations.
  • Software Settings: Incorrect network settings can force the adapter to operate at a lower speed.

 

Step-by-Step Solutions

1. Check the Ethernet Link Speed

Why: The link speed indicates the maximum speed at which your network adapter is communicating with the router.

How:

  1. Open Network Status:
    • Press Win + I to open Settings.
    • Go to Network & Internet > Status.
  2. View Network Properties:
    • Click on “Change adapter options”.
    • Right-click on your Ethernet connection and select “Status”.
    • Check the “Speed” field.

Expected Result:

  • 10 Mbps: Indicates a problem; the connection is limited to 10 Mbps.
  • 100 Mbps: Better but not optimal if you have a gigabit network.
  • 1.0 Gbps: Ideal speed for gigabit Ethernet.

2. Verify Network Adapter Settings

Why: The adapter may be set to operate at a lower speed due to auto-negotiation failures.

How:

  1. Access Device Manager:
    • Press Win + X and select Device Manager.
  2. Locate Network Adapter:
    • Expand “Network adapters”.
    • Right-click your Ethernet adapter and select “Properties”.
  3. Adjust Speed & Duplex Settings:
    • Go to the “Advanced” tab.
    • Select “Speed & Duplex” from the list.
    • Change the value to “1.0 Gbps Full Duplex”.
    • Click “OK”.
  4. Restart Your Computer:
    • This ensures the changes take effect.

Note: If setting it to “1.0 Gbps Full Duplex” causes the network to disconnect, try “100 Mbps Full Duplex”. This might indicate a hardware limitation.

3. Update or Reinstall Network Drivers

Why: Outdated or corrupted drivers can prevent the adapter from functioning correctly.

How:

  1. Download Latest Drivers:
    • Visit your motherboard or network adapter manufacturer’s website.
    • Download the latest Ethernet driver compatible with your operating system.
  2. Uninstall Current Driver:
    • In Device Manager, right-click your Ethernet adapter and select “Uninstall device”.
    • Check “Delete the driver software for this device” if available.
    • Click “Uninstall”.
  3. Install the New Driver:
    • Run the driver installation file you downloaded.
    • Follow the on-screen instructions.
  4. Restart Your Computer:
    • Ensure the new driver is properly installed.

4. Hardware Troubleshooting

If software fixes don’t resolve the issue, it’s time to investigate potential hardware problems.

A. Inspect Physical Connections

Why: Loose or damaged connections can impair network performance.

How:

  1. Check the Ethernet Port:
    • Inspect the Ethernet port on your PC for any visible damage, dust, or debris.
    • Use a flashlight to look inside the port.
    • Clean the Port:
      • Power off your PC and unplug it.
      • Use a can of compressed air to gently blow out any dust.
      • Avoid inserting objects into the port to prevent damage.
  2. Examine the Ethernet Cable:
    • Even if the cable works with another device, it might not be compatible with your PC’s network adapter.
    • Try a Different Cable:
      • Use a new or known good Cat5e or Cat6 Ethernet cable.
      • Connect it directly between your PC and the router.

B. Test with a Different Network Card

Why: Your built-in network adapter may be faulty. Using a different network card can help determine if the issue lies with your hardware.

How:

  1. Use a USB Ethernet Adapter:
    • Purchase or Borrow an Adapter:
      • Obtain a USB-to-Ethernet adapter compatible with your PC.
      • Ensure it supports gigabit speeds (USB 3.0 recommended).
    • Connect the Adapter:
      • Plug the adapter into a USB port on your PC.
      • Connect your Ethernet cable to the adapter.
    • Install Drivers if Necessary:
      • Windows may automatically install drivers.
      • If not, use the driver disc provided or download drivers from the manufacturer’s website.
    • Test the Connection:
      • Check if your download speeds improve.
      • Verify the link speed as in Step 1.
  2. Install a PCIe Network Card
    • Purchase a Network Card:
      • Buy a gigabit Ethernet network card compatible with your motherboard.
    • Install the Card:
      • Safety First:
        • Power off your PC and unplug it.
        • Ground yourself to prevent static discharge.
      • Open the Case:
        • Remove the side panel of your PC case.
      • Insert the Card:
        • Locate an available PCIe slot.
        • Insert the network card firmly into the slot.
        • Secure it with a screw if necessary.
      • Close the Case and Power On:
        • Replace the side panel.
        • Plug in and start your PC.
    • Install Drivers:
      • Windows may install drivers automatically.
      • If not, use the provided driver disc or download from the manufacturer’s website.
    • Test the Connection:
      • Connect your Ethernet cable to the new network card.
      • Check if speeds have improved.

C. Swap Ports on the Router

Why: The specific port on your router might be faulty.

How:

  1. Connect to a Different Port:
    • Unplug the Ethernet cable from the current port on your router.
    • Plug it into a different LAN port.
  2. Test the Connection:
    • Verify if the download speed improves.

D. Test on a Different Network

Why: Testing your PC on another network can help determine if the issue is with your PC or your home network.

How:

  1. Take Your PC to Another Location:
    • If using a desktop, this might be cumbersome but can provide valuable insights.
  2. Connect to a Different Network:
    • Use an Ethernet connection at a friend’s house or another environment.
  3. Test the Speed:
    • If speeds are normal, the issue may lie with your home network or ISP.
    • If speeds are still slow, the problem is likely with your PC.

E. Check for Motherboard Issues

Why: If the integrated network adapter is faulty, it could be due to a motherboard issue.

How:

  1. Inspect the Motherboard:
    • Look for any signs of damage, such as burnt components or bulging capacitors near the network port.
  2. Consult Professional Help:
    • If you suspect motherboard damage, consider taking your PC to a professional technician.

5. Disable Energy-Efficient Ethernet (EEE)

Why: EEE can sometimes interfere with network performance.

How:

  1. Access Adapter Settings:
    • In Device Manager, right-click your Ethernet adapter and select “Properties”.
    • Go to the “Advanced” tab.
  2. Disable EEE:
    • Find “Energy-Efficient Ethernet” or “Green Ethernet” in the list.
    • Set it to “Disabled”.
    • Click “OK”.

6. Scan for Malware

Why: Malware can consume bandwidth or interfere with network settings.

How:

  1. Run a Full System Scan:
    • Use Windows Defender or a trusted antivirus program.
    • Ensure the software is up to date.
    • Quarantine or remove any detected threats.

7. Check for Background Applications

Why: Applications running in the background may consume bandwidth.

How:

  1. Open Task Manager:
    • Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc.
  2. Check Network Usage:
    • Go to the “Performance” tab.
    • Click on “Open Resource Monitor” at the bottom.
  3. Identify Bandwidth-Hogging Apps:
    • In Resource Monitor, go to the “Network” tab.
    • Look under “Processes with Network Activity”.
  4. Terminate Unnecessary Processes:
    • Right-click on the process and select “End Process”.

8. Reset Network Settings

Why: Restoring network settings to default can resolve misconfigurations.

How:

  1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator:
    • Press Win + X and select “Windows Terminal (Admin)” or “Command Prompt (Admin)”.
  2. Run Network Reset Commands:
    • Type the following commands one by one, pressing Enter after each and restart your computer:
netsh int ip reset
netsh winsock reset
ipconfig /release
ipconfig /renew
ipconfig /flushdns

If, after following all these steps, your download speed remains stuck at 1.3 MB/s, it’s possible that your network adapter or other hardware components are faulty. Testing with a different network card, either via a USB Ethernet adapter or a new PCIe network card, can help determine if the issue lies with your PC’s hardware.

Remember, consistent network speeds depend on both hardware and software functioning correctly. Regularly updating drivers, maintaining hardware, and monitoring network settings can prevent such issues in the future.

Additional Tips

  • Check Router Settings: Ensure that there are no bandwidth limits set for your device on the router.
  • Quality Ethernet Cables: Use at least Cat5e or Cat6 cables for gigabit speeds.
  • Avoid Network Hubs: If you’re using additional network hardware like switches or hubs, ensure they support gigabit speeds.
  • Firmware Updates: Occasionally, updating your router’s firmware can resolve compatibility issues.

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