Ping spikes started occurring on my computer and only my computer

Dealing with Sudden Ping Spikes on a Windows 11 Computer: Troubleshooting Tips and Solutions

Experiencing irregularities in your internet connection can be frustrating, especially when only your device exhibits issues while others function normally on the same network. If you’ve noticed sudden increases in ping latency—from a stable 20ms to spikes exceeding 200ms or even 500ms—it’s essential to diagnose the root cause efficiently. This guide provides a comprehensive approach to troubleshooting ping spikes on a Windows 11 machine, particularly when connected via Wi-Fi to a 5GHz network.

Understanding the Issue

Ping spikes indicate increased latency, which can lead to lag in online activities such as gaming, video conferencing, or streaming. Since the problem is isolated to your computer, and other devices are unaffected, the cause is likely specific to your machine rather than the network infrastructure.

Common Causes of Ping Spikes
– Wireless interference or signal degradation
– Network driver issues
– Background applications consuming bandwidth
– Hardware malfunctions or misconfigurations
– Windows network settings or updates

Troubleshooting Steps

1. Verify Basic Connectivity
2. Confirm your computer is properly connected to the 5GHz Wi-Fi network.
3. Restart your router and modem to rule out temporary hardware glitches.

4. Reconnect your device to the Wi-Fi network.

5. Assess Signal Strength and Interference

6. Use Windows’ built-in network diagnostics to check signal quality.
7. Check for sources of interference (e.g., microwaves, cordless phones) near the router.
8. Place your PC closer to the router if possible.

9. Use Wi-Fi analyzer tools to identify channels with less congestion and switch channels if necessary.

10. Update Network Drivers

11. Open Device Manager (Right-click Start > Device Manager).
12. Expand the ‘Network adapters’ section.
13. Right-click your Wi-Fi adapter > Update driver.
14. Choose ‘Search automatically for updated driver software.’

15. Consider visiting your hardware manufacturer’s website for the latest drivers.

16. Optimize Network Settings

17. Disable Power Management for your Wi-Fi Adapter:
18. Device Manager > Network adapters > your Wi-Fi adapter > Properties.
19. Navigate to the ‘Power Management’ tab.
20. Uncheck ‘Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power.’
21. Adjust DNS Settings:
22. Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi > Hardware properties.
23. Change DNS to a public DNS such as Google DNS (8.8.8.8 and 8.