Entire network grinds to a halt when I have a game open.

Understanding Network Slowdowns During Gaming: A Troubleshooting Guide

Persistent network performance issues can be a source of frustration for gamers and general users alike. One common problem reported by many is a significant slowdown of internet speeds whenever a particular game is open, affecting not only the individual device but sometimes the entire home network. If you’ve experienced similar frustrations, this guide aims to shed light on potential causes and solutions.

Case Overview

Recently, a user shared an experience where their typically fast internet connection would drastically slow down when launching certain games. Interestingly, this slowdown occurs even when the game is merely in a menu, not actively downloading or streaming content. The issue persists across various titles, indicating it may not be game-specific but related to network or system configurations.

Symptoms include:
– Complete network slowdown during gameplay
– Return to normal speeds immediately upon closing the game
– Impact on the entire home network, not just the gaming PC
– Use of a reliable PC configuration with dedicated Wi-Fi hardware
– No presence of common network apps with game mode or network prioritization features

Troubleshooting Steps and Considerations

1. Verify Hardware and Drivers
   Ensure your PC and network hardware are functioning correctly:
2. Confirm that your network drivers are up to date.
3. Test connectivity with other devices to determine whether the problem is isolated or network-wide.

4. Utilize network monitoring tools to observe bandwidth usage during gameplay.

5. Inspect Router Settings
   Your router’s configuration can impact how traffic is managed:

6. Check for Quality of Service (QoS) settings; if enabled, temporarily disable them to observe changes.
7. Review security features like IP flooding protection that might interfere with normal traffic.

8. Note: Some features may not be accessible on all consumer-grade routers.

9. Identify Potential Interfering Applications
   Certain applications or system features may conflict with gaming traffic:

10. Applications with network optimization or game mode features (e.g., Lenovo Vantage, Norton) might prioritize or manipulate network behavior.
11. Since some users report success disabling such apps, review your installed software for similar features.

12. Ensure no VPNs or firewalls are impacting traffic.

13. Investigate Background Processes and System Settings
    Background processes can sometimes disrupt network traffic:

14. Use task managers or network monitors to identify any unusual data flows.

15. Disable non-essential applications temporarily to test their impact.

16. Experiment with Network Traffic and Router Features
    Further adjustments may include:

17. Resetting your router to default settings.