High download speed, slow upload speed and am pretty sure its an issue with my laptop

Understanding Asymmetric Internet Speeds: Troubleshooting Upload Issues on Your Gaming Laptop

In today’s digital age, a stable and fast internet connection is essential—especially for activities like online gaming, video conferencing, and streaming. However, many users experience situations where their download speeds excel while upload speeds lag behind, leading to frustrating issues during live communications. If you find yourself in this predicament, you’re not alone, and understanding the potential causes can help you troubleshoot effectively.

Identifying the Problem

A common scenario involves having robust download speeds but significantly slower upload speeds—typically around 8-10 Mbps—which can impact activities requiring outgoing data transmission. For instance, during voice chats on platforms like Discord, users may notice high packet loss rates or distorted audio, where their friends hear only a fraction of what is being said. Notably, these issues can be confined to specific environments; some users report problems occurring only at certain locations, such as their parent’s house with specific Wi-Fi setups.

Initial Troubleshooting Steps

Verify Internet Service Provider (ISP) Status
Before delving into device-specific issues, confirm that your ISP isn’t experiencing outages or network issues. Most providers offer online tools or customer service lines for real-time status updates. If the ISP confirms normal operation, the problem likely resides elsewhere.
Run Basic Security and Malware Checks
Performing security scans can eliminate the possibility of malware or unwanted software affecting network performance. Tools like Malwarebytes are effective for this purpose. Ensure the scan completes without issues, and review any findings to address potential infections.
Test Different Network Environments
Since some users observe that the problem occurs exclusively at certain locations, try connecting your laptop to different Wi-Fi networks—for example, at a friend’s house, a public Wi-Fi hotspot, or a different part of your home. This can help determine if the issue stems from the network configuration or your device.
Assess Wireless Router Settings and Firmware
Check your router’s firmware version and configuration. Update the firmware if necessary, and ensure Quality of Service (QoS) settings are correctly configured to prioritize upload traffic if possible.
Check Hardware and Connections
Verify that your Wi-Fi adapter drivers are up to date. On your ASUS ROG Strix G533QS, visit the manufacturer’s website for the latest drivers or use device management tools in Windows to update them automatically.