My Internet Disconnects/Throttles whenever i launch any video game on my PC

Understanding and Troubleshooting Internet Connectivity Issues During Online Gaming: A Case Study

Introduction

Experiencing internet connectivity disruptions specifically associated with launching online games can be perplexing and disruptive. Many gamers and users encounter scenarios where their network functions normally across devices, yet launching particular applications results in network degradation or disconnection. This article explores a detailed case study of such an issue, analyzing potential causes and recommending systematic troubleshooting strategies.

Case Overview

A user reports that upon launching certain online multiplayer games, notably Counter-Strike 2 (CS2), their internet connection issues manifest: the game fails to connect to matchmaking, and other network-dependent services like Discord and streaming platforms experience interruptions. Interestingly, these issues resolve immediately after closing the game, indicating a possible game-related or system-level cause.

Key Observations

Network functions correctly across all devices until the user launches the problematic game.
Launching CS2 inhibits matchmaking connectivity; switching out of the game restores normal operation.
The problem recurs after closing and relaunching the game.
Comprehensive troubleshooting steps, including OS reinstallation, malware scans, DNS flushing, and network configuration adjustments, have yielded limited success.
Band switching from 2.4 GHz to 5 GHz Wi-Fi temporarily alleviated the problem but did not provide a lasting solution.
Other online games, like Battlefield V and League of Legends, also experience similar connection disruptions, implying a broader issue beyond a single application.

Potential Causes and Considerations

Network Driver Compatibility or Conflicts
Outdated or incompatible network drivers may interfere with system network traffic during the game’s runtime. Ensuring the latest drivers are installed is critical.
Firewall and Security Software Interactions
Security suites or Windows Defender might be misinterpreting game traffic as malicious, blocking or throttling network connections when the game launches.
Router or Modem Configuration
While the ISP confirms no issues, certain router settings—such as QoS, firewall rules, or port forwarding—may inadvertently affect specific applications.
Background Applications and Services
Other applications, particularly those related to network management or security, might interfere during game launch.
Hardware or System Resource Bottlenecks
While less likely, system resource contention or driver conflicts could manifest during resource-intensive gaming sessions, impacting network performance.