Troubleshooting Internet Issues on a New PC: What to Do When Speeds Don’t Add Up

If you’ve recently made the switch from a laptop to a PC and are experiencing frustratingly slow internet speeds, you’re not alone. Many users face connectivity issues when setting up a new machine. If your laptop performs admirably, clocking in 141.88 Mbps for downloads and 59.73 Mbps for uploads, yet your new PC struggles to barely reach 2 Mbps under similar conditions, it’s time to investigate possible causes.

Understanding the Problem

It can be perplexing when both devices are situated in the same room and connected to the same Wi-Fi network, yet one is performing optimally while the other is faltering. This discrepancy is often rooted in various potential factors that can affect internet performance, especially on a new build.

Possible Causes and Solutions

Network Adapter Issues: The network adapter in your PC might not be configured correctly. Check its settings in the Device Manager to ensure that the drivers are up to date. If the drivers are outdated, consider downloading the latest versions from the manufacturer’s website.
Wi-Fi Band Preference: Many modern routers operate on both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency bands. Your laptop might be connected to the faster 5 GHz band while your PC is defaulting to the 2.4 GHz band. Log into your router’s settings to check which band your PC is using and try switching to the faster band if available.
Wi-Fi Antenna Placement: Physical placement can significantly affect signal strength. Ensure that your PC’s antenna (if applicable) is positioned for optimal reception. Even minor adjustments can sometimes lead to major improvements.
Firewall or Security Software: Sometimes, the security Software on a new PC can interfere with internet speeds. Try temporarily disabling any third-party firewall or antivirus Software to see if that resolves the issue.
Operating System Differences: Since your new PC is running Windows 11 while your laptop runs Windows 10, there may be specific configurations or compatibility issues affecting network performance. Ensure both systems are fully updated, as updates might resolve inter-OS bugs.
Interference from Other Devices: Other electronic devices in your vicinity can sometimes interfere with Wi-Fi signals. Try moving the PC or any conflicting devices away from the router and check your speed again.
ISP Throttling: In rare cases