How to fix slow internet and network latency on Windows 10/11 by flushing DNS and resetting TCP/IP

Summary

This guide helps you troubleshoot and resolve: How to fix slow internet and network latency on Windows 10/11 by flushing DNS and resetting TCP/IP. Follow the steps below to fix the issue.

Common Causes

If your internet feels sluggish or websites are taking a long time to load, your computer's network settings may need refreshing. This guide walks you through flushing the DNS cache and resetting the TCP/IP stack on Windows 10 and Windows 11. These steps can resolve slow browsing, connection drops, and latency issues without affecting your personal files.

Quick Fix Steps

For most users, following these steps in order will resolve common network performance issues:

1. Restart your modem and router.
2. Flush your DNS cache.
3. Reset the TCP/IP stack.
4. Restart your computer.

Detailed Instructions

Step 1: Restart your networking equipment

1. Turn off your modem and wireless router.
2. Wait at least 30 seconds.
3. Turn the modem back on first, then the router.
4. Wait for all indicator lights to stabilise before testing your connection.

Step 2: Flush the DNS cache

1. Press Windows key + R to open the Run dialog.
2. Type cmd and press Ctrl + Shift + Enter to open Command Prompt as administrator.
3. If prompted by User Account Control, select Yes.
4. In the black Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter:

ipconfig /flushdns

You should see the message: Successfully flushed the DNS Resolver Cache.

Step 3: Reset the TCP/IP stack

1. With the administrator Command Prompt still open, type the following command and press Enter:

netsh int ip reset

1. Wait for the process to complete. You will see confirmation messages as the network stack is reset.
2. Type exit and press Enter to close Command Prompt.

Step 4: Restart your computer

1. Select Start > Power > Restart.
2. Once Windows has fully loaded, test your internet connection by opening a few websites.

Troubleshooting

If Command Prompt will not open as administrator

• Ensure you are logged in with an administrator account.
• Right-click Start, select Terminal (Admin) on Windows 11, or Command Prompt (Admin) on Windows 10.

If internet is still slow after resetting

• Try connecting your computer directly to the modem with an Ethernet cable to rule out Wi-Fi interference.
• Check if other devices on the same network are also slow. If they are, the issue may be with your internet service rather than your PC.
• Clear your browser cache or try a different web browser. For more help, see our guide on Browser not loading pages.
• If your computer itself feels sluggish, not just the internet, see Computer running slow.

When to open a support ticket

If you have completed all steps above and are still experiencing slow speeds or high latency, there may be an issue with your line, modem, or account. Please Open a Ticket and our Brisbane support team will investigate further.

Related articles: Applications freezing or crashing | Blue screen of death (BSOD) - restart steps

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