How to Fix Ping Spikes in Windows 11: Tips for a Smoother Connection

By / September 16, 2025

If you’re a gamer, streamer, or someone who relies on real-time applications, nothing is more frustrating than sudden ping spikes. You’re in the middle of an intense online match or video call, and your connection suddenly lags — leaving you stuttering, rubber-banding, or even disconnected. Don’t worry — you’re not alone. Many Windows 11 users face this problem, but the good news is that it’s fixable.

In this guide, we’ll walk you step by step through how to fix ping spikes in Windows 11, explore the main causes behind them, and share proven tips for enjoying a smoother, more stable internet connection.

What Are Ping Spikes in Windows 11?

Before fixing the issue, let’s break it down:

  • Ping measures the time it takes for your computer to send data to a server and receive a response (measured in milliseconds).

  • Ping spikes occur when that time suddenly increases, creating noticeable delays and lag.

For example:

  • A stable ping of 30–50 ms is great for gaming.

  • A sudden spike to 300+ ms can make your game unplayable or your Zoom call awkward.

Why Do Ping Spikes Happen on Windows 11?

Ping spikes can be caused by several factors. The most common include:

  • Background apps consuming bandwidth.

  • Outdated or faulty network drivers.

  • Windows 11 features like Delivery Optimization or Updates running in the background.

  • Wi-Fi interference or weak signals.

  • ISP throttling or network congestion.

  • Misconfigured network settings.

Quick Checklist Before You Start

Before diving deep, here’s a quick checklist to run through:

  • ✅ Restart your PC and router.

  • ✅ Make sure no one else on your network is streaming or downloading large files.

  • ✅ Run a speed test to confirm your baseline internet speed.

If the issue persists, move on to the step-by-step fixes below.

Step 1: Update Your Network Drivers

Outdated or corrupted network drivers often cause unstable connections.

How to update drivers in Windows 11:

  1. Press Win + X and select Device Manager.

  2. Expand Network adapters.

  3. Right-click your active adapter (e.g., Intel Wi-Fi or Realtek).

  4. Click Update driver → Search automatically for drivers.

  5. Restart your computer.

Pro tip: If Windows doesn’t find an update, visit your adapter manufacturer’s website for the latest driver.

Step 2: Disable Background Apps Consuming Bandwidth

Some apps constantly run in the background, syncing files or downloading updates.

Check which apps are using your network:

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.

  2. Go to the Processes tab.

  3. Sort by Network to see which apps are consuming bandwidth.

  4. Right-click and select End task for unnecessary apps.

Step 3: Turn Off Windows Update Delivery Optimization

Windows 11 has a feature that shares updates with other PCs, which can spike your ping.

Disable it:

  1. Open Settings → Windows Update.

  2. Click Advanced options → Delivery Optimization.

  3. Toggle Allow downloads from other PCs → Off.

Step 4: Adjust Your Wi-Fi or Switch to Ethernet

Wi-Fi is convenient but prone to interference from walls, devices, or even microwaves.

Tips to improve wireless stability:

  • Move closer to your router.

  • Use the 5 GHz band instead of 2.4 GHz for faster speeds.

  • Restart your router regularly.

  • If possible, use a wired Ethernet connection — it’s always more stable.

Step 5: Disable Network Throttling in Windows 11

Windows sometimes limits network performance to save resources.

Disable throttling via Registry Editor:
⚠️ Caution: Editing the registry can cause issues if done incorrectly. Proceed carefully.

  1. Press Win + R, type regedit, and hit Enter.

  2. Navigate to:

    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Multimedia\SystemProfile

  3. Find NetworkThrottlingIndex.

  4. Double-click it and set its value to ffffffff (8 f’s).

  5. Restart your PC.

Step 6: Change DNS Settings for Faster Resolution

Using a slow DNS server can increase latency. Switching to a reliable one may help.

Set Google DNS (8.8.8.8 / 8.8.4.4):

  1. Go to Settings → Network & internet.

  2. Select your connection → Properties.

  3. Scroll to DNS server assignment → Edit.

  4. Choose Manual → Enable IPv4.

  5. Enter:

    • Preferred DNS: 8.8.8.8

    • Alternate DNS: 8.8.4.4

  6. Save and reconnect.

Step 7: Disable Large Send Offload (LSO)

Large Send Offload is a feature that can sometimes cause lag.

To disable LSO:

  1. Press Win + X → Device Manager.

  2. Expand Network adapters.

  3. Right-click your adapter → Properties.

  4. Go to the Advanced tab.

  5. Find Large Send Offload v2 (IPv4/IPv6).

  6. Set both to Disabled.

Step 8: Use the Windows Network Troubleshooter

Windows 11 has built-in diagnostics to detect and fix issues automatically.

Run it:

  1. Open Settings → System → Troubleshoot.

  2. Select Other troubleshooters.

  3. Click Run next to Internet Connections.

Step 9: Limit Bandwidth Usage in Background

Apps like OneDrive, Steam, or Epic Games may consume bandwidth silently.

Example: Limit OneDrive bandwidth

  1. Right-click the OneDrive icon in the taskbar.

  2. Go to Settings → Network.

  3. Set Upload/Download rate to a reasonable limit.

Step 10: Reset Network Settings

If all else fails, resetting your network can clear misconfigurations.

Reset Windows 11 network:

  1. Open Settings → Network & internet.

  2. Scroll down and select Advanced network settings.

  3. Click Network reset → Reset now.

  4. Restart your PC.

Additional Tips for Reducing Ping Spikes

  • Schedule large downloads for off-peak hours.

  • Use a gaming VPN if your ISP throttles gaming traffic.

  • Update your router firmware.

  • Disable unnecessary startup programs.

  • Check with your ISP if the issue is external.

Troubleshooting Table: Quick Fixes at a Glance

Problem Solution
Outdated drivers Update via Device Manager
High background bandwidth usage Close apps in Task Manager
Windows updates slowing you down Disable Delivery Optimization
Wi-Fi instability Switch to Ethernet or optimize Wi-Fi settings
DNS issues Use Google DNS or Cloudflare DNS
Registry network throttling Disable NetworkThrottlingIndex
Persistent connection issues Run Network Troubleshooter or Reset Network

Conclusion: Enjoy Lag-Free Gaming and Calls on Windows 11

Ping spikes don’t have to ruin your online experience. By following the steps above — from updating drivers and adjusting settings to optimizing Wi-Fi and DNS — you can stabilize your connection and enjoy smoother gaming, streaming, and browsing.

The key is to address the issue step by step: start with simple fixes like closing background apps, then move on to advanced tweaks like disabling LSO or editing the registry if needed. With persistence, you’ll notice a dramatic improvement in your connection quality.

FAQs About Fixing Ping Spikes in Windows 11

1. Why am I getting high ping only when gaming?
Because games rely on real-time data, any small network instability (background apps, Wi-Fi interference, ISP routing issues) becomes more noticeable during gameplay.

2. Can using a VPN fix ping spikes?
Yes, sometimes. A gaming VPN can reroute your traffic through less congested paths, reducing latency if your ISP throttles or has poor routing.

3. Is Ethernet always better than Wi-Fi for ping?
Yes. Ethernet provides a direct, stable connection with minimal interference, making it the best option for gaming and video calls.

4. Do Windows 11 updates cause ping spikes?
They can. Updates downloading in the background may consume bandwidth, leading to temporary ping spikes. Disabling Delivery Optimization helps.

5. What’s a good ping for online gaming?
Anything under 50 ms is excellent. 50–100 ms is playable, but beyond 150 ms, lag becomes noticeable and disruptive.

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