How to Increase Ethernet Speed on Windows 11: Top Tips and Tricks

By / September 21, 2025

Summary of Key Takeaways

  • Check your Ethernet cable and hardware before changing software settings.

  • Optimize Windows 11 network settings for maximum speed.

  • Update your network drivers and disable unnecessary background apps.

  • Use advanced tweaks like DNS changes, jumbo frames, and power management settings.

  • Regularly monitor your internet speed to identify performance changes.

Introduction

Is your wired Ethernet connection on Windows 11 slower than expected? A wired connection should typically outperform Wi-Fi, but sometimes you don’t get the speeds your plan promises. The good news? You can often fix this with a few simple adjustments. In this guide on how to increase Ethernet speed on Windows 11, we’ll share top tips and tricks to help you get the most from your network.

Why Is Your Ethernet Speed Slow?

Before we dive into solutions, it helps to understand potential causes:

  • Faulty or outdated Ethernet cables (e.g., Cat5 instead of Cat6 or Cat7).

  • Outdated network drivers or firmware.

  • Background processes hogging bandwidth.

  • Incorrect network adapter settings.

  • ISP limitations or temporary outages.

Step 1: Test Your Current Internet Speed

  1. Visit a speed test site like Speedtest.net.

  2. Run the test on Ethernet and compare it to your plan’s advertised speed.

  3. Note your ping, download, and upload results.

Step 2: Check Your Ethernet Cable and Port

  • Use at least Cat6 or higher cables for gigabit speeds.

  • Make sure cables aren’t bent or damaged.

  • Try a different Ethernet port on your router or switch.

Cable Type Max Speed Recommended For
Cat5 100 Mbps Basic browsing only
Cat5e 1 Gbps Standard home use
Cat6/Cat6a 10 Gbps Gaming & streaming
Cat7 10+ Gbps Professional networks

Step 3: Update Network Drivers

  1. Press Win + X → Select Device Manager.

  2. Expand Network adapters.

  3. Right-click your Ethernet adapter → Choose Update driver.

  4. Select Search automatically for drivers.

Step 4: Disable Power Management for the Ethernet Adapter

  1. In Device Manager, double-click your Ethernet adapter.

  2. Go to the Power Management tab.

  3. Uncheck Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power.

  4. Click OK and restart your PC.

Step 5: Adjust Ethernet Speed and Duplex Settings

  1. Open Device Manager → Right-click your adapter → Properties.

  2. Go to the Advanced tab.

  3. Select Speed & Duplex.

  4. Change it to 1.0 Gbps Full Duplex (or Auto Negotiation if unsure).

Step 6: Disable Background Apps Using Bandwidth

  • Open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc) → Check Processes.

  • End tasks that are downloading or syncing unnecessarily.

  • In Settings → Apps → Startup, disable unneeded apps at startup.

Step 7: Turn Off Large Send Offload (LSO)

  1. In Device Manager, open your Ethernet adapter properties.

  2. Go to the Advanced tab.

  3. Find Large Send Offload (IPv4 and IPv6) and set them to Disabled.

Step 8: Change Your DNS Server for Faster Name Resolution

  1. Go to Settings → Network & Internet → Advanced network settings.

  2. Select your Ethernet connection → Click View additional properties.

  3. Change DNS settings to:

    • Google DNS: 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4

    • Cloudflare DNS: 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1

Step 9: Enable Jumbo Frames (Advanced Users)

If your network equipment supports it:

  1. In Device Manager, open your Ethernet adapter’s Advanced tab.

  2. Find Jumbo Packet or Jumbo Frame.

  3. Set it to 9014 bytes (or the maximum supported).

Step 10: Check for Windows Updates

  • Open Settings → Windows Update.

  • Install the latest updates, as they often include network performance fixes.

Step 11: Restart Your Router and Modem

A simple reboot can resolve temporary connection issues. Power cycle both devices and test your connection again.

Step 12: Use a Network Performance Monitor

Apps like NetBalancer or GlassWire can show which processes use bandwidth, helping you prioritize important tasks.

Troubleshooting Slow Ethernet After Tweaks

  • Try connecting a different device to the same port to rule out PC issues.

  • Bypass your router by connecting directly to the modem.

  • If your speeds are still low, contact your ISP.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why is my Ethernet slower than Wi-Fi on Windows 11?

It could be due to outdated drivers, damaged cables, or incorrect adapter settings.

2. Does upgrading to a Cat6 cable really improve speed?

Yes—Cat6 or higher cables support faster data transfer rates.

3. Will disabling power-saving features harm my PC?

No, it simply keeps your Ethernet adapter active for better performance.

4. Can changing DNS servers make Ethernet faster?

It won’t increase bandwidth but can improve website loading times.

5. Is Jumbo Frames worth enabling?

Only if your network hardware supports it—otherwise, leave it disabled.

Conclusion

Boosting your Ethernet speed on Windows 11 doesn’t have to be complicated. By checking cables, updating drivers, and optimizing settings like Speed & Duplex or DNS, you can often see a significant improvement. Even simple actions—like rebooting your router or closing background apps—can make a noticeable difference.

With these top tips and tricks, you’ll enjoy smoother streaming, faster downloads, and a more reliable connection on your Windows 11 laptop or desktop.

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