How to Make Ethernet Faster on Windows 11: Top Tips and Tricks

By / September 21, 2025

Why Ethernet Speeds Matter

Ever downloaded a massive game or joined a high-stakes online meeting only to watch your Ethernet connection crawl? While Ethernet is typically the gold standard for stability and speed, misconfigured settings, outdated drivers, or hardware issues can drag it down.

In this guide on how to make Ethernet faster on Windows 11, we’ll cover the most effective tips and tricks—from quick checks to advanced optimizations—so you can get every bit of bandwidth you’re paying for.

Summary (Key Takeaways)

  • Wired Ethernet is usually faster and more stable than Wi-Fi, but poor configuration or hardware can bottleneck speeds.

  • Simple tweaks—like updating network drivers, adjusting adapter settings, or changing cables—can dramatically improve performance.

  • This guide walks you through step-by-step methods, from beginner fixes to advanced optimizations.

1. Understanding Ethernet Speeds on Windows 11

Ethernet speed depends on your hardware, cable quality, router, and Windows configuration. Most modern PCs and routers support Gigabit Ethernet (1 Gbps) or faster, but bottlenecks can occur anywhere in the chain.

2. Common Causes of Slow Ethernet Performance

  • Outdated or corrupt network drivers

  • Damaged or low-category Ethernet cables (e.g., Cat 5 instead of Cat 6/7)

  • Misconfigured adapter settings

  • Router firmware or port issues

  • Power-saving features throttling your adapter

3. Quick Checks Before You Start

✅ Restart your PC and router.
✅ Try a different port on your router or switch.
✅ Plug your Ethernet cable directly into the router to rule out faulty switches.
✅ Test with another cable to ensure it isn’t damaged.

4. Update Network Drivers (Step-by-Step)

Outdated drivers can throttle performance:

  1. Press Windows + X → Device Manager.

  2. Expand Network adapters.

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

  4. Choose Search automatically for drivers.

  5. Restart your PC after the update.

5. Use the Right Ethernet Cable and Port

Cable Type Max Speed Best Use
Cat 5 100 Mbps Outdated—replace if possible
Cat 5e 1 Gbps Basic home networks
Cat 6/6a 10 Gbps Gaming, streaming, heavy use
Cat 7/8 10–40 Gbps Professional or future-proofing

Also, check that your router supports Gigabit or faster speeds.

6. Change Ethernet Adapter Speed and Duplex Settings

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

  2. Click your Ethernet adapter → More network adapter options.

  3. Right-click the adapter → Properties → Configure.

  4. Under Advanced, find Speed & Duplex.

  5. Set it to 1.0 Gbps Full Duplex (or Auto-Negotiation if uncertain).

7. Disable Unnecessary Network Protocols

  1. Right-click your Ethernet adapter → Properties.

  2. Uncheck protocols you don’t use (e.g., QoS Packet Scheduler or File and Printer Sharing—if not needed).

  3. Click OK.

8. Optimize Power Management for Network Adapters

Windows may throttle Ethernet to save power:

  1. In Device Manager, right-click your adapter → Properties.

  2. Under Power Management, uncheck Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power.

9. Turn Off Large Send Offload (LSO) and Other Offloading Features

Offloading can sometimes slow your connection:

  1. In the adapter’s Advanced settings, find Large Send Offload (IPv4 and IPv6).

  2. Set both to Disabled.

  3. Click OK.

10. Prioritize Ethernet in Network Settings

  1. Press Windows + S, search for Control Panel, and open it.

  2. Go to Network and Sharing Center → Change adapter settings.

  3. Press Alt, click Advanced → Advanced Settings.

  4. Move Ethernet to the top of the list.

11. Use Windows Troubleshooter and Network Reset

  • Troubleshooter: Go to Settings → System → Troubleshoot → Other troubleshooters → Network Adapter.

  • Network Reset: Settings → Network & internet → Advanced network settings → Network reset.

12. Check Your Router and Switch Settings

  • Update your router firmware.

  • Ensure ports are configured for Gigabit or higher speeds.

  • Disable bandwidth-limiting features like parental controls or QoS caps.

13. Advanced Tips: Enable QoS and Jumbo Frames

  • QoS (Quality of Service): Prioritize Ethernet traffic on your router for smoother gaming or streaming.

  • Jumbo Frames: In adapter settings, set Jumbo Packet to 9014 bytes if your network supports it.

14. Testing Your Ethernet Speed Effectively

  • Use sites like Speedtest.net or Fast.com.

  • Test multiple times at different hours to account for ISP fluctuations.

  • Compare speeds with another PC or cable to isolate the issue.

15. Best Practices for Long-Term Performance

  • Use high-quality, shorter cables when possible.

  • Regularly reboot your router and PC.

  • Keep Windows and network drivers up to date.

  • Avoid running bandwidth-heavy tasks simultaneously.

16. Conclusion and Next Steps

Optimizing Ethernet on Windows 11 doesn’t have to be complicated. Start with simple checks—like cables and drivers—then tweak adapter settings and router configurations. By following these top tips and tricks, you’ll unlock faster, more reliable wired connections and get the most from your network.

17. FAQs

Q1: Does changing Speed & Duplex settings improve Ethernet speed?
Yes, setting it to 1.0 Gbps Full Duplex can fix mismatches and improve performance.

Q2: Can a bad Ethernet cable cause slow speeds?
Absolutely—use Cat 6 or higher for best results.

Q3: Should I disable Large Send Offload?
If you’re experiencing slow or inconsistent speeds, disabling LSO can help.

Q4: How do I check if my Ethernet is running at full speed?
Go to Settings → Network & internet → Ethernet and check Link speed (Receive/Transmit).

Q5: Is Ethernet always faster than Wi-Fi?
Usually, yes—but only if your hardware and settings are optimized.

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