How to Check Internet Download Speed
Level of difficulty: Easy
Most users tend to neglect the speed of their Internet connection thinking that the changes in the speed are just part of an unstable connection. However, in some cases, some Internet providers slow down the speed intentionally. Knowing how to check your Internet download speed will allow you to check if you are getting the speed you paid for. There are a lot of websites available that will allow you to do this for free. By typing “speed test” or “check Internet speed” on a search engine, you will be able to find a lot of sites that provide this type of service without a cost.
Materials Needed:- Computer
- Internet connection
Step 1
Turn on your computer.
Step 2
Make sure that your modem is on and is functioning normally. Also, make sure that all the lights on the modem are green and that all the cables are plugged in properly.
Step 3
Close any other programs running in the computer. At the same time, refrain from downloading files and avoid using your browser for other reasons.
Step 4
Open your browser and go to your favorite search engine. Type 'speed test' or 'check Internet speed' on the search engine. Click on any of the websites and then run the speed test as instructed by the website. The download speed and the upload speed may not have the same result. This is because Internet Service Providers sell the service with two different speeds. The download speed is usually faster than the upload speed.
Step 5
Run the test several times a day or try it again in a few days. Test the connection during peak hours and on off-peak hours as well. Get the average of the result. An acceptable speed should be at least 75% - 90% of the rate advertised by your ISP.
Step 6
If your Internet speed is less than the 75% - 90% of the advertised rate, call you ISP and let them know that you are not getting the speed you paid for. It is important to note that there are other issues that cause slow speeds and some of these are malware programs installed into the computer, peak hours versus off-peak, badly configured PC, and routing problems. Malware programs such as downloaders and spyware may take up Internet bandwidth, causing your own legitimate internet activities to slow down.
Step 7
There are also a lot of programs that will allow you to tweak your PC to get faster download speeds. These tweaks often involve changing the registry. It is advisable to backup all files within the computer before considering tweaking the registry.