Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →To improve 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi, first measure performance in several rooms, then test changes in this order: router placement, nearby sources of interference, the Wi-Fi channel, and—if the signal is strong but unreliable—channel width. No one channel or setting is best for every home, and Wi-Fi adjustments cannot fix a slow internet connection by themselves.
Measure the problem before changing settings
Run several speed tests and note the results, the room, and which device you used. Repeat the tests after each change, using the same device and locations where possible. Microsoft recommends establishing a baseline before changing a Wi-Fi network; its guide is Wi-Fi and your home layout.
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Check whether the slowdown affects one room, one device, or every device. A problem limited to one room points toward coverage or obstacles; a problem on one device may be specific to that device’s Wi-Fi hardware or settings. If every device is slow throughout the home, compare Wi-Fi performance with the internet service’s performance, and contact your provider if the connection itself appears slow.
Improve router placement and reduce obstacles
Place the router near the center of the home, elevated where practical, and away from walls and large metal objects. Keep the path between router and device as unobstructed as you can. Floors, walls, furniture, and other physical barriers can weaken a wireless signal. Microsoft’s home layout guidance and wireless network setup guidance explain these placement considerations.
#1 Best Overall
- 𝐅𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞-𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐨𝐟 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐇𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐖𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐖𝐢-𝐅𝐢 𝟕: Powered by Wi-Fi 7 technology, enjoy faster speeds with Multi-Link Operation, increased reliability with Multi-RUs, and more data capacity with 4K-QAM, delivering enhanced performance for all your devices.
- 𝐁𝐄𝟑𝟔𝟎𝟎 𝐃𝐮𝐚𝐥-𝐁𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐖𝐢-𝐅𝐢 𝟕 𝐑𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐞𝐫: Delivers up to 2882 Mbps (5 GHz), and 688 Mbps (2.4 GHz) speeds for 4K/8K streaming, AR/VR gaming & more. Dual-band routers do not support 6 GHz. Performance varies by conditions, distance, and obstacles like walls.
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- 𝐂𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐫 - Covers up to 2,000 sq. ft. for up to 60 devices at a time. 4 internal antennas and beamforming technology focus Wi-Fi signals toward hard-to-reach areas. Seamlessly connect phones, TVs, and gaming consoles.
After moving the router, repeat the tests in the problem area and at your original comparison locations. If you cannot move the router or device and the problem is specifically weak coverage in a dead spot, a Wi-Fi extender may help carry coverage farther. An extender is not a general fix for interference or a slow broadband connection.
Check for nearby sources of interference
Some household devices can temporarily disrupt 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi. Microsoft identifies microwaves and some cordless phones as possible sources. If dropouts line up with one of these devices being used nearby, increase the distance between it and the router or Wi-Fi device, or use a different band or device where practical. Then retest to see whether the interruptions change.
Rank #2
- Dual band router upgrades to 1200 Mbps high speed internet (300mbps for 2.4GHz plus 900Mbps for 5GHz), reducing buffering and ideal for 4K stream
- Full Gigabit Ports - Gigabit Router with 4 Gigabit LAN ports, ideal for any internet plan and allow you to directly connect your wired devices
- Boosted Coverage - Four external antennas equipped with Beamforming technology extend and concentrate the Wi-Fi signals
- MU-MIMO technology - (5GHz band) allows high speeds for multiple devices simultaneously
- Access Point Mode - Supports AP Mode to transform your wired connection into wireless network, an ideal wireless router for home
For additional troubleshooting, see Microsoft’s wireless network setup guidance and explanation of why an internet connection may be slow.
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1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteChoose a 2.4 GHz channel from local conditions
Nearby Wi-Fi networks can compete for radio airtime. Use a Wi-Fi analyzer or network graph to inspect the access points around your home, then compare channels 1, 6, and 11. Prefer a channel with fewer competing networks, while considering how strong those networks are and whether their signals overlap. The clearest choice depends on what is broadcasting nearby; no channel is universally best.
Rank #3
- Dual-band Wi-Fi with 5 GHz speeds up to 867 Mbps and 2.4 GHz speeds up to 300 Mbps, delivering 1200 Mbps of total bandwidth¹. Dual-band routers do not support 6 GHz. Performance varies by conditions, distance to devices, and obstacles such as walls.
- Covers up to 1,000 sq. ft. with four external antennas for stable wireless connections and optimal coverage.
- Supports IGMP Proxy/Snooping, Bridge and Tag VLAN to optimize IPTV streaming
- Access Point Mode - Supports AP Mode to transform your wired connection into wireless network, an ideal wireless router for home
- Advanced Security with WPA3 - The latest Wi-Fi security protocol, WPA3, brings new capabilities to improve cybersecurity in personal networks
Change the channel in your router’s settings, then repeat the same tests. Router menus differ by model, so consult the router maker’s instructions for the exact setting and label. Microsoft’s Wi-Fi and home layout guide discusses choosing a channel based on nearby networks.
Try 20 MHz channel width if the signal is strong but unreliable
Channel width is worth investigating when the signal is strong and the channel appears clear, yet the connection is still unreliable. Microsoft notes that 40 MHz can offer more throughput, but some older Wi-Fi adapters and drivers do not work well with it. If your router’s 2.4 GHz width is set to Auto or 20/40 MHz, try 20 MHz and retest stability and speed.
Rank #4
- DUAL-BAND WIFI 6 ROUTER: Wi-Fi 6(802.11ax) technology achieves faster speeds, greater capacity and reduced network congestion compared to the previous gen. All WiFi routers require a separate modem. Dual-Band WiFi routers do not support the 6 GHz band.
- AX1800: Enjoy smoother and more stable streaming, gaming, downloading with 1.8 Gbps total bandwidth (up to 1200 Mbps on 5 GHz and up to 574 Mbps on 2.4 GHz). Performance varies by conditions, distance to devices, and obstacles such as walls.
- CONNECT MORE DEVICES: Wi-Fi 6 technology communicates more data to more devices simultaneously using revolutionary OFDMA technology
- EXTENSIVE COVERAGE: Achieve the strong, reliable WiFi coverage with Archer AX1800 as it focuses signal strength to your devices far away using Beamforming technology, 4 high-gain antennas and an advanced front-end module (FEM) chipset
- OUR CYBERSECURITY COMMITMENT: TP-Link is a signatory of the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency’s (CISA) Secure-by-Design pledge. This device is designed, built, and maintained, with advanced security as a core requirement.
This is a troubleshooting test, not a guaranteed speed boost: a narrower channel may trade some potential throughput for more reliable operation with affected adapters. Router setting names and available options vary. Microsoft describes this trade-off in its Wi-Fi guidance.
Use 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz according to the device and location
The bands suit different needs. Use 2.4 GHz when longer reach, better performance through obstacles, or broad device compatibility matters. Consider 5 GHz for a nearby compatible device that needs faster throughput and may benefit from less congestion. 5 GHz generally has shorter range and weaker wall penetration, so a device that performs well close to the router may not do as well farther away.
Best Value
- 𝐅𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞-𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐲 𝐖𝐢-𝐅𝐢 𝟕 - Designed with the latest Wi-Fi 7 technology, featuring Multi-Link Operation (MLO), Multi-RUs, and 4K-QAM. Achieve optimized performance on latest WiFi 7 laptops and devices, like the iPhone 16 Pro, and Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra.
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- 𝐖𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 - Get up to 2,400 sq. ft. max coverage for up to 90 devices at a time. 6x high performance antennas and Beamforming technology, ensures reliable connections for remote workers, gamers, students, and more.
- 𝐔𝐥𝐭𝐫𝐚-𝐅𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝟐.𝟓 𝐆𝐛𝐩𝐬 𝐖𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 - 1x 2.5 Gbps WAN/LAN port, 1x 2.5 Gbps LAN port and 3x 1 Gbps LAN ports offer high-speed data transmissions.³ Integrate with a multi-gig modem for gigplus internet.
- 𝐎𝐮𝐫 𝐂𝐲𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 - TP-Link is a signatory of the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency’s (CISA) Secure-by-Design pledge. This device is designed, built, and maintained, with advanced security as a core requirement.
If your router supports separate network names for each band, distinct SSIDs can make it easier to see which band a device joined and test the difference. The better choice depends on distance, obstacles, throughput needs, and device compatibility. Microsoft compares the bands in Wi-Fi and your home layout.
When Wi-Fi changes do not solve the slowdown
If multiple devices remain slow in multiple rooms after you have tested placement, interference, channels, and relevant width settings, the cause may not be the 2.4 GHz radio. Compare results over Wi-Fi with a connection to the router using a wired connection if available, and check whether the internet service itself is performing poorly. If it is, ask your internet provider to check the connection. These Wi-Fi adjustments have no established, guaranteed speed gain; results depend on the home’s radio environment, equipment, and connection.
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