How to Fix Slow Download Speed

1. Use a tweak program online or a download one to tweak settings on your browser and computer. These tweak programs change settings and improve download speeds by making changes according to your operating system and Internet provider. Speedguide.net has a free tweak program. Click on the program to install it and open the application once it is installed. The program will either start automatically or you will have to click a button to start it.

2. Clean excess files from your computer. Make sure there is at least one gigabyte of free space. Open Windows Explorer and right-click on your hard drive. Choose 'Properties' and you will see how much space you have left. Delete any files and programs you don’t need. You can remove programs by going to the “Control Panel” and selecting “Add or Remove Programs.”

3. Clean out temporary files. Open your browser and go to the “Tools” menu. Go to “Options” or “Internet Options” and then choose “Delete” in Internet Explorer, or the “Privacy” tab then “Clear Now” in Firefox.

4. Find and use a download manager such as Reget, rather than just using your browser to download files. Browsers are not always best equipped to download files.

5. Test the download speed. Go to a a website that has a speed test such as the DSLreports speed test page. Click on the speed test that is closest to your area and the website will test your computer's speed. If your actual speed is considerably slower than what was advertised, call your Internet provider to fix the problem.