This article explains how to optimize the speed of internet connection and web browsing when using Windows 7. There are many aspects that can negatively impact the speed of a computer's network connection, so there is no magic solution that can solve all of them. problems, rather it will be necessary to adopt a series of precautions. You will be explained how to check for malware (without having to download a special program), identify any problems related to the network connection, optimize the use of the entire bandwidth of the internet connection and speed up the operation of the internet browser.
Steps
Part 1 of 4: Identifying Any Malware
Step 1. Click on the "Start" menu icon and type the keyword defender into the search bar
The "Start" button is usually located in the lower left corner of the screen. The search results list will be displayed.
If your computer seems slower than normal when you browse the web, it is most likely infected with adware, spyware, or some other type of malware running in the background
Step 2. Click on the Windows Defender option visible in the search results list
The Windows Defender app window will appear - this is the security software built into Windows 7.
If you've chosen to use a third-party antivirus program, such as Norton or McAfee, feel free to use it as a replacement for Windows Defender
Step 3. Turn on real-time protection (optional)
If you want Windows to automatically protect your system from viruses and malware as you browse the web, you will need to activate the indicated function. If you see "Real-time protection: Enabled" in the "Status" box at the bottom of the Windows Defender window, it means that real-time protection is already active. If not, follow these instructions:
- Click on the item Tools placed in the upper part of the window;
- Click on Options;
- Click on the tab Real-time protection visible in the left pane of the window;
- Select the "Use real-time protection (recommended)" checkbox. If you want to have the maximum degree of protection, also select the other two check buttons to allow Windows to automatically scan the programs you install and all the files you download from the web;
- Click on the button Save.
Step 4. Check that the virus and malware definitions are up to date
Before running a scan scan, make sure Windows Defender is up to date with information about known threats. To perform this step, click on the menu next to the "Help" icon (characterized by a question mark), displayed at the top of the window, then click on the option Check the updates. If there are any new virus and malware definition updates, they will be downloaded and installed.
Step 5. Click on the Analyze menu
It is placed at the top of the window. A list of configuration options for the system scan will be displayed.
Step 6. Select the type of scan to perform
If you have noticed suspicious pop-ups, advertisements that appear randomly on your screen, or other abnormal behavior on your computer, choose the option Comprehensive analysis. Be aware that this type of system scan takes a long time to complete (often several hours). If not, you can opt for the option Fast analysis to search for common viruses and malware that can negatively impact internet connection performance.
- If you need to scan specific folders, choose the option Personalized analysis: select the directories to check and click on the button Start analysis.
- While the system is being scanned, you will be able to continue using your computer, but you will most likely find it much slower than normal.
Step 7. Delete detected viruses and malware
When the scan is complete, the list of results will be displayed. If a threat has been found, click on the corresponding item to select it, then click on the button Delete. Once you have eliminated all the viruses and malware that have been detected, you will need to restart your computer to complete the elimination process. If no threats were found, your computer is in perfect condition.
Part 2 of 4: Diagnosing and Resolving Network Connection Problems
Step 1. Restart the router and network modem
If the speed of the internet connection is lower than normal, the cause may not be related to the PC, but to an intense use of the network or to the router that needs a small reset. Restarting network devices (routers and modems) is often the simplest solution to common problems that can plague your internet connection. After connecting the modem and router from the mains, wait at least 10 seconds before starting them again.
Step 2. If you are using a Wi-Fi connection, move your computer closer to the wireless network access point
A weak signal is the most common cause of many of the problems that can affect your internet connection, including unsatisfactory web browsing speeds or an unstable network connection. Make sure the network router is not placed near devices that can interfere with the Wi-Fi signal, such as baby monitors, microwaves, some models of cordless phones, or other wireless routers. If there are any objects blocking the direct view of the network router, it is best to remove them if possible.
- If the Wi-Fi signal is weak even a few meters from the router, consider purchasing a Wi-Fi repeater or amplifier.
- If you're in trouble and need to quickly boost your Wi-Fi signal, try using an aluminum can. Cut it in half lengthwise, then place it behind the antenna of the Wi-Fi router with the open part facing the computer and other devices connected to the network. Aluminum acts as a reflective surface for radio waves, generating a more intense signal.
Step 3. Run a speed test on your internet connection
If downloads, streaming content and data uploads to the network are slower than normal, there is likely a problem on your ISP's network (acronym for "Internet Service Provider"). To check the download and upload speed of your internet connection, visit the Speedtest.net website using any browser and click the button Go.
- Compare the test results with the data of your internet connection declared by the ISP and for which you are paying the monthly subscription. If the values do not match and the difference is noticeable, call customer service to have your network connection checked.
- If you share your internet connection with other people, try not to browse the web when other users are playing online or watching streaming videos. Consider choosing another rate plan offered by your ISP or switching carriers if your current internet connection speed doesn't suit you.
Step 4. Disconnect other devices from the network
If other computers or other devices (for example Smart TVs or access devices to streaming platforms) besides your PC are currently connected on the same network, the web browsing speed may not be satisfactory. For example, if other family members are downloading videos or music while you are streaming a Netflix video, it is very likely that you will notice a decrease in the download speed of your connection.
Step 5. If you are using the Wi-Fi connection, try using a wired network connection via an Ethernet cable
For the best performance in terms of network connection speed when using a PC running Windows 7, consider adopting a wired connection instead of the wireless connection. Wired network connections via Ethernet cable have a lower latency time than Wi-Fi connections and are unaffected by interference from other devices using a radio signal.
Part 3 of 4: Optimize Bandwidth Usage of Your Network Connection
Step 1. Press the key combination ⊞ Win + R to open the "Run" dialog box
This method is intended to remove the bandwidth usage restrictions of the network connection in effect in Windows. In this scenario, the internet connection will be slower than normal, as part of the bandwidth has been reserved specifically for specific apps and programs.
Step 2. Type the command gpedit.msc into the "Open" field and press the Enter key
A new window will appear in which you will find a list of folders.
Step 3. Double-click the Administrative Templates option
It is listed in the left panel of the window that appeared, in the Computer Configuration section.
Step 4. Double-click the Network folder
It is listed under the "Administrative Templates" tab.
Step 5. Click on the QoS Packet Scheduler item in the "Network" folder
Step 6. Double-click the Restrict reservable bandwidth option
A new dialog will appear.
Step 7. Set the value displayed in the "Bandwidth Limit" text field to zero
Delete the value currently displayed in the indicated field and enter the number 0.
Step 8. Click the Apply button, then click the button OK.
They are both located at the bottom right of the screen.
Step 9. Restart your PC
Once the system has restarted, there will no longer be any limit to the amount of network connection bandwidth that Windows applications and programs can use.
Part 4 of 4: Optimizing Internet Browser Performance
Step 1. Empty the cache
If while browsing the web you have noticed unusual slowness of the browser, this could be due to a large amount of temporary files stored on your computer. Follow these instructions to clear your browser cache.
- Internet Explorer: access the "Start" menu, select the item Control Panel, click on the icon Network and Internet, click on the option Internet options, click on the button Delete displayed in the "Browsing history" section, select the "Temporary Internet files" checkbox and click the button Delete.
- Google Chrome: click on the button characterized by three dots and choose the item Other tools, click on the option Clear browsing data, select the item From the beginning from the "Time range" menu, select the "Cached images and files" check button, then click the button Clear data.
Step 2. Disable the use of extensions and plugins
If you have installed a large number of extensions and plugins within your browser, such as third-party toolbars or other add-ons, disabling their use can improve overall browser performance. The procedure to follow varies by browser.
- Internet Explorer: Click on the gear icon located in the upper right corner of the program window and select Manage add-ons. Select the item All add-ons listed on the "Show" tab to see the list of all installed items. To disable the use of a specific add-on, click on the corresponding name to select it, then click on the button Disable.
- Google Chrome: if an extension has its own icon visible in the upper right part of the Chrome window, right-click on it and select the option Remove from Chrome. Otherwise, click on the button to access the Chrome main menu characterized by three dots and choose the item Other tools, then click the option Extensions. Click on the button Remove next to the extension you want to remove, then click the button again Remove to confirm.
Step 3. Eliminate unnecessary toolbars
If you have downloaded from the web and installed a specific program on your computer, it is possible that during the installation procedure a "toolbar" (or toolbar) for the internet browser was also installed, which in addition to occupying free space on the disk can impact negatively on the normal functioning of the browser, decreasing its general performance. Some of these "toolbars" must be uninstalled directly from the Windows "Control Panel". If after disabling an extension, the corresponding "toolbar" is not removed, follow these steps:
- Click on the "Start" button and choose the item Control Panel;
- Click on the link Uninstall a program or icon Programs and features;
- Click on the name of the "toolbar" to be removed with the right mouse button and choose the option Uninstall;
- Follow the instructions that will appear on the screen to complete the uninstallation process - follow the same procedure to remove all the toolbars you want;
- If a specific "toolbar" was installed by a virus or malware, you may need to use the toolbar removal tool to uninstall the toolbar from your browser.
Step 4. Reset your browser to default settings
Most internet browsers include a function that is used to restore the program's default configuration. The reset procedure is intended to delete all custom settings and customizations created by the user. This step could be useful for restoring normal browser performance, in case the solutions offered above did not work.
- Internet Explorer: click on the gear icon located in the upper right corner of the program window and select the item Internet options. Click on the tab Advanced, then click the button Restore Defaults. Select the "Delete personal settings" checkbox, click the button Reset and follow the instructions that will appear on the screen.
- Google Chrome: click on the button to access the Chrome main menu characterized by three dots and choose the option Settings, then click the link Advanced located at the bottom of the page. Click on the button Restore the original default settings, then click the button Reset to confirm.
Step 5. Switch to Chrome
If you're not already using Google Chrome, give it a chance, as it has a reputation for being the fastest browser around for PCs running Windows 7. You can download the installation file from the following link: https://www.google.com / chrome.
Advice
- If you are using an outdated computer and experience continuous slowdowns during normal use of the device, even when you are not browsing the web, it is very likely that it is time to buy a new one. Fortunately, modern PCs running Windows 10 are much cheaper than they used to be, and Windows 10 comes with many tools and features that improve the performance of the entire system that will pay off for your choice.
- Windows 7 integrates numerous graphic effects that improve the overall appearance of the user interface, but which can slow down the normal functioning of the computer. To solve the problem, access the "Control Panel", type the performance information keywords in the search bar, click on the item Performance information and tools appeared in the list of results and finally click on the link Adjust visual effects. Access the card Visual effects, select the option Adjust for best performance, then click the button OK.
