This article shows you how to optimize the operation of uTorrent to increase download speed and system security when using a Windows computer. If you are using uTorrent for Mac, the program will be already configured and optimized keeping the default settings. If necessary, you can restore the default configuration of uTorrent by uninstalling it from your computer and reinstalling it.
Steps
Part 1 of 8: Using Torrents Optimally
Step 1. Download and install uTorrent
If you haven't already installed the uTorrent client on your computer, make sure you do it now before continuing to read the article.
- The configuration of uTorrent on Mac is very simple, in fact you just need to download and install the program using the default configuration settings. If you need to restore the program to its default configuration, simply uninstall and reinstall it.
- Installing uTorrent using the default settings configuration will make subsequent optimization slightly faster and easier.
Step 2. Download torrent files only from safe and trusted sources
Make sure you search and download the torrents you want using only websites that adopt the HTTPS security protocol, ie that have the prefix "https:" in the URL. Most internet browsers will promptly notify you when you are about to access an insecure website, but in any case it is always good to check for the presence of the "https" prefix before using a link.
Step 3. Read the comments and reviews related to the file under review
Even if the website you are using is safe and reliable, it may publish files infected with viruses or malware on it. Before proceeding to download the torrent you have identified, always read the comments and opinions of users who have already downloaded it to be sure that it is the correct file.
You can also check the rating of the file to make sure the comments are truthful. If the torrent under review has received a positive rating or review, that means it should be safe
Step 4. Make sure that the file you want to download has more "seeds" than the "leechs"
In this scenario, the content you want to download is shared by multiple people, resulting in a faster download speed and a guarantee that you will be able to download it completely.
Step 5. Download the content during the hours when there is less traffic on the web
Try to use uTorrent during the night or early in the morning, to avoid running into connection problems due to internet congestion during peak hours.
Step 6. Use a wired network connection whenever possible
If the computer you are using has an Ethernet port, use it to directly connect the system to the router / modem that manages the network. In this way the connection will be more stable and powerful, managing to guarantee a higher download speed and at the same time increasing data security.
Modern laptops manufactured by Apple are not equipped with an RJ-45 network port
Step 7. Download one torrent file at a time
Unless you absolutely need to perform multiple downloads at the same time, try to download only one file at a time. This way you will be able to maximize the data transfer speed and reduce the time it takes for the download to complete.
Part 2 of 8: Configure the General Settings
Step 1. Start uTorrent
Double-click the icon of the uTorrent program characterized by a white "µ" on a light green background.
Step 2. Enter the Options menu
It is located in the upper left of the program window. A drop-down menu will appear.
Step 3. Choose the Settings item
It is located at the top of the menu Options.
Step 4. Select the interface language
Click the "Language" drop-down menu, then choose uTorrent's default language.
Step 5. Decide whether to open uTorrent when your computer starts
If you do not want the program to start automatically at system startup, uncheck the "Start µTorrent when Windows starts" check button.
Step 6. Make sure uTorrent updates are installed automatically
Select the "Check for updates automatically" checkbox, if it is not already checked.
You can also choose to select the "Warn before installing updates" checkbox to make sure the program is not updated during a major download or at an inappropriate time
Step 7. Avoid sharing uTorrent information
Uncheck the "Send detailed information when you enable updates" checkbox. This will prevent the program from sharing personal information and details about your uTorrent usage habits.
Part 3 of 8: Configure the Download Save Folders
Step 1. Go to the Folders tab of uTorrent settings
It is located on the left of the "Settings" window.
Step 2. Select the "Move full downloads to" checkbox
It is located at the top of the "Folders" tab.
Step 3. Press the… button
It is located to the right of the text field below the "Move full downloads to" checkbox.
Step 4. Select a folder
Choose the directory (for example the folder Desktop) that you want to use as a place to keep all the files you download via uTorrent.
Step 5. Press the Select Folder button
It is located in the lower right corner of the dialog box. The chosen folder will be set as the directory to move the files downloaded from uTorrent to when the download is complete.
Step 6. Repeat the previous step for all other folders on the "Folders" tab
Proceed by selecting the check button for the option you want to activate, then press the button … and choose a folder. Here is the list of available options:
- Put the new downloads in;
- Store.torrent files in;
- Move.torrents for completed downloads to;
- Automatically upload torrents from.
Part 4 of 8: Configure the Connection Settings
Step 1. Go to the Connection tab of uTorrent settings
It is located on the left of the "Settings" window.
Step 2. Change the incoming connection port by entering the number 45682 in the "Port used for incoming connections" text field
The latter is located in the upper right corner of the "Connection" tab.
Step 3. Enable automatic mapping of communication ports
If they aren't already, select both of the following check buttons:
- Enable UPnP Port Mapping;
- Enable NAT-PMP port mapping.
Step 4. Authorize uTorrent communications within the Windows Firewall
Select the "Add Windows Firewall exception" checkbox if it is not already selected.
Part 5 of 8: Configure the Band Settings
Step 1. Go to the Bandwidth tab of uTorrent settings
It is located on the left of the "Settings" window.
Step 2. Increase the maximum number of connections allowed
Enter the value 500 in the text field named "Maximum number of global connections:".
Step 3. Increase the maximum number of connections for a single torrent
Type the value 500 into the text field called "Maximum number of connected peers per torrent".
Step 4. Select the "Apply limit on UTP connections" checkbox
It is located within the "Global Assessment Limit Options" box of the "Bandwidth" tab.
Step 5. Select the checkbox "Use additional upload slots if the upload speed is less than 90%"
It is the last item in the "Band" tab.
Part 6 of 8: Configure BitTorrent Settings
Step 1. Go to the BitTorrent tab of uTorrent settings
It is located on the left of the "Settings" window.
Step 2. Disable some features that limit the normal functioning of uTorrent
Uncheck both of the following "Local Peer Bandwidth Limit" and "Enable Altruistic Mode" check buttons.
Step 3. Select all other items on the current tab
If all the other check buttons in the "BitTorrent" section are already selected, you can skip this step.
Step 4. Access the "Outgoing: drop-down menu:
". It is located within the" Protocol Encryption "section. A small drop-down menu will appear.
Step 5. Choose the Forced option
This will force the program to encrypt the data of all communications resulting in a considerable increase in security.
Part 7 of 8: Configuring the Queue Settings
Step 1. Go to the Queue tab of uTorrent settings
It is located on the left of the "Settings" window.
Step 2. Check the maximum number of torrents active simultaneously
Within the text field called "Maximum number of active torrents (upload or download)" the value "8" should be visible. Conversely, if there is a different number, delete it and type 8.
Step 3. Decrease the maximum number of simultaneous active downloads
By default the value of the "Maximum number of active downloads" field is "5". To optimize the operation of uTorrent, delete the indicated value and replace it with the number 1.
Step 4. Check the value of the "Maximum Ratio (%)" field
If it has the number "200", the configuration of this section is complete, otherwise enter the value 200.
Part 8 of 8: Configure the Disk Cache Settings
Step 1. Click the + icon located on the left of the card Advanced.
It should be the last entry on the left of the "Settings" window. You will see a number of new options appear.
Step 2. Choose the Disk Cache item
It is placed inside the section Advanced.
Step 3. Uncheck the "Increase cache size when needed" checkbox
It is located at the bottom of the "Disk Cache" tab.
Step 4. Select all other items on the current tab
If all the other check buttons in the "Disk Cache" section are already selected, you can skip this step.
Step 5. Change the cache size
Inside the text field named "Overwrite automatic cache size and specify it manually (MB):" type the value 1800.
Step 6. Press the Apply buttons successively And OK.
They are both located in the lower right part of the window. This way all changes made to uTorrent settings will be saved and applied. At this point you should be able to download torrent files at the optimal speed and with the correct security level.
