11 Easy Fixes: Slow Upload Speed

Slow upload speeds may be incredibly annoying, whether attempting to upload files to Google Drive or posting something on your social networks.

Even though most of us are more focused on our data speeds, upload connection speeds are still significant. 

slow upload speed

It performs a vital role in how quickly you communicate data over the internet to other users. It’s more essential than before to keep a respectable upload speed, considering how many of us must make regular Zoom calls.

However, recognizing and knowing how to remedy the problem are two separate concepts.

What can be the root of upload speeds that are too slow, and more significantly, how can you improve them? Now let’s quickly review the issues and potential fixes that exist.

Why is my upload speed so slow?

Your internet service provider is frequently to blame for your poor upload speeds, so this is where you should look first to try and figure out what’s wrong. Nevertheless, it might also be brought on by your router or the program you’re using, among other factors.

It may also depend on how many devices you have connected to the internet at home. As more and more people are doing work from home these days, there may be more rivalry for bandwidth on your home server.

Why is my upload speed so slow?

However, these aren’t the sole causes of sluggish upload speeds. A few reasons might slow down your upload speeds, but a simple fix will also be available in most situations.

While certain factors can affect your upload and download speeds, others are more directly related to your upload speed. Let’s examine the most typical problems and their solutions now.

Why do you Need a Good Upload Speed?

According to what the name implies, upload speeds decide how long it takes a reply to get from the customer (you) to the server-side (the backend, such as hosting on a social platform or posting content).

Why do you Need a Good Upload Speed?

Therefore, any documents or data you upload must have a fast upload rate.

For example, faster upload rates mean people can see and hear you well when you work from home and hang on Teams or Webex sessions. Also, your system can quickly upload files from the main folder to a remote server.

A speedy upload prevents you from wasting hours watching the progress bar only to have it fail in the end.

The same holds for students aiming to pass an online course or gamers trying to grow their Twitch communities.

Moreover, for a seamless web browsing experience, we require a respectable upload speed. To improve it, we should try.

Causes of a Slow Upload Speed

The most probable reasons for a slow upload speed are listed below, along with solutions.

A low upload speed can be caused by a variety of factors and can render video calling nearly impossible.

1. Your Router Itself

Your router itself can also be the source of sluggish upload speeds. It is especially true if your router is more than a few years old because routers ultimately become obsolete.

Older wifi routers might only be capable of using a certain speed, and they might be inefficacious to handle as many devices as new routers can.

Router

In some circumstances, getting a mesh wi-fi network might be worthwhile if you have a two- or three-story home because it can enhance your overall wi-fi range. Therefore, your router can be the root of the problem.

2. Your Router’s Firmware & Drivers

Your house wi-fi Router’s Firmware is a significant component that can impact your upload speeds.

Your router’s firmware is another name for its software, which functions as the phone’s operating system. Yet, in your router instance, firmware is intended to be speedier than software.

 Router's Firmware & Drivers

As with all devices, your router may experience flaws and vulnerabilities over time. Even though it’s not required, changing your router’s firmware may help if you’re having problems with slow internet speeds.

Your router’s hardware is propelled by its driver, which is precisely what the name implies.

As changes are made to the os, it’s connecting to, and you’ll presumably get upgrades for your driver over time. Therefore, it’s essential to keep this maintained.

3. Malware/Viruses

The likelihood of a virus or other malware slowing down your router is still possible, even though this is highly improbable.

Even though it’s unlikely that your router will get a virus, your laptop can have malware.

Look for malware.

Launching additional apps in the background is typical for viruses to slow down your computer. It can consume some of your internet time and cause upload rates to be slower, mainly because other programs are using RAM on your laptop.

4. Too Many Devices Connected

The number of devices you have hooked up to the same wi-fi connection may also impact your upload speeds, regardless of the initial abilities of your internet. Also significant is the number of active devices simultaneously downloading and uploading material.

Too Many Devices Connected to the same router

You can install many apps that will display all connected devices if you want to know who is using your wi-fi. They’re straightforward to use, and they can show you whose child is taking all of your internets by leaving their Playstation on.

5. Check Your Devices Firewall

The firewall or antivirus program on your device may not have occurred as a potential factor in the slow download or upload rates.

It may slow down your smartphone or laptop’s transmission speeds because it is probably analyzing the files as they are transferred, which slows down the process. 

If you’re not using the firewall that came with your computer or device and instead are using your own, this is more likely to occur.

How do upload speeds affect you?

When considering network performance, we frequently think of download speeds. Installing files on the internet or watching streaming videos is the only factor that matters.

Even though that portion might be accurate, upload speeds have many more benefits than most people realize.

How do upload speeds affect you?

1. Video Conferencing: Most of us have had unpleasant video calls with friends and coworkers when their feed breaks out, and you miss what they’re saying. Examples of these are Zoom and Skype.

It frequently results from slow upload speeds. Your video and audio stream is expected of low quality if your transfer rate is subpar.

 Video Conferencing

2. Video Games: Every action you make while gaming must be uploaded. So, a full upload speed is needed for each ball kick in FIFA and each weapon fired in Call of Duty. 

Video Games

However, you can encounter “lag,” which can be very annoying, as most people know.

3. Posting files: More documents are shared globally today than ever. Upload speeds are crucial if you use iCloud, Google Drive, or WeTransfer.

You didn’t run away with having slow upload rates now that many of these programs are integrated into your laptop’s operating system.

Posting files

4. Distributing content on social media: As images and movies improve, their file sizes also grow. This implies that, but if you have high upload speeds, they take more time to upload.

In the worst situation, your upload speed could be so slow that it causes the platform to time out and prevents you from uploading.

Distributing content on social media.

Therefore, upload rates are significant! They are much more important than you may realize.

How to fix my router speed?

  1. Factory Reset Your Router
  2. Stop bandwidth-hogging programs
  3. Check Your Router’s Firmware
  4. Use a Fast VPN, or best get rid of it
  5. Change your DNS settings
  6. Update drivers on your router
  7. Clear any temporary files
  8. Disable VPN Services
  9. Disconnect unnecessary devices
  10. Update your internet plan
  11. Use a wired connection

1. Factory Reset Your Router

Nevertheless, you can try restarting your present router to factory settings to improve its efficiency before you pay for a brand-new high-end router.

I’d advise you to start by switching the router off and waiting a while. Allow it to cool and switch back on after clearing the flash memory.

Perform speed tests to check for any improvements. If not, you can reset the router to its factory default settings.

  • On your modem, locate the Reset key. It’s typically on the rear plate.
On your modem, locate the Reset key. It's typically on the rear plate.
  • Hold the wi-fi button for ten to fifteen seconds to reset the wi-fi. It can require a pin or paperclip.
  • The wi-fi will Reset and restart.

Your customized network settings, such as the credentials, will be lost if you return to the factory defaults.

Nevertheless, you can modify the router once again to suit your needs.

2. Stop bandwidth-hogging programs

Internet bandwidth is needed for some processes like loading web pages, streaming videos or using programs. Additionally, your download speed will be poor if your machine updates its drivers or Windows.

You should set your laptop to inform you before installing updates because background software or service upgrades use Internet bandwidth.

It is advisable to shut down your laptop’s bandwidth-hogging applications before downloading any video, film, game, or program.

It enables you to experience faster and higher upload and download speeds by stopping some other programs or services from consuming your internet.

Here’s how to stop programs that use a lot of bandwidth:

  • By tapping the Windows key, launch the Start window. Enter Resource monitor into the box that appears, and afterward press the Enter button.
Resource monitor
  • The Resource Monitor box will appear. Select the Network option. Verify the Total (B/sec) parameter next.
The Resource Monitor box will appear. Select the Network option.
  • Choose the End Process choice from the function list by performing a right-click on the programs that use the most bandwidth.
  • When the show-up checkbox appears, hit End Process to finish.

3. Check Your Router’s Firmware

It’s essential to check the firmware of your wi-fi if you want to increase upload speed. To maintain the security features fully updated, you should upgrade the firmware on your modem and router.

You risk missing out on the latest security updates if you don’t utilize the newest firmware.

4. Use a Fast VPN, or best get rid of it

A good VPN can get around the Internet Service Provider (ISP) to minimize speed loss and get around constraints. It enables you to safeguard your privacy and prevent video lagging problems.

Use a Fast VPN, or best get rid of it.

VPN, however, can cause your connection to lag. If a VPN is required, customers must pick a quick one.

The VPN is also usable for corporate purposes. Use a third-party VPN to increase upload speed if you don’t already have one.

5. Change your DNS settings

You may improve upload speed and security with Google Public DNS. To determine if the uploading speed improves and can fix your lagging online streaming problem, you can switch your PC’s Domain Name System or DNS server to the Google Public DNS addresses.

Modify your PC’s DNS server by following these steps:

  • To bring up the Run window, press Windows + R simultaneously.
  • Once you’ve entered “control,” the Control Panel will launch.
Press Windows + R and enter control panel.
  • You must choose View network status and tasks from the Network and Internet menu.
 choose View network status and tasks from the Network and Internet menu.
  • Hit Change adapter settings in the Network and Internet screen’s tab.
Hit Change adapter settings in the Network and Internet screen's tab.
  • To access the Properties menu, perform right-click on the active network.
 access the Properties menu, perform right-click on the active network.
  • Internet Protocol Version 4’s attributes can be viewed by clicking on the icon. 
internet Protocol Version 4's attributes can be viewed by clicking on the icon.

(The options to choose here are to use the following DNS server addresses and Obtain an IP address automatically.

The Google Public DNS address, 8.8.8.8, must be entered as the preferred DNS server. The Google Public DNS address, 8.8.4.4, must be entered as the alternate DNS server.)

  • To save the modifications, click Ok next.
To save the modifications, click Ok next.
  • Check the upload speed after restarting your computer.

6. Update drivers on your router

Many people neglect to consider their networking drivers. However, if any of these are out of the current, they can substantially impair internet speed.

To discover if an upgrade is at hand, try searching online for “[YOUR DEVICE] driver update.” If so, it won’t take long.

You can also upgrade your network drivers by going to the admin section of your router. Whatever method you choose, it might help you get back on track!

7. Clear any temporary files

Your cookies, caches, and site history may cause a delay. See what transpires if you try deleting them.

Every browser has a different method for doing this. However, it may be accomplished most of the time by selecting “Clear History.” Both desktop and mobile devices share the same characteristics.

Clear Chrome history.

Your internet speed won’t necessarily increase as a result of this. However, it can be helpful if you’re using your browser to upload something to the internet.

8. Disable VPN Services

A flawless web surfing experience is provided by quick VPN services, which occasionally even increase speeds.

They are also great for minimizing limitations, boosting privacy, and preventing video buffering.

Unfortunately, not every VPN service offers top-notch performance. You can deactivate or uninstall your VPN service, then check the upload speeds to see if they have improved.

To disable VPN, Follow the steps:

  • Go to Settings (shortcut to access settings is windows + I).
Go to settings (shortcut to access settings is windows + I).
  • Look for Network & Internet.
Look for Network & Internet.
  • Then, hit the VPN and toggle it off.
hit the VPN and toggle it off.

9. Disconnect unnecessary devices

Your internet speed may come to terms if your smartphone, gaming console, or other PC is hooked to the same internet connection. A gadget can slow down your uploads on some other device even if the person is not using it.

Disconnect unnecessary devices

The motive for this is that gadgets frequently run background programs. It may be caused by upgrades, photo library synchronization, and background app reloading. Due to this reason, we suggest you disconnect gadgets that are not in use from the devices from the network.

10. Update your internet plan

It is advisable to examine your needs and pick a plan that suits them and your budget. Six hundred kbps wouldn’t be a breakneck speed if you were interested. Whatever your purpose, you need a quicker plan.

For example, you can experience issues if your home network has a 30Mbps bandwidth cap, so you use a Chromecast, desktop, laptop, cellphone, and other digital phones.

Update your internet plan

Change your plan to one with a higher speed (over 100Mbps to 1Gbps) and a more extensive data allotment.

With an improved internet package, additional devices can share the same bandwidth without noticeably slowing down the upload performance.

11. Use a wired connection

Although wi-fi is practical, this wireless connection is weaker than an RJ-45 connection.

Try attaching the device via ethernet cable if the uploading speeds on your wireless network seem less than ideal. Your performance could improve by more than 100%.

But, its extent is restricted by the use of Ethernet wires. For smartphones and tablets, there is no option to convert to wired connections.

Use a wired connection

Therefore, if you have dual-band wi-fi, you might think about changing to the 5GHz channel rather than the 2.4GHz one.

Due to increased bandwidth and less traffic, the range is decreased, but the transmission speeds are increased.

What does an average Upload Speed look like

1. Find out the average in your area because different broadband providers in the same region can have varied upload speeds.

However, by conducting a fast Google search for the median in your city, you may determine whether you need an update or not.

2. Find out the very minimum; your upload speed requirements depend on what you’re attempting to accomplish. Generally speaking, you shouldn’t require much more than 5 Mbps. 

However, you may need a bit more if you’re doing multiple activities online at once.

3. Speak with your broadband provider; they will be able to tell you what upload speed you should be getting.

Occasionally, they may slightly exceed it to increase sales. However, by questioning them, you’ll be able to determine if you’re on the right track.

Final Thoughts

You may see the current state of your upload speed by performing an Internet speed test in your preferred web browser.

Having a benchmark in mind makes it easier to diagnose and preventatively fix internet issues. Although they often lag behind download rates, upload speeds can consistently be increased.

For nearly lossless transfers, you can also consider employing optical fiber, like Google Fiber.

If all of your alternatives have been tried without any performance improvement, your Internet Service Provider might be to blame.

It is therefore essential to locate another company that offers special programs at reasonable costs.

FAQs

How To Fix Slow Upload Speed?

Reset the router and check that the firmware is up to date to address a slow upload speed issue. You should disable all proxy (VPN) settings and run a virus check on your computer. It will help if you consider upgrading your router or internet subscription for more speed and multi-device functionality.

What Is A Good Upload Speed?

Transfer speeds of 5Mbps or above are typically regarded as “excellent” when utilizing a cable connection on a single machine because they will support the majority of tasks that require loading data, such as video chats in HD quality and virtual gaming.

Why My Upload Speed Is So Slow?

Slow upload rates are typically significantly caused by your internet package compared to your download speeds. Except for fiber internet access, most internet provider plans typically offer maximum upload speeds that are a tenth or less of their promised download rates.

Can Slow Upload Speed Cause Lag?

The amount of time it takes for data to be transmitted from your end to the server is increased by low upload speed. Due to the large ping, this implies that you will face lag (latency).