Internet Slow Or Not Loading Pages

Overview

Slow internet or pages that refuse to load can be caused by network congestion,
router issues, DNS problems, browser settings, or temporary outages. This guide
walks through the most common causes and how to fix them.

Common symptoms

  • Websites load slowly or time out
  • Only some websites fail to load
  • Streaming buffers or drops quality
  • Downloads are unusually slow
  • Speed test results are lower than expected

Possible causes

  • Weak Wi‑Fi signal
  • Router or modem issues
  • ISP congestion or outages
  • DNS server problems
  • Browser cache issues
  • Background apps using bandwidth

Step 1 – Restart your router and modem

  1. Unplug the router and modem from power.
  2. Wait 30 seconds.
  3. Plug the modem back in and wait for it to fully start.
  4. Plug the router back in and wait for it to fully start.

Step 2 – Check your Wi‑Fi signal strength

  1. Move closer to the router.
  2. Remove obstacles like walls or metal objects.
  3. Try switching to the 5 GHz band if available.

Step 3 – Test your internet speed

Use a speed test website to compare your actual speed with your plan. If the
results are much lower, the issue may be with your ISP or router.

Step 4 – Clear your browser cache

  1. Open your browser settings.
  2. Find Clear browsing data.
  3. Clear cached images and files.

Step 5 – Disable browser extensions

Extensions can slow down or block websites. Temporarily disable them to test.

Step 6 – Try another browser

If pages load normally in another browser, the issue is browser‑specific.

Step 7 – Check for background bandwidth usage

  • Cloud backups
  • Windows updates
  • Streaming apps
  • Large downloads

Step 8 – Change your DNS server

  1. Open Settings > Network & Internet.
  2. Select your connection and choose Edit DNS.
  3. Switch to Manual and enter:

    Preferred: 8.8.8.8

    Alternate: 8.8.4.4

Step 9 – Check for ISP outages

If multiple devices are slow, your provider may be experiencing issues.

Step 10 – Reset network settings

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Go to Network & Internet.
  3. Select Advanced network settings.
  4. Choose Network reset.

When to contact your ISP

  • Your speed is consistently below your plan
  • Multiple devices are affected
  • There are frequent outages in your area
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