Chrome Download Speed Slow? 13 Ways to Fix

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Google Chrome performs most downloads without major fuss. Of course, you probably won’t reach the maximum speed allowed by your internet connection, but everything should happen relatively quickly. But if there’s a specific download that’s taking ages to complete or you keep experiencing terribly slow speeds, you should take the time to look into it.

Work your way through the list of fixes and suggestions below, and you should be able to fix slow download speeds in Chrome.

1. Pause/Resume Download

If you notice an unusually slow download in Chrome, pausing and resuming a download can sometimes prompt the browser into downloading it faster.

To do that, pressCtrl+Jto get to Chrome’s Downloads screen. Then, selectPauseand wait for a few seconds before selectingResume. Alternatively, chooseCanceland thenRetryto re-download the file from scratch.

2. Check Download Speed

You should also check the download speed of your internet connection. You can use an online speed checking tool such asSpeedTest.netorTestMy.netfor that. If you notice an unusually low download speed,soft-reset your routerand see if that helps.

3. Pause Other Downloads

If you have any other applications that eat up large amounts of bandwidth, pausing them can help improve download speeds in Chrome.

You can use the Resource Monitor on your PC to figure out network-intensive apps and services. To bring it up, right-click the taskbar and selectTask Manager. Then, selectMore details, switch to thePerformancetab, and chooseResource Monitor. You should find a list of apps under theNetworktab.

If you have other devices connected to the same network, you should pause download activities in them as well.

4. Disable VPN (Virtual Private Network)

If youuse a VPN, you end up trading network performance for privacy. Even top-notch VPN service providers impact your internet speed. Try switching off your VPN and check if that makes Chrome perform downloads faster.

5. Update Chrome

It’s a good idea to check if Google Chrome is up-to-date. That should help fix any bugs or glitches preventing Chrome from working optimally.

The browser does install new updates on its own eventually, but you can open theChromemenu, point toHelp, and selectAbout Google Chrometo apply them even faster.

6. Disable Extensions

Chrome extensions can create conflicts that result in slow file downloads. Try disabling them. To do that, select theExtensionsicon to the top-right of the Chrome window and selectManage Extensions. Follow by turning off the switches next to each active extension.

If that helped improve the download speed, reactivate the extensions one by one until you figure out the one causing the issues.

7. Use a Wired Connection

If you’re using a Wi-Fi connection, try moving your PC closer to the router. That should help improve signal quality and increase download speeds.

Or, consider switching to a wired connection. That almost always results in faster downloads since Ethernet completely rules out issues caused by weak signals and wireless interference.

8. Flush DNS (Domain Name System) Cache

You should alsoflush the DNS cache. That could help Chrome re-identify the best servers to perform a download. You can do that using Windows PowerShell.

Start by right-clicking theStartmenu. Then, selectWindows PowerShell (Admin), type in the following command, and selectEnter:

Clear-DnsClientCache

If you prefer using the older Command Prompt console instead, run the following command instead:

ipconfig /flushdns

9. Change DNS Servers

Your internet service provider’s DNS service can prevent Chrome from locating the fastest servers while performing file downloads. Instead,switching to a popular DNS servicesuch as Google DNS, Cloudflare, or OpenDNS can help.

To do that, open theChromemenu and selectSettings. Then, selectPrivacy & Security>Security. Follow that by selecting the radio button next toWithand chooseGoogle (Public DNS),Cloudflare (1.1.1.1), orOpenDNSon the pull-down menu next to it.

10. Clear Chrome Cookies and Cache

Obsolete Chrome cookies and an outdated browser cache can also prevent Chrome from working as usual. To clear them out, start by opening theSettingspane in Chrome. Then, selectPrivacy & Security>Clear browsing dataand setTime rangetoAll time. Follow that by checking the box next toCookies and other site dataandCached images and files. Finally, selectClear data.

11. Check for Malware

Malicious extensions and browser hijackers are another reason that results in poor Chrome download speeds. You can confirm if that’s the case by scanning the browser installationusing its built-in malware scanner.

Start by selectingSettingson the Chrome menu. Then, selectAdvanced>Reset and clean up. Follow by selectingClean up computer>Find.

12. Reset Chrome

If download issues persist, try resetting Chrome. That reverts it to factory settings, but you won’t lose your bookmarks, history, or passwords.

To perform a settings reset, open theChromemenu, selectSettings, and go toAdvanced>Reset and clean up>Restore settings to their original defaults. Then, selectReset settings.

13. Reset Network Settings

If none of the fixes above helped, you might be dealing with an issue related to the network settings in the operating system. Hence, a network settings reset might help resolve that. To do that, go toStart>Settings>Network & Internet>Statusand selectNetwork reset>Reset now.

For complete step-by-step instructions, check out this post aboutresetting the network settings in Windows.

Chrome Downloading in High Speed Again

The tips above should’ve definitely helped you fix the download issues in Chrome. However, if the problem persists, try removing and re-installing the browser. Or, switch to another browser for the time being. There are loads oflightweight alternativesthat just might make a difference in download speeds.

Dilum Senevirathne is a freelance tech writer and blogger with three years of experience writing for online technology publications. He specializes in topics related to iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and Google web apps. When he isn’t hammering away at his Magic Keyboard, you can catch him binge-watching productivity hacks on YouTube.Read Dilum’s Full Bio

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Chrome Download Speed Slow? 13 Ways to Fix#

1. Pause/Resume Download#

2. Check Download Speed#

3. Pause Other Downloads#

4. Disable VPN (Virtual Private Network)#

5. Update Chrome#

6. Disable Extensions#

7. Use a Wired Connection#

8. Flush DNS (Domain Name System) Cache#

9. Change DNS Servers#

10. Clear Chrome Cookies and Cache#

11. Check for Malware#

12. Reset Chrome#

13. Reset Network Settings#

Chrome Downloading in High Speed Again#

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