Microsoft Edge Slow Download? Here’s how to fix it

Slow downloads on Microsoft Edge can be a real buzzkill, especially when you’re eagerly waiting for that important file or the latest episode of your favorite show. But don’t worry! We’ve got your back. This guide dives into the best solutions to fix slow download speeds on Microsoft Edge.

How to Increase Microsoft Edge’s Slow Download Speed

Below, you can find step-by-step instructions on fixing slow Microsoft Edge download speeds and even increasing it.

1. Check Your Internet Connection

Before diving into browser-specific tweaks, ensuring the basis is solid is important. Your internet connection is that basis.

• Test your internet speed: Head over to a reliable speed test website. If your connection isn’t delivering the speeds you’re paying for, it might be time to have a chat with your ISP.
• Device Check: Try downloading something on another device. If the issue persists across devices, it’s likely an internet issue.

Remember, even the best browser can’t make up for a shaky internet connection. Ensuring you have a stable connection is the first step to resolving slow downloads.

2. Close Unused Tabs While Downloading

We all love multitasking, but sometimes, having too many tabs open can be counterproductive, especially when you’re trying to download something on Microsoft Edge.

• Resource Hog: Each tab consumes resources. If you’ve got a ton of tabs open, they could be eating into the bandwidth that your download needs.
• Tab Management: Consider closing tabs you’re not actively using. If you’re worried about losing a page, you can always bookmark it for later.
• Microsoft Edge’s Task Manager: It’s a handy tool to see which tabs or extensions are using the most resources. To access it, go to Menu > More > Task Manager and close the ones that are consuming your download bandwidth.

You might just see those speeds pick up by giving your active download more breathing room.

3. Opt for a Wired Connection

While the freedom of Wi-Fi is undeniable, a wired connection often takes the crown when it comes to consistent high download speeds.

• Wi-Fi Woes: Wi-Fi signals can be fickle. Walls, other devices, or even distance from the router can cause fluctuations in speed.
• The Wired Advantage: Plugging directly into your router with an Ethernet cable can provide a more stable and often faster connection. This is especially true for big downloads.
• Making the Switch: If you’re on a desktop, consider routing an Ethernet cable. For laptop users, if you’re downloading a large file, plugging it in temporarily can make a difference.

4. Adjust Download Settings in Microsoft Edge

Microsoft Edge offers a range of settings that can influence your download speeds. Let’s ensure they’re optimized for the best performance.

• Download Location: Ensure the folder you’re downloading to isn’t full or on a slow-performing drive. Sometimes, switching to a faster drive can improve download speeds.
• Parallel Downloads: Some browsers, including Microsoft Edge, allow for parallel downloading, where multiple parts of a file are downloaded simultaneously. Check if this feature is enabled for a potential speed boost.

5. Update Network Adapter Driver

Your network adapter is the bridge between your PC and the internet. Keeping its driver updated ensures a smooth connection and can potentially boost your download speeds on Microsoft Edge.

• Why Update? Outdated drivers might not be optimized for the latest network protocols or might have minor bugs. An update can address these issues.
• The Update Process:
  • Open ‘Device Manager‘ on your PC.
  • Locate ‘Network Adapters‘ and expand the list.
  • Right-click on your network adapter and select ‘Update driver‘.
  • Follow the on-screen instructions, opting to search automatically for updated driver software.

6. Modify DNS Settings

The Domain Name System (DNS) is like the phonebook of the internet. Sometimes, switching to a faster DNS can lead to quicker download speeds.

• Why Change DNS? Your default DNS, usually provided by your ISP, might not always be the fastest. Alternative DNS servers, like Google DNS or Cloudflare, can sometimes offer better performance.
• Switching to a New DNS:
  • Open ‘Control Panel’ and navigate to ‘Network and Sharing Center‘.
  • Click on your connection, then click ‘Properties’.
  • Select ‘Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)‘ and click ‘Properties‘.
  • Choose ‘Use the following DNS server addresses‘ and enter the addresses of your preferred DNS.
  • For Google DNS, you can use 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4.

After making the change, restart your computer and see if Microsoft Edge’s download speed improves.

7. Disable VPN and Other Network Tools

While VPNs and certain network tools can be great for privacy and security, they might be slowing down your Microsoft Edge downloads.

• VPN Impact: VPNs route your traffic through different servers, which can sometimes reduce download speeds. If you’re using a VPN, try disabling it temporarily to see if it makes a difference.
• Network Tools: Some network monitoring or optimization tools can interfere with Microsoft Edge’s ability to download efficiently. Consider pausing or disabling these tools while downloading.
• Check for Improvements: Once you’ve made these changes, restart Microsoft Edge and see if your download speeds have improved. If they have, you might want to consider adjusting your VPN settings or finding alternative network tools that don’t impact performance.

If you absolutely need to be connected to a VPN, then make sure to use one that has the highest-speed servers. NordVPN is your best bet.

8. Clear Download Cache

Like a closet needing occasional decluttering, Microsoft Edge’s cache can accumulate data over time. Clearing it out can sometimes lead to improved download speeds.

• Why Clear the Cache? Over time, cache data can become outdated or even corrupted. This can slow down various browser functions, including downloads.
• Steps to Clear Cache in Microsoft Edge:
  • Click on the three horizontal lines (menu icon) in the top right corner of Microsoft Edge.
  • Navigate to ‘Options‘ or ‘Preferences‘.
  • Go to the ‘Privacy & Security‘ tab on the left.
  • Scroll down to ‘Cookies and Site Data‘ and click on ‘Clear Data‘.
  • Ensure ‘Cached Web Content‘ is checked and then click ‘Clear‘.

Once you’ve cleared the cache, restart Microsoft Edge and see if your downloads are moving faster.

9. Disable Firewalls and Antivirus Software

While these tools are essential for your computer’s security, they can sometimes interfere with Steam’s download speed.

• Potential Interference: Some security software might mistakenly flag Microsoft Edge downloads as suspicious, slowing down or even stopping the process.
• Temporary Disabling:
  • Locate your antivirus or firewall software on your system tray or within your applications.
  • Opt to disable it temporarily. (Make sure to re-enable it once your downloads are complete!)
  • Restart Microsoft Edge and check if the download speeds have improved.
• Whitelisting: If you notice a consistent improvement with the security software disabled, consider adding Steam to the software’s whitelist or exceptions list. This way, you can keep your protection active without slowing download speeds.

10. Close Other Applications Running in Parallel

Your computer’s resources are shared among all running applications. If other apps are hogging bandwidth, it can impact Microsoft Edge’s download speeds.

• Resource Management: Be mindful of other applications, especially those that use the internet, like streaming services, other browsers, or large file downloads.
• Using Task Manager:
  • On Windows, press Ctrl + Shift + Esc or Ctrl + Alt + Del and select ‘Task Manager‘.
  • Look for applications that are using a significant amount of network resources and consider closing them temporarily.

By ensuring Microsoft Edge has all the resources it needs, you can potentially boost your download speeds and overall browsing experience.

11. Flush DNS Cache

The DNS cache stores IP addresses of websites you’ve visited, helping to speed up subsequent visits. However, if this cache becomes outdated or corrupted, it can slow down your browsing and download speeds.

• Understanding DNS Cache: Think of it as a phonebook. Instead of looking up a website’s IP address every time, your computer checks the DNS cache first. But sometimes, this “phonebook” needs a refresh.
• How to Flush DNS Cache on Windows:
  • Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.
  • Type in cmd and press Enter to open the Command Prompt.
  • In the Command Prompt, type ipconfig /flushdns and press Enter.
  • You should see a message saying, “Successfully flushed the DNS Resolver Cache.”

After flushing the DNS cache, restart Microsoft Edge and check if your download speeds have improved.

12. Disable Extensions

Extensions can enhance your browsing experience by adding extra functionality to Microsoft Edge. However, some might interfere with downloads or slow down the browser.

• Identifying Problematic Extensions: It might be the issue if you’ve recently added a new extension and noticed a drop in download speeds. Or if you have a lot of Microsoft Edge extensions installed, they could interfere with each other.
• How to Disable Extensions in Microsoft Edge:
  • Click on the three horizontal lines (menu icon) in the top right corner of Microsoft Edge.
  • Select ‘Add-ons‘ or ‘Extensions‘.
  • Here, you’ll see a list of all your installed extensions. Click ‘Disable‘ next to any you suspect might be causing issues.
  • Restart Microsoft Edge and test your download speeds.

If you identify a particular extension causing the slowdown, consider looking for an alternative or checking if there’s an update available that resolves the issue.

13. Reinstall Microsoft Edge

Sometimes, the most effective solution is to start from scratch. If you’ve tried numerous fixes and still aren’t seeing improvements, a fresh installation of Microsoft Edge might be the answer to your slow download issues.

• Backup First: Before uninstalling, make sure to backup your bookmarks, extensions, and any other important data to avoid losing them.
• Uninstalling Microsoft Edge:
  • Navigate to your computer’s ‘Apps & Features‘.
  • Locate Microsoft Edge in the list, select it, and click ‘Uninstall‘.
• Fresh Start:
  • Visit the official Microsoft Edge website to download the latest version.
  • Install Microsoft Edge and log in with your credentials, if needed.
• Restoring Data: Once reinstalled, you can restore your bookmarks, extensions, and other data.