Slow Internet at the Office — What to Check

Slow internet can kill productivity. Here's a systematic approach to diagnosing and fixing it. Step 1: Run a speed test Go to speedtest.net or fast.com and run a test. Note your download and upload speeds. Compare to what you're paying for from your ISP. Step 2: Check if it's one device or all devices - If only one computer is slow: the problem is with that device (see Step 6) - If all devices are slow: the problem is with your network or ISP Step 3: Check for bandwidth hogs Heavy downloads, video streaming, cloud backups, or large file syncs can saturate your connection. Ask staff to pause any large downloads temporarily. Cloud backup tools (like Carbonite or Backblaze) often run automatically and can consume a lot of bandwidth. Step 4: Restart the router and modem Unplug both devices for 30 seconds, then plug the modem in first and the router second. Allow a couple of minutes to reconnect. Step 5: Check Wi-Fi signal strength If you're on Wi-Fi, check the signal bars. Weak signal leads to slow speeds. Move closer to the router or access point, or contact us about adding a wireless access point to cover dead zones. Step 6: Check the individual computer On a slow device, open Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc) > Performance > Ethernet or Wi-Fi. Look for unusual activity. Check if large uploads or downloads are running in the background. Step 7: Check for malware Malware can consume bandwidth covertly. Run a full antivirus scan. Step 8: Consider your plan If your business has grown and you're using more cloud apps and video calls than before, you may simply need a faster internet plan. Call us and we can review your options.