To fix high download latency, you need to target the delay before your download starts, not the speed of the transfer itself. This delay is often caused by network congestion, background applications, slow DNS lookups, or outdated firmware and drivers.
What causes high download latency
Download latency is the time it takes for your device to establish a connection with the server and begin receiving data, distinct from the actual download speed once the transfer is underway. Common causes include network congestion from multiple devices using your connection, background apps and cloud syncs consuming bandwidth, delays in DNS resolution when your computer looks up a server's address, and outdated router firmware or network drivers that can slow down the initial handshake.
Close background applications and pause other downloads
Background processes like streaming services, cloud syncs, and automatic updates can consume significant bandwidth, increasing the time it takes for a new download to start. To identify and stop these, open Task Manager (press Ctrl + Shift + Esc), go to the "Processes" tab, and sort by network usage. Close any applications you don't need, and pause any other active downloads or updates running on your system.
Adjust Windows Delivery Optimization settings
Windows can use your network to share updates with other PCs, which may increase download latency. To limit this, go to Start > Settings > Windows Update > Advanced options > Delivery Optimization. Here, you can adjust the bandwidth used for downloads or disable peer-to-peer sharing entirely to free up network resources for your own download.
Clear your DNS cache
Your computer stores a cache of DNS lookups to speed up future connections, but outdated or corrupted entries can cause delays. To flush this cache on Windows, open Command Prompt and run ipconfig /flushdns. On macOS, open Terminal and run sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder. This forces your system to fetch fresh DNS records, reducing lookup delays before downloads begin.
Switch to faster DNS servers
Your ISP’s default DNS servers may be slow, adding time before a download can start. Changing to faster public options can reduce this resolution time. In your network adapter settings, change the DNS server addresses to Google Public DNS (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4) or Cloudflare DNS (1.1.1.1). This can significantly cut the delay before your download initiates.
Update your router firmware and network drivers
Outdated router firmware can cause performance issues and increase latency. Check your router manufacturer’s website for the latest firmware version and install it. Similarly, outdated network drivers on your computer can slow down the connection. Use Device Manager to locate your network adapter, right-click it, and select "Update driver" to search for the latest version.
Power cycle your modem and router
Network devices can develop temporary issues that cause latency. To power cycle correctly, unplug both your modem and router for 60 seconds. First, plug in the modem and wait for it to fully boot (all lights stabilize), then plug in the router. This clears the devices' memory and re-establishes a clean connection to your ISP.
Temporarily disable antivirus and firewall software
Security software can sometimes interfere with the initial connection setup for downloads, increasing latency. Temporarily turn off your antivirus and firewall to test if they are the cause. If your download latency improves, consider adjusting the software’s settings or switching to a different security suite. Remember to re-enable protection immediately after testing to keep your system safe.
Switch to a wired connection
Wi-Fi is prone to interference from other devices, physical obstacles, and signal degradation, all of which can increase connection setup latency. Using an Ethernet cable to connect your device directly to your router eliminates these issues, providing a more stable and faster connection for initiating downloads. This is especially useful if you want to make PlayStation download faster or make games download faster on PC, as wired connections offer lower latency for gaming consoles and PCs alike.
Test your latency and contact your ISP
After trying these steps, use an online ping test to measure your latency and see if it has improved. If you still experience high download latency across multiple devices and connection types (both wired and wireless), the problem may lie with your ISP's network routing or infrastructure. In this case, contact your ISP to report the issue and ask them to investigate. For gamers, you may also want to set up QoS for PlayStation on your specific router to prioritize gaming traffic, though this requires consulting your router's manual for the exact steps.
