- 1). Fully upgrade Windows Vista using Windows update. If Windows is out of date, it can pose security risks and may cause suboptimal performance. Update Windows by clicking "Start," "All Programs" and then "Windows Update."
- 2). Try using a different Web browser. Internet Explorer, the browser provided by Microsoft, may run slower on certain websites than other browsers like Firefox, Opera, Safari or Chrome. Download and install a new browser to see if your Web-surfing speed improves.
- 3). Fully update your antivirus program, run a full system scan and keep it running whenever you are on the Internet. Malicious programs from the Internet can hamper computer performance and cause pop-ups and other unwanted data transfers that can waste bandwidth and slow down Internet speed.
- 4). Use Windows Firewall. Windows Firewall is integrated into the Vista operating system and can help block bad data from the Internet that wastes bandwidth. Firewall should be turned on by default, but you can check and change its status by clicking "Start," "Control Panel" and then "Windows Firewall." When you use a program that accesses the Internet, a prompt may appear asking if you want to create an exception through Windows Firewall; making exceptions for programs that you trust should help improve the Internet speed when using those programs.
- 5). Update network card or modem driver software. Computers use modems, network cards connected to external modems or wireless LAN (local area network) cards to connect to the Internet. These devices require driver software to allow them to function. Newer driver software might allow the device to work more efficiently. To update driver software, click "Start," "Control Panel," "Device Manager" and then open the "Network Adapters" folder. Right-click your network device and choose "Update Driver Software..." If Windows fails to download an update, you can also try to find an update at your network card maker's website.
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