Fix Ethernet Speed Capped at 100Mbps On Windows 2024 (Updated)

Introduction

If you're experiencing slow Ethernet speeds capped at 100Mbps on your Windows system, this tutorial will guide you through effective troubleshooting methods to resolve the issue. By following these steps, you can optimize your Ethernet connection and improve your network performance.

Step 1: Adjust Network Adapter Settings

1. Open Device Manager

   • Click on the search bar on your desktop.
   • Type "Device Manager" and select it from the results.

2. Locate Network Adapters

   • In Device Manager, find and expand the "Network adapters" section by clicking the small arrow next to it.

3. Access Ethernet Adapter Properties

   • Identify your Ethernet adapter (usually named something like "Ethernet" or "LAN").
   • Right-click on it and select "Properties."

4. Change Speed and Duplex Settings

   • In the Properties window, navigate to the "Advanced" tab.
   • Scroll down and find the option labeled "Speed and Duplex."
   • Select it, and then in the Value dropdown, choose "Auto Negotiation."
   • Click "OK" to apply the changes.

5. Check Your Connection

   • Test your Ethernet speed to see if the issue is resolved.

Step 2: Run the Internet Connection Troubleshooter

1. Open Settings

   • Click on the search bar and type "Settings," then open the Settings app.

2. Access Troubleshoot Options

   • Scroll down and select "Troubleshoot."
   • Click on "Other troubleshooters."

3. Run Internet Connection Troubleshooter

   • Find the "Internet Connections" troubleshooter and click "Run."
   • Follow any prompts to diagnose and fix issues.

4. Run Windows Update Troubleshooter

   • After the Internet Connection troubleshooter, look for "Windows Update" and click "Run."

5. Check Your Connection Again

   • Once troubleshooting is complete, test your Ethernet speed again.

Step 3: Update Network Adapter Drivers

1. Open Device Manager Again

   • Click on the search bar and type "Device Manager," then select it.

2. Select Your Ethernet Adapter

   • Expand the "Network adapters" section as before.
   • Right-click on your Ethernet adapter.

3. Update Driver

   • Choose "Update driver" from the context menu.
   • Select "Search automatically for drivers."

4. Confirm Driver Update

   • If an updated driver is found, it will install automatically. If it indicates that the best driver is already installed, you can move on.

5. Final Check

   • After updating, check your Ethernet speed to see if the issue persists.

Conclusion

In this tutorial, you learned three effective methods to address Ethernet speeds capped at 100Mbps on Windows. Adjusting your network adapter settings, running troubleshooters, and updating drivers can significantly enhance your network performance. If you continue to experience issues, consider checking your Ethernet cables and router settings for further troubleshooting.