Using a VPN is becoming a must in today’s world. People who use a VPN still encounter problems like the connection becoming slower. So if you are wondering, ‘Why is my vpn so slow?’, we have the answers for you in this article.
The reasons for your VPN becoming slow include connectivity issues, the Antivirus or your firewall, problems regarding your VPN plan, server or router problems, and many more.
A VPN helps users be discreet and safely transfer sensitive data. But it becomes annoying when using a fixed VPN; the speed is compromised, which slows down your work. Sis, If you are one of those with the issue of, ‘Why is my vpn so slow?’ read on because we will discuss why your VPN slows down and how to fix this. To access USA sites, you should consider using USA vpn servers.
See also: How To Do A Proper VPN Test & Troubleshoot It (2023)
8 Potential Reasons for “Why is My VPN so Slow?” Issue
The followings are the reasons and solutions to fix a slow VPN.
Internet connectivity issue
Most of the time, the problem might not be your virtual private network but something else entirely. To determine the problem, try disconnecting your VPN and determine if the speed increases. You can follow the succeeding steps to boost your speed:
- Try rebooting or restarting the router
- Update the coded instructions of your router
- Disconnect all except one if you are using a VPN for multiple devices.
Antivirus or firewall issues
The prime role of the Antivirus is to protect your device and provide it with a secure network connection. If the Antivirus detects a problem in the VPN, it will try to slow down the speed to protect. This could answer your question, ‘Why is my VPN so slow?’
Another reason for your slow vpn net speed could be your Windows firewall. Both your device and Antivirus have their firewall. These could be affecting the connection or even slowing down the overall performance.
To fix the firewall problem, we recommend creating a VPN exception. This is because completely bringing down the firewall cannot be an option. Doing so will expose your device to several viruses and adware.
Problems with the VPN plan
Before selecting a VPN plan, it is essential to know all the details, including the tiny drawbacks written among the lines. If you think selecting any VPN means it will have a high net speed, it is not so.
A free VPN may not always have a good net speed, so investing in a paid VPN plan is important.
Problems with servers
A server that is far away can hinder the performance of your VPN by decreasing its speed and making it slow. So if you want an answer, ‘Why is my vpn so slow’? Look no further than your server and your device’s location. To fix this concern, pick out a server as close to your current location. The farther away the server, the slower your internet speed and VPN.
Another thing to look for is a busy server. A busy server means that it is already preoccupied with many others. So it would be best if you always went for servers that are not busy. A couple of services for vpn, like NordVPN, will show you the number of server loads. This will help you to determine how busy a server is and whether you should use it.
Problems with the internet router
As mentioned above, the problem can also lie with something other than your VPN. The router may provide you with a weak internet connection, slowing down your VPN speed. So if you want a solution to the question, ‘Why is my vpn so slow?’, the answer might be to try restarting your router or modem.
The device is not up-to-date.
A device must be completely updated and work on par with the VPN. This means the connection might be slow because your device is outdated. So to fix the problem of ‘why is my vpn so slow?’, you need to update your device. With every update come new methods and security to fix bugs, overall performance, and more.
Here are the steps to follow on how to update Windows 10:
- Go to the settings of your Windows device.
- Under ‘Update and Security, look for ‘Windows Update.
- Furthermore, you can select ‘Check for Updates, and your Windows 10 will start updating itself.
Problem with the VPN Protocol
Every VPN has a port number, and some networks can restrict the port number, thereby slowing down your VPN speed. A port or protocol has different speeds, and manipulating it is hard. This method is not for people with zero experience. But this technique is worth a shot if you want to solve the problem of ‘why is my vpn so slow?’.
You only need to let your VPN Client or vpn software change the port settings. You can also experiment with UDP and TCP, the two ways VPNs transfer data.
Problems with VPN provider
Even though several issues may occur, sometimes your VPN provider may not be the right fit for you. To fix the problem of ‘why is my vpn so slow,’ all you can do is change your VPN provider. Changing your VPN provider will mean that the speed can also increase. Before you select one, read all the terms and conditions and little details that may be otherwise lost to you.
FAQs
Below are the frequently asked questions about the problem ‘Why is my vpn so slow?’:
How high of an internet speed do I need for VPN?
The speed greatly varies depending on what you use it for and your VPN. You will need only 10-12 Mbps to surf on the web. You will need about 20-30 Mbps while gaming. You will require up to 25-40 Mbps to watch high-quality videos.
Is it okay to keep a VPN on all the time?
A VPN is there to protect your device, and so you can remain anonymous. Apps always keep transferring data to and fro, which can mean that your private information can also go in and out. Keeping your VPN turned off can do more damage than good.
Is there any other alternative to VPN?
A VPN is trusted by many users to keep their privacy safe. But other softwares perform the same function, too, like SD-Wan. This is specifically designed as a better, more efficient alternative to the virtual private network.
Can using a VPN help you get tracked?
No, that is the point of a VPN. A virtual private network helps you stay hidden as it hides your IP address and prevents it from being tracked. But this will only work with a good, strong VPN. If you use a very low-quality VPN, there is a chance that your IP address could be jeopardized.
Conclusion
With these questions, our article comes to an end. These were a total of eight methods to help you fix your VPN. This article can answer you if you constantly think, ‘Why is my vpn so slow?’. We hope this article was captivating and insightful for you!!
You can always find me playing the piano or playing FIFA when I’m not binge-watching TV Series with pizzas. Fountainhead of TechWhoop.
