Speed issues
How to troubleshoot slow speed problems How to fix slow connection issues on Windows How to fix slow connection issues on Android How to fix slow connection issues on iOS How to fix slow connection issues on macOS How to fix slow connection issues on Linux
  1. Surfshark Customer Support
  2. VPN Guides
  3. Fix an issue
  4. Speed issues

How to fix slow connection issues on Windows

Updated:

 
In this article, you will learn what might cause slow connection issues on your Windows device when connected to a VPN and how to avoid them.

 

If you have noticed a significant decrease in connection speed, try the adjustments below.


NOTE: Some decrease in speed (around 30 %) is expected when using a VPN for Windows. Feel free to check how to troubleshoot speed problems.

 

Change the protocol

  1. Go to the Settings page on your Surfshark app.
     
  2. Select the VPN Settings tab.
     
  3. You will find the Protocol setting. By default, the protocol should be Automatic. Change it from Automatic to WireGuard.
     
  4. Connect to one of Surfshark's servers and test the speed again.

mceclip0.png

 

Test several different locations

If you want a quicker way to switch servers without changing countries, use the Refresh button. It reconnects you to another server in the same country automatically and may help improve performance without manual testing.

NOTE: This feature is currently available in beta. It works only with the WireGuard protocol and is not available when using Static IP or Dedicated IP connections.


 

Also, even if you have used the Fastest server button previously, you should try several other locations as well. Try the ones that are close to your physical location.
 

To make choosing a server even easier, Surfshark now shows a Performance Indicator next to each location. This visual indicator displays the connection quality (ping), helping you quickly spot the best-performing servers:

NOTE: This feature is currently in beta.


 

If you're not sure how to check if the speed has increased, visit a speed-testing website. Do a quick test and see the results.

 

Try the manual connection

A manual VPN connection will provide you with a basic VPN connection, bypassing all the features that might potentially slow down your connection. See how to connect manually using Surfshark Windows app.

 

Restart your device

Even though this may sound too simple to have any effect, it often helps because rebooting your device will close all idle apps and stop other background processes that might be running.


 

Disable interfering apps 

Apps like anti-virus, file-sharing clients, or other VPNs might use the same tools and resources on your computer that Surfshark needs. That can potentially slow down your VPN connection.

Disable those apps (at least temporarily), reboot your device, and see if that helps with the connection speed.




 

You may also be interested in:

Was this article helpful?
Thank you for your feedback!