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10 Tested Ways to Stop or Decrease Buffering When Streaming
Switching network, resetting router, and changing the DNS are easy solutions
7 min. read
Published onJuly 15, 2024
published onJuly 15, 2024
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To fix various driver issues on your PC, you will need a dedicated tool to find the freshest and the original drivers. You can use PC HelpSoft Driver Updater to do it in 3 easy steps:
If you regularly stream videos, you must have faced buffering issues. The problem affects all devices, including laptops, computers, TVs, mobile phones, and other smart devices!
As to what causes video buffering, the underlying factors include unstable Internet connectivity, slow Internet speed, misconfigured network settings, other devices hogging the network resources, and outdated software/drivers.
To decrease video buffering when streaming, move the router closer to the device in case of a wireless connection or switch to a wired network. Also, you could disconnect other devices from the network, terminate other apps/programs, reduce the video streaming quality, clear the app/browser cache, or pause the video for a few minutes!
How do I stop my stream buffering?
1. Quick tips
If our previous tricks didn’t work, here are a few more tips that will help stop, or at least reduce, buffering when streaming on a PC or TV:
2. Identify and terminate applications hogging the network
While ending processes in theResource Monitor (or Task Manager), only terminate the ones related to third-party programs. Don’t go for critical Windows processes, say any that readssvchost.exe.
3. Update the graphics and network drivers
Similarly, you canupdate the network drivers on Windows. For that, you have to expand theNetwork adaptersentry in theDevice Manager, and update the driver for the adapter used to access the Internet, be it Wi-Fi or Ethernet.
If Windows can’t find a newer version, visit the manufacturer’s website, locate the latest one, andmanually install the drivers. An easy and expert-recommended option is to use areliable driver updater software, which will automatically install the latest driver version for all available devices!
4. Run the affected app as an administrator
If the video is buffering when streaming onOBS, Netflix, Prime Video, Twitch, or evenChrome, you can decrease buffering byrunning the app as an administrator. This grants the app all the critical permissions, allowing it access to the required network resources.
5. Reconfigure the graphics preference
6. Perform a clean boot
When youperform a clean boot in Windows, it disables any third-party or non-critical processes/programs from running, thusimproving the boot speedas well as decreasing buffering when streaming videos!
7. Switch to Google’s Public DNS
While I have usedGoogle’s Public DNS, you could go with Cloudflare’s or pick thefastest DNS server near youfor improved speed as long as it stops buffering when streaming movies or shows!
8. Reset the network settings
9. Set up a streaming-friendly network
If you want to stop buffering on live streaming but the wireless network strength is not high, you will have to either set up anextender or a mesh networkto improve connectivity!
Aneffective extendercomes in handy when only a small area away from the router lacks network connectivity. As the name suggests, an extender will extend the connectivity to this part. It’s best for apartments.
A mesh network, on the other hand, is more suited for bigger spaces, say a multi-storey house, and provides ample network connectivity to all parts. When picking thebest Mesh Wi-Fi systems, make sure they provide the required coverage!
10. Upgrade the Internet plan
When nothing else works, the last option is to upgrade the Internet plan. A plan with50 Mbps+Internet speed should allow you to stream videos without buffering and not having to worry about terminating background programs and processors.
Upgrading the Internet plan may cost you a bit more, but it is a cheaper alternative to setting up a mesh network. Talk to your ISP(Internet Service Provider)and find out a plan that best meets your needs.
You now know how to effectively decrease buffering when streaming videos, movies, or shows across apps, browsers, and devices. Remember, for some, a single trick does the job, while for others, a combination achieves the desired purpose. So, I recommend you try them all!
In case you are looking for an automated option, check our top picks foranti-buffering softwarewhich are proven to reduce buffering significantly.
Which recommendation worked best for you? Share with our readers in the comments section below.
More about the topics:Fix Video Streaming,streaming
Kazim Ali Alvi
Windows Hardware Expert
Kazim has always been fond of technology, be it scrolling through the settings on his iPhone, Android device, or Windows PC. He’s specialized in hardware devices, always ready to remove a screw or two to find out the real cause of a problem.
Long-time Windows user, Kazim is ready to provide a solution for your every software & hardware error on Windows 11, Windows 10 and any previous iteration. He’s also one of our experts in Networking & Security.
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Kazim Ali Alvi
Windows Hardware Expert
Kazim is specialized in hardware devices, always ready to remove a screw or two to find out the real cause of a problem.
