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How to Fix High Ping, Ping Spikes & Latency [5 Quick Tips]

Tweak network settings and connect to a VPN server to fix high ping

6 min. read

Updated onApril 19, 2024

updated onApril 19, 2024

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Key notes

High latency afterWindows 10 upgradeis one of the most common issues and can cause big-time trouble during your gaming sessions.

Reports show that ping spikes are common. High ping usuallyaffects Wi-Fi connection, but it’s also been reported on anEthernet connection. Some even mention packet loss when experiencing high ping, which can be a big problem if you’re watching online videos.

Why is my ping so high?

Many complain about experiencing high ping after updating the operating system. However, there are many issues that can cause high ping:

A high ping error happened in multiple games as reported by our readers. Some of the most common requests that we addressed today are how to fix high ping in CSGO, Fortnite, Valoeant, Roblox, and Minecraft.

Quick Tip:

Somethird-party driver updating toolscan help with scanning your system and detecting outdated drivers. Besides, they can also suggest the latest tools to download.

Before you start fixing this issue make sure that your drivers and the Windows 10 OS are up to date. This tool keeps track of all your drivers and updates them on a regular basis.

How can I fix high latency/ping in games?

Before you move on to troubleshooting methods, check the following situations:

1. Use a stable VPN solution

Connecting to a VPN network is one of the simplest and safest solutions to high latency/ping. We recommend you use a VPN provider with a large number of servers across the whole globe.

Good VPNs nowadays can automatically connect you to the best server for your configuration. You can also pick your preferred configuration manually if you like that option better.

An additional important feature that can remove ping and lag is the split tunneling provided by various VPN software, such asExpressVPN.

This feature lets you connect to a VPN for one task while using your original IP address for others. You can use it to prioritize gaming. It can really help with a smoother experience.

2. Check the apps in Task Manager

3. Update your drivers

Alternatively, you can head to your manufacturer’s website and go to theDriverssection. It is usually found under the support page. For example, Lenovo users may go toLenovo’s support pagethen look for network drivers specifically and install the latest ones.

4. Disable third-party antivirus/firewall tools

According to users, if you’re experiencing high latency in games, you might be able to fix the problem simply by disabling your antivirus or firewall.

Sometimes, yourantivirus softwarecan interfere with your network connection and cause this or other errors to occur.

If disabling the antivirus doesn’t help, you need to remove it using its dedicated removal tool. Many antivirus companies offer removal tools for their software, so be sure to download one for your antivirus.

ForNortonusers, we’ve got a dedicated guide on how tocompletely remove it from your PC. There’s a similar removal guide forMcAffeusers, as well.

Alternatively, check out our amazing list of thebest uninstaller softwareyou can use right now.

5. Modify your registry

Anotherfixforhighpingingamesinvolvechangingyourregistrysettings. Follow these solutions step by step:

Start by pressingWindowsKey +Rand enteringregedit. PressEnteror clickOKto openRegistry Editor.
Before making any changes to the registry, it’s advised to create a backup. To do that, click onFilefollowed byExport.
SelectAllunder theExport range, typebackupnext to theFile name, selectDesktopas the location where you will save it, then clickSave.
If anything goes wrong after modifying your registry, run the file you just created to restore it to the original state.
In the left pane, navigate to the following key by copy-pasting the address inside the search bar at the top:

Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Multimedia\SystemProfile

In the right panel, double-clickNetworkThrottlingIndex. EnterFFFFFFFFasValue dataand click onOKto save changes.
Now navigate to the following key and expand it:

Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\Tcpip\Parameters\Interfaces

Now right-click the subkey that represents your network connection. Usually, it is the first one. Then chooseNewfollowed byDWORDorQWORDdepending on your system’s architecture.
EnterTCPackFreqencyas the name of the key. Then double-click it and input1inside theValue datathen clickOK.
Now create anotherDWORD/QWORDlike before and set its name toTCPNoDelaythen set itsValue datato1and clickOK.
Navigate to the following key, then create a newDWORD/QWORDas we have shown above, name itTCPNoDelayand set itsValue datato1, then clickOK:Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\MSMQ
Next, right-click anywhere in the window to selectNewfollowed byKey.
EnterParametersas its name, then right-click it to create aNewDWORD/QWORDas we have shown above. You need to nameTCPNoDelayand set itsValue datato1.

After making these changes, the problems with high latency should be resolved.

If youcan’t edit your Windows 10’s registry, you should fix it right away as it is an important component of the OS.

Why is my ping so high but my Internet is good?

Possibly, your network configuration is not the best. Either you have outdated network adapters or your router is not in the best condition.

If you encounter these issues there are a few things you can try:

All of these are quick and tested solutions, but if the problem persists, consider contacting your ISP to get professional support.

How to fix high ping in Windows 11?

The methods described above are effective for both Windows 10 and 11, so make sure to try them out, one by one.

But if you find thatWindows 11 is not responding to ping, you can refer to our dedicated guide on this issue.

We hope that at least some of these solutions helped you to solve the ping problem in Windows 10 and that you’ll have a pleasant gaming experience from now on.

For other problems with gaming in Windows 10, you can check out our article aboutsolving problems with games in Windows 10. If you have any questions or comments, just write them down in the comments section below.

How to Fix High Ping, Ping Spikes & Latency [5 Quick Tips]#

Why is my ping so high?#

How can I fix high latency/ping in games?#

1. Use a stable VPN solution#

2. Check the apps in Task Manager#

3. Update your drivers#

4. Disable third-party antivirus/firewall tools#

5. Modify your registry#

Why is my ping so high but my Internet is good?#

How to fix high ping in Windows 11?#