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<h2 dir="ltr" style="text-align:center" id="tag-2"><strong>How to check Internet download speed?</strong></h2>

<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:justify">To <a href="https://gospeedcheck.com/article/check-download-speed-540" target="_blank">check download speed</a> or current Internet speed, you can do it in 2 ways: check it right on your PC and use a download speed test. </p>

<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:justify">Each way has different pros and cons.</p>

<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:justify">Though, both are easy and simple for users.</p>

<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:justify">Let’s see the details!</p>

<h3 dir="ltr" style="text-align:justify" id="tag-9"><strong>Measure download speeds on PC</strong></h3>

<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:justify">Are you using Mac or Windows?</p>

<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:justify">Don’t worry!</p>

<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:justify">We’ll show up both.</p>

<h4 dir="ltr" style="text-align:justify" id="tag-14"><strong>Mac OS X</strong></h4>

<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:justify">If you’re using Mac OS X, here is what to do: </p>

<ul>
<li dir="ltr">
	<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:justify">Step 1: Navigate “Spotlight” by pressing “Command” and “Space” keyboard</p>
	</li>
</ul>
<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:justify"><img alt="Navigate Spotlight" src="http://gospeedcheck.com/filemanager/data-images/How-to-measure-download-speeds_2.jpg" style="display:block; height:271px; margin-left:auto; margin-right:auto; width:640px"></p>

<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:center"><em>Navigate Spotlight</em></p>

<ul>
<li dir="ltr">
	<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:justify">Step 2: Search “Network Utility” =&gt; Click the “Info”</p>
	</li>
</ul>
<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:justify"><img alt="Choose Info" src="http://gospeedcheck.com/filemanager/data-images/How-to-measure-download-speeds_3.jpg" style="display:block; height:361px; margin-left:auto; margin-right:auto; width:640px"></p>

<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:center"><em>Choose Info</em></p>

<ul>
<li dir="ltr">
	<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:justify">Step 3: Now, you see the download speed of your network. That’s the “Link Speed” line.</p>
	</li>
</ul>
<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:justify"><img alt="Check your download speed" src="http://gospeedcheck.com/filemanager/data-images/How-to-measure-download-speeds_4.jpg" style="display:block; height:361px; margin-left:auto; margin-right:auto; width:640px"></p>

<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:center"><em>Check your download speed</em></p>

<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:justify">Besides, you also test Internet speed by using the WiFi icon in the Menu Bar.</p>

<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:justify">However, simply clicking on it will not give you this information. </p>

<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:justify">You'll need to hold down the OPTION (or ALT) key when clicking the WiFi icon.</p>

<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:justify"><img alt="You can use the WiFi icon on the menu bar" src="http://gospeedcheck.com/filemanager/data-images/How-to-measure-download-speeds_5.jpg" style="display:block; height:1000px; margin-left:auto; margin-right:auto; width:500px"></p>

<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:center"><em>You can use the WiFi icon on the menu bar</em></p>

<h4 dir="ltr" style="text-align:justify" id="tag-45"><strong>Windows 10</strong></h4>

<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:justify">For a Windows user, there are 4 steps you should follow:</p>

<ul>
<li dir="ltr">
	<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:justify">Step 1: Open the “Setting” and then click “Network &amp; Internet”</p>
	</li>
</ul>
<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:justify"><img alt="Click Network &amp; Internet" src="http://gospeedcheck.com/filemanager/data-images/How-to-measure-download-speeds_6.jpg" style="display:block; height:486px; margin-left:auto; margin-right:auto; width:640px"></p>

<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:center"><em>Click Network &amp; Internet</em></p>

<ul>
<li dir="ltr">
	<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:justify">Step 2: On the left sidebar, click “WiFi”. </p>
	</li>
</ul>
<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:justify"><img alt="Select WiFi" src="http://gospeedcheck.com/filemanager/data-images/How-to-measure-download-speeds_7.jpg" style="display:block; height:361px; margin-left:auto; margin-right:auto; width:640px"></p>

<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:center"><em>Select WiFi</em></p>

<ul>
<li dir="ltr">
	<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:justify">Step 3: Scroll down, find and click “Change adapter options”</p>
	</li>
</ul>
<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:justify"><img alt="Select Change adapter options" src="http://gospeedcheck.com/filemanager/data-images/How-to-measure-download-speeds_8.jpg" style="display:block; height:393px; margin-left:auto; margin-right:auto; width:500px"></p>

<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:center"><em>Select Change adapter options</em></p>

<ul>
<li dir="ltr">
	<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:justify">Step 4: Find your network and double-click on it. The WiFi status window will be shown. Check the connection speed.</p>
	</li>
</ul>
<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:justify"><img alt="Check the result" src="http://gospeedcheck.com/filemanager/data-images/How-to-measure-download-speeds_9.jpg" style="display:block; height:786px; margin-left:auto; margin-right:auto; width:640px"></p>

<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:center"><em>Check the result</em></p>

<h3 dir="ltr" style="text-align:justify" id="tag-76"><strong>Measure download speeds with a speed test</strong></h3>

<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:justify">Aside from checking download speed right on desktop devices, you can use a download speed test. </p>

<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:justify">Thanks to this, you can get the whole picture of your network connection through 3 main specs: ping, download, and upload speeds. </p>

<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:justify">To exactly understand them, read on…</p>

<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:justify">Also, there are many options for upload download speed tests such as MySpeed, Fast, Speedtest Ookla, Testmy.net, etc.</p>

<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:justify">Taking MySpeed as an example, follow the simple steps below:</p>

<ul>
<li dir="ltr">
	<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:justify">Step 1: Visit MySpeed through <a href="https://gospeedcheck.com/" target="_blank">https://gospeedcheck.com/</a> or search MySpeed on Google searching bar</p>
	</li>
	<li dir="ltr">
	<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:justify">Step 2: On its homepage, click the “Go” button to run the test</p>
	</li>
	<li dir="ltr">
	<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:justify">Step 3: Get the results after some seconds</p>
	</li>
</ul>
<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:justify"><img alt="How to use MySpeed to check download speeds?" src="http://gospeedcheck.com/filemanager/data-images/what-is-ping-on-wifi-gif.gif" style="display:block; height:810px; margin-left:auto; margin-right:auto; width:1440px"></p>

<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:center"><em>How to use MySpeed to check download speeds?</em></p>

<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:justify">These steps are quite the same for other testing sites.</p>

<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:justify">Thus, you may apply this to any reliable tools you want.</p>

<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:justify">Easy, right?</p>

<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:justify">Just wait some seconds and you’ll get the nearly exact results.</p>

<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:justify">However, sometimes the situation of <a href="https://gospeedcheck.com/article/why-does-my-download-speed-not-match-speed-test-99" target="_blank">Why does my download speed not match speed test?</a> may occur.</p>

<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:justify">Keep in mind that your real speed is difficult to match its advertised rates due to several external factors like</p>

<ul>
<li dir="ltr">
	<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:justify">“Up-to” speeds</p>
	</li>
	<li dir="ltr">
	<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:justify">ISP hosted tests </p>
	</li>
	<li dir="ltr">
	<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:justify">Independent testing sites</p>
	</li>
	<li dir="ltr">
	<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:justify">Others…</p>
	</li>
</ul>
<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:justify"><a href="https://gospeedcheck.com/article/why-is-my-download-speed-slower-than-speed-test-563" target="_blank">Why is my download speed slower than speed test?</a> is also a common question.</p>

<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:justify">Maybe you do tests in the wrong way. </p>

<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:justify">Hence, you should conduct a speed test several times per day and get the average result. </p>

<h2 dir="ltr" style="text-align:center" id="tag-115"><strong>How to interpret Internet speed results?</strong></h2>

<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:justify">If you check Internet speed on the PC directly, you just get download speed in general. </p>

<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:justify">Want to know more, you need to do an Internet speed test.</p>

<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:justify">So, how do you read the results? </p>

<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:justify">What is Ping? </p>

<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:justify">What is download speed? </p>

<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:justify">What is upload speed?</p>

<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:justify">Let’s find out!</p>

<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:justify"><img alt="A speed test result" src="http://gospeedcheck.com/filemanager/data-images/How-to-measure-download-speeds_10.jpg" style="display:block; height:322px; margin-left:auto; margin-right:auto; width:640px"></p>

<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:center"><em>A speed test result</em></p>

<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:justify">As mentioned above, there are 3 main specs in a download speed test:</p>

<ul>
<li dir="ltr">
	<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:justify">Ping (ms-millisecond): A network utility refers to a signal transmitted over a network to another computer, which subsequently responds with its signal. </p>
	</li>
	<li dir="ltr">
	<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:justify">Download speed (Mbps-megabits per second): The rate at which your network allows data retrieved from the Internet.</p>
	</li>
	<li dir="ltr">
	<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:justify">Upload speed (Mbps-megabits per second): The rate at which your network allows data sent to the Internet.</p>
	</li>
</ul>
<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:justify">Notably, you need to distinguish between bits and bytes.</p>

<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:justify"><img alt="Bits and bytes are different " src="http://gospeedcheck.com/filemanager/data-images/How-to-measure-download-speeds_11.jpg" style="display:block; height:352px; margin-left:auto; margin-right:auto; width:640px"></p>

<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:center"><em>Bits and bytes are different </em></p>

<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:justify">The fundamental contrast between bits and bytes is that bits are frequently used to determine speed, whereas bytes are typically used to measure size. </p>

<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:justify">Consider bits per second to be a speed in km/h. </p>

<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:justify">Bytes, on the other hand, are equivalent to liters when it comes to filling up a hard disc or storage device.</p>

<h2 dir="ltr" style="text-align:center" id="tag-144"><strong>What is a good download speed?</strong></h2>

<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:justify">According to the <a href="https://www.fcc.gov/" rel="Nofollow" target="_blank">FCC</a>, a good Internet speed threshold starts with a minimum download speed of 10-25 Mbps for doing basic online tasks. </p>

<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:justify">In terms of the good download speed for common online activities, your connection must satisfy the following minimum requirement:</p>

<table align="center" border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" style="width:640px"><tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align:center">Internet requirements</td>
			<td style="text-align:center">Suitable online activities</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td>1 - 5 Mbps</td>
			<td>email and web browsing</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td>15 - 25 Mbps</td>
			<td>streaming HD video</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td>40 - 100 Mbps</td>
			<td>watching 4K video and light online gaming</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td>200+ Mbps</td>
			<td>streaming 4K video, online gaming, and downloading large files</td>
		</tr>
</tbody></table>
<h2 dir="ltr" style="text-align:center" id="tag-166"><strong>Which factors affect your Internet speed?</strong></h2>

<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:justify">There are a lot of factors influencing the Internet speed or your connection to the Internet. </p>

<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:justify">You can eliminate or just limit the effect of that factor.</p>

<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:justify">Check them out!</p>

<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:justify"><img alt="Factors impact your Internet speed" src="http://gospeedcheck.com/filemanager/data-images/How-to-measure-download-speeds_12.jpg" style="display:block; height:1600px; margin-left:auto; margin-right:auto; width:640px"></p>

<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:center"><em>Factors impact your Internet speed</em></p>

<h2 dir="ltr" style="text-align:center" id="tag-175"><strong>How to speed up your download speed?</strong></h2>

<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:justify">What if you measure download speeds but it isn’t as you expected? </p>

<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:justify">Well, besides avoiding the aforementioned factors, try out some ways below.</p>

<h3 dir="ltr" style="text-align:justify" id="tag-179"><strong>Check your tech</strong></h3>

<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:justify">You should make sure your devices such as mobile phones, PC, and modems/routers are good. </p>

<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:justify">Check with your Internet service provider to check that your equipment is up to date. </p>

<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:justify">Most of the time, they will improve your setup for free, however, a monthly fee may apply. </p>

<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:justify">You might also try acquiring your own modem and router to reduce your monthly costs.</p>

<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:justify"><img alt="You should ask your ISP" src="http://gospeedcheck.com/filemanager/data-images/How-to-measure-download-speeds_13.jpg" style="display:block; height:306px; margin-left:auto; margin-right:auto; width:640px"></p>

<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:center"><em>You should ask your ISP</em></p>

<h3 dir="ltr" style="text-align:justify" id="tag-189"><strong>Limit Internet users</strong></h3>

<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:justify">If you do something consuming lots of bandwidth such as downloading a movie, you should limit the number of users accessing your wireless router. </p>

<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:justify">Multiple users sharing the same network frequently degrades overall speed.</p>

<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:justify">The fastest way to disconnect unnecessary devices is to reboot your router and change the Wi-Fi passwords. </p>

<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:justify">Then, on each device you currently use, you must re-login to your network using the new password. </p>

<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:justify"><img alt="Don’t allow many people to use your network simultaneously" src="http://gospeedcheck.com/filemanager/data-images/How-to-measure-download-speeds_14.jpg" style="display:block; height:360px; margin-left:auto; margin-right:auto; width:640px"></p>

<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:center"><em>Don’t allow many people to use your network simultaneously</em></p>

<h3 dir="ltr" style="text-align:justify" id="tag-199"><strong>Router location matters</strong></h3>

<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:justify">Routers are influenced by their location. </p>

<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:justify">To maximize the overall streaming experience, consider positioning your wireless router near your ideal television viewing location. </p>

<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:justify">Additionally, aim to minimize any obstacles between your router and your streaming devices. </p>

<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:justify">This allows you to get the most out of your bandwidth without having to spend extra money on a high-end router. </p>

<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:justify">Certain appliances, most notably microwaves, interfere with the signal of your router. </p>

<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:justify">As a result, make sure to install the router in an area where the microwave will not interfere with your WiFi.</p>

<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:justify"><img alt="You should place a router in the right position" src="http://gospeedcheck.com/filemanager/data-images/How-to-measure-download-speeds_15.jpg" style="display:block; height:351px; margin-left:auto; margin-right:auto; width:640px"></p>

<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:center"><em>You should place a router in the right position</em></p>

<h3 dir="ltr" style="text-align:justify" id="tag-211"><strong>Use a WiFi extender</strong></h3>

<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:justify">You may have problems maintaining a strong Internet signal throughout your home depending on the layout of your home and your wireless router position. </p>

<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:justify">WiFi extenders are a low-cost solution to spread your WiFi signal around your home.</p>

<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:justify">It takes the existing WiFi signal from your wireless router and rebroadcasts it, much like a wireless repeater does.</p>

<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:justify">Typically, this device can be placed between 100 and 400 feet away from the router. </p>

<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:justify">Yet, the location of these devices inside your home, the home design, the sort of extender you have, and your WiFi network will all play a role in this.</p>

<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:justify"><img alt="A WiFi extender" src="http://gospeedcheck.com/filemanager/data-images/How-to-measure-download-speeds_16.jpg" style="display:block; height:360px; margin-left:auto; margin-right:auto; width:640px"></p>

<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:center"><em>A WiFi extender</em></p>

<h3 dir="ltr" style="text-align:justify" id="tag-222"><strong>Consider a wired connection</strong></h3>

<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:justify">Typically, a wired connection to your router is better than a wireless one. </p>

<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:justify">It is quicker, more stable, and immune to interference from other gadgets or sizable fish tanks.</p>

<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:justify">It’s because instead of depending on over-the-air transmissions, the cable delivers the signal directly to your connected device.</p>

<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:justify">Further, Ethernet is safer than Wi-Fi, which is a better choice if you really must keep your financial data private.</p>

<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:justify">Thus, if possible, you can use this way when you watch Netflix or download a large file.</p>

<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:justify"><img alt="Wired connection" src="http://gospeedcheck.com/filemanager/data-images/How-to-measure-download-speeds_17.jpg" style="display:block; height:335px; margin-left:auto; margin-right:auto; width:640px"></p>

<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:center"><em>Wired connection</em></p>
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