Alex Ruben
How to Fix Ethernet Spiking in Task Manager on Windows
Are you experiencing Ethernet spiking in Task Manager on your Windows device? This issue can lead to unstable internet connections and frustrating online experiences. In this guide, we will walk you through a series of steps to help you reduce or eliminate these spikes, ensuring a more stable and reliable network connection. This tutorial is applicable for Windows 10 and Windows 11 users, whether you’re on a desktop or a laptop.
Before you begin, ensure you have administrative rights on your computer, and make sure your Windows is up to date for optimal results. This guide does not require any additional software downloads, but you may need to access the built-in Windows tools such as Device Manager and Command Prompt.
Step 1: Update Network Drivers
Start by updating your network drivers to ensure you’re using the latest versions. Follow these steps:
- Click on the Start menu and type
Device Manager. Open it. - In the Device Manager window, locate and expand the section labeled Network adapters.
- Right-click on your network adapter and select Update driver.
- Choose the option Search automatically for updated driver software.
This process will check for the best drivers available for your device and install them if necessary.
Step 2: Configure Network Settings
Next, adjust your network settings to optimize your connection parameters. Here’s how:
- Open the Start menu again and type
View network connections. Click on it. - Locate your network adapter, right-click, and select Properties.
- In the properties window, double-click on Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4).
- Select the option Obtain an IP address automatically if it’s not already selected.
- Choose Use the following DNS server addresses and enter the following:
- Preferred DNS server:
8.8.8.8 - Alternate DNS server:
8.8.4.4
This configuration can enhance your connection stability by ensuring reliable DNS resolution.
Step 3: Flush DNS and Reset Network Settings
Flushing your DNS and resetting network settings can resolve connectivity issues:
- Open the Start menu again and type
cmd. Right-click onCommand Promptand select Run as administrator. Click Yes if prompted. - In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter:
- Next, type the following command to reset the network settings:
- Press Enter to execute the command.
ipconfig /flushdns
netsh winsock reset
These commands will clear cached DNS entries and reset the Winsock catalog, which can help fix connectivity issues.
Step 4: Restart Your Computer
Finally, restart your computer to apply all the changes you’ve made. This step is crucial as it allows your system to refresh its settings and ensures that your adjustments take effect.
Extra Tips & Common Issues
To further enhance your network stability, consider the following tips:
- Ensure your router’s firmware is up to date.
- Check for background applications using excessive network resources through Task Manager.
- Run a malware scan to ensure no malicious software is affecting your network performance.
If you continue to experience issues, consider contacting your Internet Service Provider (ISP) for further assistance.
Conclusion
By following these steps, you should be able to resolve Ethernet spiking issues in Task Manager and enjoy a more stable internet connection. If you found this guide helpful, consider looking into additional resources for network troubleshooting and optimization.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes Ethernet spiking?
Ethernet spiking can be caused by outdated drivers, DNS issues, or background applications consuming excessive bandwidth.
How do I know if my network is stable?
You can check your network stability by monitoring the Task Manager for consistent usage levels and pinging websites to check response times.
Can resetting Winsock affect my system?
No, resetting Winsock is a safe operation and can resolve various networking issues without affecting your system negatively.