How to Get Faster Buffering

Buffering is the process by which video and audio data streamed through the Internet is "preloaded" onto your computer to provide a smooth playing experience. When your buffering is too slow, your video or audio data will freeze every few seconds so that the computer and data can sync. Speeding up the process of buffering will require you to speed up your Internet connection as the two go hand in hand. A variety of factors could be keeping you from quick buffering and fast Internet speeds.

Instructions

1. Upgrade your Internet speed. If possible and within your budget, the quickest solution to faster buffering is to increase the speed you receive from your Internet service provider. If you are on dial-up, look into cable or DSL. If you are already a cable or DSL user, contact your ISP about moving into a faster tier.

2. Scan your computer for viruses, malware and spyware. These programs are often designed with the intent of slowing your Internet speeds down.

3. Close all unneeded programs and tabs. If you have multiple tabs in your Internet browser open, you may be slowing down your connection due to the extra data strain. Likewise, any unneeded programs could also be slowing down your connection, especially if these are file-sharing programs.

4. Avoid peak times either on the website or on your network. The more users who navigate to a website during its peak time--generally at the end of the day when most users are home from work and school--the slower your connection and buffering will be. Likewise, the more users who are on your personal network at home or at work will be a strain on the network speed as well.

5. Disable all Internet browser add-ons. These may cause conflicts with video or audio programs found on the Internet.

6. Delete the history and temporary Internet files. Your computer keeps a record of every website you visit, and for avid Internet browsers, this record can grow quite long. Delete these files by navigating to your browser's "Options" menu and locating the options for deleting the temporary or history files.

7. Upgrade your Internet browser. Navigate to the website of your Internet browser and download the latest version.

References

• Microsoft: Why is my Internet connection so slow?
• Microsoft: Is Internet Explorer slow?

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish