Fast Internet, Slow Download Speed

[JayG93]

Speedtest shows that my download speed is 71.50 Mbps, but when I download something (a steam game for example) my download speed is 200-300 kb/s, I usually get 8-9 mb/s. I'm using wired ethernet. My ISP says the issue is on my end & there's nothing they can do about it.

 

[aquielisunari]

Speedtest shows that my download speed is 71.50 Mbps, but when I download something (a steam game for example) my download speed is 200-300 kb/s, I usually get 8-9 mb/s. I'm using wired ethernet. My ISP says the issue is on my end & there's nothing they can do about it.

Have you tried anything listed here https://support.steampowered.com/kb_article.php?ref=9498-WPDF-3220 ? http://forums.steampowered.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2729620 shows that changing the server can help a lot.

Have you tried a network reset including your modem and router? Press and hold Windows button on your keyboard and tap R - Win+R. Type cmd and press enter. Type the following commands followed by tapping enter on your keyboard.

ipconfig /release

ipconfig /flushdns

ipconfig /renew

exit

 

[aquielisunari]

You said

when I download something (a steam game for example) my download speed is 200-300 kb/s, I usually get 8-9 mb/s.

What does that mean? You used to download at 8-9mbps

I only have about 47mbps through speedtest and my download speed is usually at 6MB/s.

 

[JayG93]

Speedtest shows that my download speed is 71.50 Mbps, but when I download something (a steam game for example) my download speed is 200-300 kb/s, I usually get 8-9 mb/s. I'm using wired ethernet. My ISP says the issue is on my end & there's nothing they can do about it.

Have you tried anything listed here https://support.steampowered.com/kb_article.php?ref=9498-WPDF-3220 ? http://forums.steampowered.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2729620 shows that changing the server can help a lot.

Have you tried a network reset including your modem and router? Press and hold Windows button on your keyboard and tap R - Win+R. Type cmd and press enter. Type the following commands followed by tapping enter on your keyboard.

ipconfig /release

ipconfig /flushdns

ipconfig /renew

exit

It's not just Steam, it's every download. Browser, torrent, anywhere.

I've tried both of those already, I just tried them again though. It made no difference.

 

[JayG93]

You said

when I download something (a steam game for example) my download speed is 200-300 kb/s, I usually get 8-9 mb/s.

What does that mean? You used to download at 8-9mbps

I only have about 47mbps through speedtest and my download speed is usually at 6MB/s.

Well, it fluctuated between 5-9. About a week ago it went to a steady 8-9 MB/s for a few minutes, then dropped back down to the 200-300 kb/s I have now & has stayed like that since.

 

[Solandri]

Try this speed test:

http://internethealthtest.org/

It tests your speed to the different Internet backbones separately. This can help determine if the problem is your ISP (slow speeds to certain backbones), or with your equipment (everything is slow).

If everything is slow, my first suspect would be your router and/or modem. If you have a separate router/modem, try connecting a computer directly to the modem (might need to reboot the modem after to get it to see the computer). Then run a speed test. This will let you isolate if the problem is with your router or something further upstream (modem or cable connection).

If that speed test is also slow, you've got a problem either with your modem, or with your cable company's connection to your modem. Request the ISP reset the modem (which causes it to reassign download/upload frequency bands). Often when a cable company re-subnets their network, your modem can be stuck on older frequencies which no longer work well with the new subnet.

 

[aquielisunari]

Torrent? Why do you use torrents? That's normally associated with piracy. Some files can have malicious bad things that can hurt a PC.

Is there any possibility of resetting your PC? Start with a brand new clean slate? A clean install? A legal clean install.


Resetting your hosts file might help https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/972034/how-to-reset-the-hosts-file-back-to-the-default Windows 8.1 diections also apply to 10

Press Start/type internet options/ go there/when it's open click on LAN settings and make sure it is set to automatic.

Go to Network connections/right click your connection and click properties/ click on IPv4 and then click properties(make sure you don't unselect it) make sure it's set to automatic/do the same with IPv6 and do the same. Click OK to save any changes.

 

[JayG93]

Try this speed test:

http://internethealthtest.org/

It tests your speed to the different Internet backbones separately. This can help determine if the problem is your ISP (slow speeds to certain backbones), or with your equipment (everything is slow).

If everything is slow, my first suspect would be your router and/or modem. If you have a separate router/modem, try connecting a computer directly to the modem (might need to reboot the modem after to get it to see the computer). Then run a speed test. This will let you isolate if the problem is with your router or something further upstream (modem or cable connection).

If that speed test is also slow, you've got a problem either with your modem, or with your cable company's connection to your modem. Request the ISP reset the modem (which causes it to reassign download/upload frequency bands). Often when a cable company re-subnets their network, your modem can be stuck on older frequencies which no longer work well with the new subnet.

This is the result. http://www.internethealthtest.org/?t=eyJ0aW1lX3J1biI6MTQ5NTA2NzMxMTg4NCwicmVzdWx0cyI6W3sic2l0ZUlkIjoibGF4MDRfTGV2ZWxfMyIsInNpdGVUcmFuc2l0IjoiTGV2ZWwgMyIsInMyY1JhdGUiOjY2NTQ0LjA1MDkwNjg2ODQzLCJjMnNSYXRlIjo1OTk2LCJNaW5SVFQiOiIxNSIsInBhY2tldFJldHJhbnNtaXNzaW9ucyI6MC4wMDAyMzk4MzI4MDIyNzQ5ODU0NX0seyJzaXRlSWQiOiJsYXgwM19HVFQiLCJzaXRlVHJhbnNpdCI6IkdUVCIsInMyY1JhdGUiOjE1ODQ4LjQ0OTUwMzU5ODUxNiwiYzJzUmF0ZSI6NTg2OCwiTWluUlRUIjoiOSIsInBhY2tldFJldHJhbnNtaXNzaW9ucyI6MC4wMDExNTI5ODY5NTY4MzUwNTA4fSx7InNpdGVJZCI6ImxheDAyX1RhdGEiLCJzaXRlVHJhbnNpdCI6IlRhdGEiLCJzMmNSYXRlIjo2ODU4Ny43NjM2MTA1OTE5LCJjMnNSYXRlIjo2MDAxLCJNaW5SVFQiOiIxMSIsInBhY2tldFJldHJhbnNtaXNzaW9ucyI6MC4wMDAyMDA1MjgwNTcyMTczMzl9LHsic2l0ZUlkIjoibGF4MDFfQ29nZW50Iiwic2l0ZVRyYW5zaXQiOiJDb2dlbnQiLCJzMmNSYXRlIjo2ODA2OC42Njg4MjI4ODg0MiwiYzJzUmF0ZSI6NTk5MCwiTWluUlRUIjoiMTMiLCJwYWNrZXRSZXRyYW5zbWlzc2lvbnMiOjAuMDAwMTY3OTM0NTcyNjkwNDc5OH0seyJzaXRlSWQiOiJsYXgwNV9aYXlvIiwic2l0ZVRyYW5zaXQiOiJaYXlvIiwiczJjUmF0ZSI6Njc2NzUuMTM4ODUzNDY4MzYsImMyc1JhdGUiOjU1OTMsIk1pblJUVCI6IjEyIiwicGFja2V0UmV0cmFuc21pc3Npb25zIjowLjAwMDIwNDA3NDY5MTMzNzAyOTM0fV19

Also, I don't have another modem.

 

[JayG93]

Torrent? Why do you use torrents? That's normally associated with piracy. Some files can have malicious bad things that can hurt a PC.

Is there any possibility of resetting your PC? Start with a brand new clean slate? A clean install? A legal clean install.

I use torrents for downloads only if it's an option, because in my experience, it's usually faster than the other options.

Yes, but I'm not that familiar with the process. I have a Windows 8.1 Reinstallation DVD, if that works? Also, if I use that, will I be able to get Windows 10 back for free? I downloaded it will it was free, not sure if they still have that option available.

 

[JayG93]

Resetting your hosts file might help https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/972034/how-to-reset-the-hosts-file-back-to-the-default Windows 8.1 diections also apply to 10

Press Start/type internet options/ go there/when it's open click on LAN settings and make sure it is set to automatic.

Go to Network connections/right click your connection and click properties/ click on IPv4 and then click properties(make sure you don't unselect it) make sure it's set to automatic/do the same with IPv6 and do the same. Click OK to save any changes.

I just tried both of those options & nothing has changed. Although it might be worth mentioning that when I was resetting the host files, there was no file named "hosts", but when I pasted the "hosts" file I created, I was told that there was already a "hosts" file there & was asked if I wanted to replace it. I said yes. However, there was an old hosts file in the Back Up folder.

 

[Slow Pri]

Using torrents for the good part is sharing files with others for there entertainment however, this is used for other issues. While using a VPN can boost your privacy as well as in some cases provide better download speeds Etc.

I'd ensure that the drivers are up to date on your computer. Also make sure that all the hardware and plugs are not broken (Cat eats cable Etc).

For steam, sometimes changing the location of the nearest server that your on can help. There's numerous forums on how to do that.

For Torrents, know that you won't be getting high download speeds depending on seeders.

 

[aquielisunari]

Resetting your hosts file might help https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/972034/how-to-reset-the-hosts-file-back-to-the-default Windows 8.1 diections also apply to 10

Press Start/type internet options/ go there/when it's open click on LAN settings and make sure it is set to automatic.

Go to Network connections/right click your connection and click properties/ click on IPv4 and then click properties(make sure you don't unselect it) make sure it's set to automatic/do the same with IPv6 and do the same. Click OK to save any changes.

I just tried both of those options & nothing has changed. Although it might be worth mentioning that when I was resetting the host files, there was no file named "hosts", but when I pasted the "hosts" file I created, I was told that there was already a "hosts" file there & was asked if I wanted to replace it. I said yes. However, there was an old hosts file in the Back Up folder.

In your folder options(advanced settings) the option to show hidden files might not be checked.

You can use https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10 Download the tool and unpack it to a USB drive.

Make sure your version of 10 is tied to your MS account. http://www.windowscentral.com/how-link-your-windows-10-product-key-microsoft-account

 

[Slow Pri]

^^ also make sure your a default administrator + use notepad as 'run as administrator' when editing host file.

 

[JayG93]

Using torrents for the good part is sharing files with others for there entertainment however, this is used for other issues. While using a VPN can boost your privacy as well as in some cases provide better download speeds Etc.

I'd ensure that the drivers are up to date on your computer. Also make sure that all the hardware and plugs are not broken (Cat eats cable Etc).

For steam, sometimes changing the location of the nearest server that your on can help. There's numerous forums on how to do that.

For Torrents, know that you won't be getting high download speeds depending on seeders.

Window's Updates says everything is up to date.

I'm already using my nearest server, but like I said, it's not only steam having the problem.

 

[JayG93]

Resetting your hosts file might help https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/972034/how-to-reset-the-hosts-file-back-to-the-default Windows 8.1 diections also apply to 10

Press Start/type internet options/ go there/when it's open click on LAN settings and make sure it is set to automatic.

Go to Network connections/right click your connection and click properties/ click on IPv4 and then click properties(make sure you don't unselect it) make sure it's set to automatic/do the same with IPv6 and do the same. Click OK to save any changes.

I just tried both of those options & nothing has changed. Although it might be worth mentioning that when I was resetting the host files, there was no file named "hosts", but when I pasted the "hosts" file I created, I was told that there was already a "hosts" file there & was asked if I wanted to replace it. I said yes. However, there was an old hosts file in the Back Up folder.

In your folder options(advanced settings) the option to show hidden files might not be checked.

You can use https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10 Download the tool and unpack it to a USB drive.

Make sure your version of 10 is tied to your MS account. http://www.windowscentral.com/how-link-your-windows-10-product-key-microsoft-account

I turned on the option to show hidden files & reset the hosts files with admin privileges this time, still no results.

I tried connecting my Windows 10 with my MS account, however when I try to sign in via settings, it says that there was an error. I've noticed that I can't access the Windows Store or Microsoft Edge as well. Is there any other way to check if 10 is tied to my account? I may have done it already awhile back.

 

[aquielisunari]

Resetting your hosts file might help https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/972034/how-to-reset-the-hosts-file-back-to-the-default Windows 8.1 diections also apply to 10

Press Start/type internet options/ go there/when it's open click on LAN settings and make sure it is set to automatic.

Go to Network connections/right click your connection and click properties/ click on IPv4 and then click properties(make sure you don't unselect it) make sure it's set to automatic/do the same with IPv6 and do the same. Click OK to save any changes.

I just tried both of those options & nothing has changed. Although it might be worth mentioning that when I was resetting the host files, there was no file named "hosts", but when I pasted the "hosts" file I created, I was told that there was already a "hosts" file there & was asked if I wanted to replace it. I said yes. However, there was an old hosts file in the Back Up folder.

In your folder options(advanced settings) the option to show hidden files might not be checked.

You can use https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10 Download the tool and unpack it to a USB drive.

Make sure your version of 10 is tied to your MS account. http://www.windowscentral.com/how-link-your-windows-10-product-key-microsoft-account

I turned on the option to show hidden files & reset the hosts files with admin privileges this time, still no results.

I tried connecting my Windows 10 with my MS account, however when I try to sign in via settings, it says that there was an error. I've noticed that I can't access the Windows Store or Microsoft Edge as well. Is there any other way to check if 10 is tied to my account? I may have done it already awhile back.

Was WIn 8.1 legal?

YOu said

when I try to sign in via settings, it says that there was an error

Why do you need to sign in to settings? How? It's not even an option. You sign into Windows OS and that's it. Please educate me. What am I missing?

Click settings/ Windows Update and Security/click Activation on the left. It should say something like Windows is activated with a digital license linked to your Microsoft Account.

https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_10-start/some-of-my-installed-programs-dont-appear-on-the/65d958f4-c427-4cf3-9e35-19df67222b38?auth=1/

https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_10-win_cortana/cant-open-edge-the-store-cortana-and-clicking-on/c9733879-41af-4004-b8b0-f5dd43fad147

Try disabling your Firewall.

Yep. I'd reset Windows. It sounds as if this internet issue is only the tip of a much bigger mess.

 

[JayG93]

Resetting your hosts file might help https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/972034/how-to-reset-the-hosts-file-back-to-the-default Windows 8.1 diections also apply to 10

Press Start/type internet options/ go there/when it's open click on LAN settings and make sure it is set to automatic.

Go to Network connections/right click your connection and click properties/ click on IPv4 and then click properties(make sure you don't unselect it) make sure it's set to automatic/do the same with IPv6 and do the same. Click OK to save any changes.

I just tried both of those options & nothing has changed. Although it might be worth mentioning that when I was resetting the host files, there was no file named "hosts", but when I pasted the "hosts" file I created, I was told that there was already a "hosts" file there & was asked if I wanted to replace it. I said yes. However, there was an old hosts file in the Back Up folder.

In your folder options(advanced settings) the option to show hidden files might not be checked.

You can use https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10 Download the tool and unpack it to a USB drive.

Make sure your version of 10 is tied to your MS account. http://www.windowscentral.com/how-link-your-windows-10-product-key-microsoft-account

I turned on the option to show hidden files & reset the hosts files with admin privileges this time, still no results.

I tried connecting my Windows 10 with my MS account, however when I try to sign in via settings, it says that there was an error. I've noticed that I can't access the Windows Store or Microsoft Edge as well. Is there any other way to check if 10 is tied to my account? I may have done it already awhile back.

Was WIn 8.1 legal?

YOu said

when I try to sign in via settings, it says that there was an error

Why do you need to sign in to settings? How? It's not even an option. You sign into Windows OS and that's it. Please educate me. What am I missing?

Click settings/ Windows Update and Security/click Activation on the left. It should say something like Windows is activated with a digital license linked to your Microsoft Account.

Yes, it came with my pre-built PC. I suppose using torrents as a download example wasn't a good idea on this forum, I didn't know what else to use as an example besides browser downloads & steam games though.

I go to settings, then click "sign in with a microsoft account instead" and it says "Something went wrong. Try again, or select cancel to set up your device later."

 

[JayG93]

Resetting your hosts file might help https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/972034/how-to-reset-the-hosts-file-back-to-the-default Windows 8.1 diections also apply to 10

Press Start/type internet options/ go there/when it's open click on LAN settings and make sure it is set to automatic.

Go to Network connections/right click your connection and click properties/ click on IPv4 and then click properties(make sure you don't unselect it) make sure it's set to automatic/do the same with IPv6 and do the same. Click OK to save any changes.

I just tried both of those options & nothing has changed. Although it might be worth mentioning that when I was resetting the host files, there was no file named "hosts", but when I pasted the "hosts" file I created, I was told that there was already a "hosts" file there & was asked if I wanted to replace it. I said yes. However, there was an old hosts file in the Back Up folder.

In your folder options(advanced settings) the option to show hidden files might not be checked.

You can use https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10 Download the tool and unpack it to a USB drive.

Make sure your version of 10 is tied to your MS account. http://www.windowscentral.com/how-link-your-windows-10-product-key-microsoft-account

I turned on the option to show hidden files & reset the hosts files with admin privileges this time, still no results.

I tried connecting my Windows 10 with my MS account, however when I try to sign in via settings, it says that there was an error. I've noticed that I can't access the Windows Store or Microsoft Edge as well. Is there any other way to check if 10 is tied to my account? I may have done it already awhile back.

https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_10-start/some-of-my-installed-programs-dont-appear-on-the/65d958f4-c427-4cf3-9e35-19df67222b38?auth=1/

https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_10-win_cortana/cant-open-edge-the-store-cortana-and-clicking-on/c9733879-41af-4004-b8b0-f5dd43fad147

Try disabling your Firewall.

Yep. I'd reset Windows. It sounds as if this internet issue is only the tip of a much bigger mess.

Disabling the firewall didn't help.

I'd like to, but I'm not sure if 10 is connected to my MS account though, is there a way to check if it is via browser? Since I can't sign into the OS with my MS account.

 

[aquielisunari]

Resetting your hosts file might help https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/972034/how-to-reset-the-hosts-file-back-to-the-default Windows 8.1 diections also apply to 10

Press Start/type internet options/ go there/when it's open click on LAN settings and make sure it is set to automatic.

Go to Network connections/right click your connection and click properties/ click on IPv4 and then click properties(make sure you don't unselect it) make sure it's set to automatic/do the same with IPv6 and do the same. Click OK to save any changes.

I just tried both of those options & nothing has changed. Although it might be worth mentioning that when I was resetting the host files, there was no file named "hosts", but when I pasted the "hosts" file I created, I was told that there was already a "hosts" file there & was asked if I wanted to replace it. I said yes. However, there was an old hosts file in the Back Up folder.

In your folder options(advanced settings) the option to show hidden files might not be checked.

You can use https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10 Download the tool and unpack it to a USB drive.

Make sure your version of 10 is tied to your MS account. http://www.windowscentral.com/how-link-your-windows-10-product-key-microsoft-account

I turned on the option to show hidden files & reset the hosts files with admin privileges this time, still no results.

I tried connecting my Windows 10 with my MS account, however when I try to sign in via settings, it says that there was an error. I've noticed that I can't access the Windows Store or Microsoft Edge as well. Is there any other way to check if 10 is tied to my account? I may have done it already awhile back.

Was WIn 8.1 legal?

YOu said

when I try to sign in via settings, it says that there was an error

Why do you need to sign in to settings? How? It's not even an option. You sign into Windows OS and that's it. Please educate me. What am I missing?

Click settings/ Windows Update and Security/click Activation on the left. It should say something like Windows is activated with a digital license linked to your Microsoft Account.

Yes, it came with my pre-built PC. I suppose using torrents as a download example wasn't a good idea on this forum, I didn't know what else to use as an example besides browser downloads & steam games though.

I go to settings, then click "sign in with a microsoft account instead" and it says "Something went wrong. Try again, or select cancel to set up your device later."

I'm not judging. It's just a possibility that needs to be addressed when there is an issue.

https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_10-security/unable-to-add-microsoft-account-to-pc-upgraded/06e2773c-91ee-41d8-8b30-2e78d86b4031

 

[JayG93]

Resetting your hosts file might help https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/972034/how-to-reset-the-hosts-file-back-to-the-default Windows 8.1 diections also apply to 10

Press Start/type internet options/ go there/when it's open click on LAN settings and make sure it is set to automatic.

Go to Network connections/right click your connection and click properties/ click on IPv4 and then click properties(make sure you don't unselect it) make sure it's set to automatic/do the same with IPv6 and do the same. Click OK to save any changes.

I just tried both of those options & nothing has changed. Although it might be worth mentioning that when I was resetting the host files, there was no file named "hosts", but when I pasted the "hosts" file I created, I was told that there was already a "hosts" file there & was asked if I wanted to replace it. I said yes. However, there was an old hosts file in the Back Up folder.

In your folder options(advanced settings) the option to show hidden files might not be checked.

You can use https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10 Download the tool and unpack it to a USB drive.

Make sure your version of 10 is tied to your MS account. http://www.windowscentral.com/how-link-your-windows-10-product-key-microsoft-account

I turned on the option to show hidden files & reset the hosts files with admin privileges this time, still no results.

I tried connecting my Windows 10 with my MS account, however when I try to sign in via settings, it says that there was an error. I've noticed that I can't access the Windows Store or Microsoft Edge as well. Is there any other way to check if 10 is tied to my account? I may have done it already awhile back.

Was WIn 8.1 legal?

YOu said

when I try to sign in via settings, it says that there was an error

Why do you need to sign in to settings? How? It's not even an option. You sign into Windows OS and that's it. Please educate me. What am I missing?

Click settings/ Windows Update and Security/click Activation on the left. It should say something like Windows is activated with a digital license linked to your Microsoft Account.

Yes, it came with my pre-built PC. I suppose using torrents as a download example wasn't a good idea on this forum, I didn't know what else to use as an example besides browser downloads & steam games though.

I go to settings, then click "sign in with a microsoft account instead" and it says "Something went wrong. Try again, or select cancel to set up your device later."

I'm not judging. It's just a possibility that needs to be addressed when there is an issue.

https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_10-security/unable-to-add-microsoft-account-to-pc-upgraded/06e2773c-91ee-41d8-8b30-2e78d86b4031

I've tried both of those methods & I still can't sign into the OS with my MS account.

 

[aquielisunari]

Resetting your hosts file might help https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/972034/how-to-reset-the-hosts-file-back-to-the-default Windows 8.1 diections also apply to 10

Press Start/type internet options/ go there/when it's open click on LAN settings and make sure it is set to automatic.

Go to Network connections/right click your connection and click properties/ click on IPv4 and then click properties(make sure you don't unselect it) make sure it's set to automatic/do the same with IPv6 and do the same. Click OK to save any changes.

I just tried both of those options & nothing has changed. Although it might be worth mentioning that when I was resetting the host files, there was no file named "hosts", but when I pasted the "hosts" file I created, I was told that there was already a "hosts" file there & was asked if I wanted to replace it. I said yes. However, there was an old hosts file in the Back Up folder.

In your folder options(advanced settings) the option to show hidden files might not be checked.

You can use https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10 Download the tool and unpack it to a USB drive.

Make sure your version of 10 is tied to your MS account. http://www.windowscentral.com/how-link-your-windows-10-product-key-microsoft-account

I turned on the option to show hidden files & reset the hosts files with admin privileges this time, still no results.

I tried connecting my Windows 10 with my MS account, however when I try to sign in via settings, it says that there was an error. I've noticed that I can't access the Windows Store or Microsoft Edge as well. Is there any other way to check if 10 is tied to my account? I may have done it already awhile back.

Was WIn 8.1 legal?

YOu said

when I try to sign in via settings, it says that there was an error

Why do you need to sign in to settings? How? It's not even an option. You sign into Windows OS and that's it. Please educate me. What am I missing?

Click settings/ Windows Update and Security/click Activation on the left. It should say something like Windows is activated with a digital license linked to your Microsoft Account.

Yes, it came with my pre-built PC. I suppose using torrents as a download example wasn't a good idea on this forum, I didn't know what else to use as an example besides browser downloads & steam games though.

I go to settings, then click "sign in with a microsoft account instead" and it says "Something went wrong. Try again, or select cancel to set up your device later."

I'm not judging. It's just a possibility that needs to be addressed when there is an issue.

https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_10-security/unable-to-add-microsoft-account-to-pc-upgraded/06e2773c-91ee-41d8-8b30-2e78d86b4031

I've tried both of those methods & I still can't sign into the OS with my MS account.

Can you go here https://account.microsoft.com/account?lang=en-gb and sign in?

You should see connected devices over there. I still see a reset as the best option. Do you know your serial key? It should be on a sticker on the case(usually on the back or side. https://www.piriform.com/speccy/download can tell you. From the summary page you click on Operating system and you will see the key.

 

[JayG93]

Resetting your hosts file might help https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/972034/how-to-reset-the-hosts-file-back-to-the-default Windows 8.1 diections also apply to 10

Press Start/type internet options/ go there/when it's open click on LAN settings and make sure it is set to automatic.

Go to Network connections/right click your connection and click properties/ click on IPv4 and then click properties(make sure you don't unselect it) make sure it's set to automatic/do the same with IPv6 and do the same. Click OK to save any changes.

I just tried both of those options & nothing has changed. Although it might be worth mentioning that when I was resetting the host files, there was no file named "hosts", but when I pasted the "hosts" file I created, I was told that there was already a "hosts" file there & was asked if I wanted to replace it. I said yes. However, there was an old hosts file in the Back Up folder.

In your folder options(advanced settings) the option to show hidden files might not be checked.

You can use https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10 Download the tool and unpack it to a USB drive.

Make sure your version of 10 is tied to your MS account. http://www.windowscentral.com/how-link-your-windows-10-product-key-microsoft-account

I turned on the option to show hidden files & reset the hosts files with admin privileges this time, still no results.

I tried connecting my Windows 10 with my MS account, however when I try to sign in via settings, it says that there was an error. I've noticed that I can't access the Windows Store or Microsoft Edge as well. Is there any other way to check if 10 is tied to my account? I may have done it already awhile back.

Was WIn 8.1 legal?

YOu said

when I try to sign in via settings, it says that there was an error

Why do you need to sign in to settings? How? It's not even an option. You sign into Windows OS and that's it. Please educate me. What am I missing?

Click settings/ Windows Update and Security/click Activation on the left. It should say something like Windows is activated with a digital license linked to your Microsoft Account.

Yes, it came with my pre-built PC. I suppose using torrents as a download example wasn't a good idea on this forum, I didn't know what else to use as an example besides browser downloads & steam games though.

I go to settings, then click "sign in with a microsoft account instead" and it says "Something went wrong. Try again, or select cancel to set up your device later."

I'm not judging. It's just a possibility that needs to be addressed when there is an issue.

https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_10-security/unable-to-add-microsoft-account-to-pc-upgraded/06e2773c-91ee-41d8-8b30-2e78d86b4031

I've tried both of those methods & I still can't sign into the OS with my MS account.

Can you go here https://account.microsoft.com/account?lang=en-gb and sign in?

You should see connected devices over there. I still see a reset as the best option. Do you know your serial key? It should be on a sticker on the case(usually on the back or side. https://www.piriform.com/speccy/download can tell you. From the summary page you click on Operating system and you will see the key.

Yes, I signed in & there aren't any connected devices.

I found the W10 serial number through speccy.

 

[Karadjgne]

Dunno if this has been answered yet, can't read posts with that many quotes attached (on mobile).
You say windows is fully updated, have you fully updated your lan drivers and other motherboard drivers? Windows updates have this really bad habit of changing default drivers based on timestamps, so current generic windows drivers are registering as better, overriding specific mobo drivers (windows thinks they are old and obsolete).
This has been enough of an issue that (from personal experience) MSI just released 2 new driver updates for my board, the Realtek HD audio drivers and the on board LAN drivers. Specifically for win10 updates. Oh, did I mention that release was for my Z77 that hasn't seen any support since the October 2013 bios?

 

[JayG93]

Dunno if this has been answered yet, can't read posts with that many quotes attached (on mobile).
You say windows is fully updated, have you fully updated your lan drivers and other motherboard drivers? Windows updates have this really bad habit of changing default drivers based on timestamps, so current generic windows drivers are registering as better, overriding specific mobo drivers (windows thinks they are old and obsolete).
This has been enough of an issue that (from personal experience) MSI just released 2 new driver updates for my board, the Realtek HD audio drivers and the on board LAN drivers. Specifically for win10 updates. Oh, did I mention that release was for my Z77 that hasn't seen any support since the October 2013 bios?

So where should I go to update my drivers then, Device Manager? Sorry, I'm not that tech savvy.

 

[aquielisunari]

Dunno if this has been answered yet, can't read posts with that many quotes attached (on mobile).
You say windows is fully updated, have you fully updated your lan drivers and other motherboard drivers? Windows updates have this really bad habit of changing default drivers based on timestamps, so current generic windows drivers are registering as better, overriding specific mobo drivers (windows thinks they are old and obsolete).
This has been enough of an issue that (from personal experience) MSI just released 2 new driver updates for my board, the Realtek HD audio drivers and the on board LAN drivers. Specifically for win10 updates. Oh, did I mention that release was for my Z77 that hasn't seen any support since the October 2013 bios?

So where should I go to update my drivers then, Device Manager? Sorry, I'm not that tech savvy.

You would find your device listed in device manager and go to your motherboard's website and access the support/driver section to download the latest drivers. You don't have to go to your device manager. It's just a step that helps you know what to look for when you visit your motherboard's website page. Some choose to go to the specific manufacturer such as Realtek's website. I prefer my motherboard's site.

That is such a simple possible fix. I should have mentioned it.