Wireless speed dropped

[Uperson98]

A speedtest on my wife's desktop resulted in 2 mbs (we're supposed to get 12). A speedtest on my laptop got 12 and connecting the desktop with an Ethernet cable got 12. A week ago she did multiple game updates over wireless which downloaded much faster than 2 mbs. So, there seems to be something wrong with her desktop's wireless receiver that only recently started. Is there any way to check, analyse, or fix problems with it or do we need to bring it in to someplace like Geek Squad?

 

[Ralston18]

USB wireless adapter or PCIx wireless adapter? If USB wireless adapter try using a USB extension cable to raise the USB adapter up and about.

Also take note of how warm it feels before use and if it gets hot - you will be able to tell. I have had a couple of adapters get "hot" and cause problems.

If PCIx wireless adapter check the antenna connections and card seating. All should be snug and secure.

First check the wireless adapter's configuration settings - may be corrupted or fell back to some default values that do not play well with your router and network.

Second, download and reinstall the applicable wireless adapter drivers from the manufacturer's website.

Then (if and as necessary) start her desktop and open Task Manager. Watch for awhile to see what all is running and what resources are being consumed. Then connect wirelessly an do a download. See what changes: Some resource, process, service or application may jump in some %.

Resource Monitor and Performance Monitor can be likewise used to identify a problem or narrow down to a possible culprit.

My overall thought is that one of the game updates, having since been installed, is now mis-behaving in some manner.