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Turning off TCP/IP auto-tuning is a method that some people have used for a while, with claims that it can make the internet work better, especially for online games and watching videos. But how well it works can change based on each person's network setup and conditions.
What is TCP/IP auto-tuning?
TCP/IP auto-tuning is a feature in Windows that automatically adjusts the TCP receive window size to optimize network performance. The receive window size decides how much data can be sent by the sender before the receiver has to send a confirmation back.
Disable TCP/IP auto-tuning: (Run cmd as administrator)
netsh int tcp set global autotuninglevel=disabled
To ensure the changes take effect, a PC restart is recommended.
Read also: IPv6: To Disable or Not? The Impact on Internet and Gaming Performance
Why disable auto-tuning?
Disabling auto-tuning can help in certain situations:
- Prevents over-optimization:Sometimes, auto-tuning over-optimizes the receive window size, which can cause packet loss and the need to resend information. Disabling auto-tuning can stop this from happening.
- Reduces latency: Auto-tuning can add additional latency while the system adjusts the receive window size. Disabling auto-tuning can reduce this delay and improve responsiveness.
- Improves performance on low-latency networks: On networks with low latency (e.g., fiber-optic connections), auto-tuning can actually decrease performance. Disabling auto-tuning can help improve performance in these cases.
- Fixes problems with some routers: Some routers have trouble with auto-tuning, which can lead to connection issues. Disabling auto-tuning can resolve these issues.
When to disable auto-tuning?
Disabling auto-tuning is not recommended for most users, as it can actually decrease performance in many cases. However, if you're experiencing issues with:
- Online gaming (e.g., lag, packet loss)
- Video streaming (e.g., buffering, stuttering)
- Low-latency networks (e.g., fiber-optic connections)
- Specific router issues
Turning off auto-tuning might be a good idea for some users who are having problems.
However, it's important to remember that turning off auto-tuning isn't a guaranteed fix and might not solve all issues. If problems continue, it may be necessary to look into other possible causes and solutions.
To go back to the original settings after disabling TCP/IP auto-tuning, just change the auto-tuning level back to its default value. Here’s how to do it:
Restore default auto-tuning level:
netsh int tcp set global autotuninglevel=normal
This command sets the auto-tuning level back to its default value, which is "normal".
Check current auto-tuning level:
To verify the current auto-tuning level, use the following command:
netsh int tcp show global
Reset TCP/IP stack to default:
To reset the entire TCP/IP stack to its default settings, use the following command:
netsh int ip reset
This command resets the TCP/IP stack to its default settings, which will also reset the auto-tuning level to its default value.
Note that resetting the TCP/IP stack will also reset other TCP/IP settings, so use this command with caution.
Source: AI