I'm trying to transfer files from my old Macbook Air to my PC, but the transfer speed is really low—like under 20 Mbps. I don't know much about networking, but I got them connected. Since it's a local transfer, I assume this isn't related to internet speeds. Where should I start troubleshooting this issue? Any tips would be greatly appreciated!
4 Answers
Honestly, using a USB memory stick could save you a lot of trouble! It might be faster than transferring files over WiFi, especially since you're transferring between external drives. Just be sure they're formatted correctly for your systems.
It sounds like your old Macbook might be using Wireless G technology, which only supports up to about 54 Mbps under perfect conditions, but in reality, you're likely to see even lower speeds due to distance from the router or interference. It's not linked to your internet speed since this is a local transfer. Try moving both devices closer to your router to see if that helps. Remember, they usually don't communicate directly unless you set up a special type of network, and that can be pretty complex for beginners!
First off, are you sure it's 20 Mbps or 20 MBps? The capitalization really matters here. If it’s Mbps, that's on the slow side for most home networks. If it’s MBps, it’s not stellar either, especially if you're dealing with a poor WiFi connection or network congestion. Make sure you're getting the right reading before diving into solutions.
If you're transferring a lot of small files, the process can take much longer than transferring a few large ones. I recommend zipping the files into larger archives; that should help boost your transfer speed!
Good point! I actually am transferring files between external drives, but they're not formatted right. I'll see if I can sort that out!