I've recently switched to Linux, specifically Garuda, about a month and a half ago after using Ubuntu and Cachy. While my download speeds on Windows consistently reached up to 120 Mbps, on Linux, I'm only getting around 5 Mbps, even on Steam. I've tried performing speed tests through various browsers, the terminal, and even other programs, but the speed remains frustratingly slow. I've looked online for solutions, but nothing seems to work. Has anyone experienced this and can offer some advice?
5 Answers
It might be worth checking the specific networking card or chipset you're using. Sometimes there are known driver issues. You could look up your hardware to see if others have the same problem and what solutions they've found.
It could be an issue with your network card driver. Reinstalling it may help set things right. It's worth a shot!
Have you checked the drivers for your motherboard and LAN connection? Sometimes reinstalling or updating them can clear up speed issues.
Are you using systemd-resolved for DNS? Check that by running `systemctl status systemd-resolved`. If it's enabled, that could be part of your problem. Here’s a quick fix: You can edit your DNS settings in the configuration file by running `sudo nano /etc/systemd/resolved.conf`, adjusting the DNS entries, then saving and restarting the resolved service. Just a heads up, though, I’ve heard some say this might not directly improve download speeds, just the initial domain lookups.
Just to add, while adjusting DNS can help with lookups, it usually doesn’t affect overall download speeds.
I wouldn’t rely on that fix for speed issues. It sounds more like a separate concern than your actual download speeds.
Try restarting all your network gear—like your modem and router. If that doesn't improve your speeds, you might need to find the right firmware for your network adapter.

Yeah, that's what I would recommend too! If you can swap to an Ethernet connection temporarily, that might help you rule out whether the issue is related to Wi-Fi.