How to Fix Slow File Transfer in Windows 11? ⚒️

Sherly updated on Aug 01, 2024 to PC Transfer | How-to Articles

Feeling frustrated with slow file transfer Windows 11? Discover the right solutions in this article and learn how to boost your transfer rates effectively.

  1. Use EaseUS Todo PCTran - Batch File Transfer [Faster]
  2. How to Fix Slow File Transfer in Windows 11?

File transfer tasks can take a few seconds to several hours, depending on the size of the files and the speed of your computer. But what if your file transfer speed on Windows 11 is slower than usual?

Sometimes, even a perfectly functioning computer can take a long time to transfer files. So, what's holding up the process? Common causes of slow file transfer speeds include:

  • Disk fragmentation can cause files to become scattered across your hard drive.
  • Outdated USB drivers can slow down data transfer.
  • Interference from antivirus software can scan files for malware during transfer.
  • Accumulated temporary files can clog up your system.
  • Enabled features like RDC, Drive Indexing, or Large Send Offload can consume system resources.

If you're dealing with slow file transfers in Windows 11, this post from EaseUS has the solutions you need. For frequent transfers, consider using a free and safe tool like EaseUS Todo PCTrans to move heavy files and entire hard drives quickly.

Use EaseUS Todo PCTran

No more slow transfer wastes your time. EaseUS Todo PCTrans offers fast transfer speed. This powerful tool allows you to migrate files between drives or computers quickly. Another great feature of this tool is its ability to transfer applications and user accounts from your old PC to a new one, including the ability to move programs and software to another hard drive, SSD, or external disk without needing to reinstall them.

Key Features:

  • Fast Transfer Speed
  • No File Size Limit
  • User-Friendly Interface
  • Perfect Compatibility

Follow the steps:

Step 1. Create a backup file of the source hard drive

Launch EaseUS Todo PCTrans on your Windows computer. Navigate to the "Backup & Restore" mode and click "Start".

Hover your mouse over "Data Backup", and click "Next". Later, confirm the default settings of the file name and file path, or you can customize the settings on your own.

Now select the items you want to transfer to the other hard drive. EaseUS Todo PCTrans allows users to create backup files of multiple file types, including applications, personal data, and user accounts. To transfer files from one drive to another, deselect the "Applications" and "Accounts", hover your mouse over "Files", and click "Edit".

This is where you need to select files on the source drive. Expand the drive so you can selectively choose desired files, after then click "Finish". In the end, click "Backup". Wait for the process completes. 

Step 2. Restore the file to the destination drive

Launch EaseUS Todo PCTrans and follow the same way to reach the step of selecting a transfer method. This time choose "Data Restore" and click "Next".

Choose the existing backup file presenting on the interface, or navigate to the exact file path where the backup file is, click "Restore".

You're back to the "Files", click "Edit" to get in. The backup file is viewable here. You need to click the pencil icon to set the target location, which is the other hard drive, and submit the change. After the basic settings, click "Finish" and finally "Restore". Wait patiently until the transfer process is over. 

Try EaseUS Todo PCTrans to perform data transfer tasks quickly. Download it right now!

How to Fix Slow File Transfer in Windows 11?

Try the solutions below based on your situation. Windows 11 may experience slow transfer speeds for various reasons, and understanding the specific cause will help you apply the appropriate solution.

Fix 1. Disable RDC

Enabling Remote Differential Compression (RDC) could potentially reduce both local and network transfer speeds. If you've activated this feature and notice slower file transfers, disabling it might help.

Follow the steps:

Step 1. Type "windows features" in the Windows bar and click the "Turn Windows features on or off".

Step 2. Locate the "Remote Differential Compression API Support" feature and uncheck the box next to it. Click "OK" to save the changes.

Step 3. Restart your computer to apply the changes and see if your file transfer speeds have improved.

Do not forget to share these fixes to help speed up file transfer in Windows 11.

 

Fix 2. Check the USB Port & Update the Drivers

When transferring files to or from a USB flash drive or external hard drive, maximize your transfer speed by connecting your device to a compatible port that matches its speed capabilities (such as USB 3.0 or 3.1). Additionally, outdated drivers can significantly slow down file transfer. To optimize your transfer speed, consider updating your Universal Serial Bus Controller drivers through the Device Manager.

Follow the steps:

Step 1. Open Device Manager.

Step 2. Expand Universal Serial Bus controllers.

Step 3. Right-click on your USB driver and select Update driver.

Step 4. Choose Search automatically for drivers.

This fix also works when you encounter a slow file transfer on Windows 10.

Fix 3. Disable Real-Time Protection

During the transfer process, antivirus programs scan files for malware, consuming system resources and potentially causing delays. To make file transfer faster, temporarily disable real-time protection until the transfer is complete.

Follow the steps:

Step 1. Open the Windows Settings app by pressing Win + I.

Step 2. Navigate to the "Update & Security" section and click on "Windows Security".

Step 3. Select "Virus & threat protection" and click on "Manage settings."

Step 4. Toggle off "Real-time protection" to disable it.

Fix 4. Run Disk Cleanup

Accumulated temporary files can slow down the performance of different system services. Deleting temporary files frees up space. It also improves system performance and boosts file transfer speeds.

Follow the steps:

Step 1. Open the Windows search bar and type "disk cleanup" (without quotes). Press Enter to launch the Disk Cleanup tool.

Step 2. Select the drive you want to clean up from the drop-down menu. Click "OK" to proceed.

Step 3. Check the boxes to choose which temporary files to delete. Click "OK" to start the cleanup process.

Share this article to help more users who are trying to solve the slow transfer speed on Windows 11.

 

Fix 5. Enable Auto Defragmentation Services

The Optimize Drives service speeds up data transfers between drives. It does this by reorganizing and regrouping data. This is particularly useful for those upgrading from Windows 7 to Windows 10. Here's how to enable auto-defragmentation services:

Step 1. Press Win+R keys to open the Run dialog box.

Step 2. Type "services.msc" and press the Enter button to launch the Services Manager.

Step 3. Locate the "Optimize Drives" service, right-click it, and select "Properties."

Step 4. In the Properties window, set the "Startup type" to "Automatic" and click "Start" under "Service status".

Step 5. Click "Apply" and then "OK".

Fix 6. Disable Large Send Offload

LSO is designed to improve network performance. However, it can slow down data transfers by allowing apps to utilize too much bandwidth. Disabling LSO may help resolve this issue.

Follow the steps:

Step 1. Open Device Manager. Simply search for it in the taskbar and click on it.

Step 2. Click greater than sign > to expand the Network Adapters section.

Step 3. Right-click your network adapter and select Properties.

Step 4. Go to the Advanced tab, locate the Large Send Offload V2 settings (both IPv4 and IPv6), and set them to Disabled. Confirm the changes by clicking OK.

Fix 7. Disable Drive Indexing

Drive Indexing is a useful tool designed to speed up file access on your computer. However, if this feature is used during data transfer, it can slow the process. To avoid this, consider turning off Drive Indexing. Do this during data transfer. It will ensure a smoother and faster process.

Follow the steps:

Step 1. Open File Explorer and right-click the drive you're transferring files to or from. Select Properties.

Step 2. In the Properties window, uncheck the box labeled "Allow files on this drive to have contents indexed in addition to file properties." Click Apply and then click OK.

Step 3. Restart your computer to apply the changes.

Fix 8. Change the Limit Reservable Bandwidth

Microsoft's default setting can limit network bandwidth by up to 80% to prioritize system activities. This restriction can impact network performance during large file transfers, causing slow transfer speeds in Windows. You can adjust or disable this setting by following these steps:

Step 1. Launch the Run dialog box by pressing Windows + R. Type "gpedit.msc" and press Enter to navigate to the Group Policy Editor.

Step 2. Navigate to the path below: Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Network > QoS Packet Scheduler.

Step 3. In the QoS Packet Scheduler section, locate and double-click "Limit Reservable Bandwidth" in the right-hand list.

Step 4. In the pop-up window, select "Enabled" and adjust the default bandwidth limit value to a lower percentage or even zero.

 

Conclusion

There are many ways to fix slow transfer speeds on Windows 11. Disable RDC and Large Send Offload to increase file transfer speeds. You can also speed things up by updating drivers and cleaning up temporary files.

For a more efficient and hassle-free solution to slow file transfer, consider using EaseUS Todo PCTrans. This tool speeds up file transfers. It also lets you move applications and user accounts between drives or computers. You can do this without reinstalling. Try EaseUS Todo PCTrans to experience faster, safer, and more reliable data transfers.

Windows 11 Slow File Transfer FAQs

Do you have more queries about Windows 11 slow file transfer speed? Check out the FAQs below!

1. Why is file copy slow in Windows 11?

Disk fragmentation, outdated USB drivers, interference from antivirus software, and a buildup of temporary files can all slow down copy or transfer speeds in Windows 11.

2. Why does it take so long to transfer files between hard drives?

If you're transferring large files or a large number of files, this can slow down the process. Also, disk fragmentation, slow hard drive speeds, and outdated drivers can cause issues with transfer speed on Windows 11.

3. How do you transfer files faster in Windows 11?

Updating drivers, and disabling features like RDC and Large Send Offload can make the process faster. Also, cleaning up temp files is key. These steps can make file transfers faster in Windows 11. Alternatively, a specialized transfer tool like EaseUS Todo PCTrans can speed up the process.