File Transfer Speed Very Slow or Drops to Zero in Windows 11

File transfer speed is important for many tasks, such as moving large files, creating backups, or sharing data with others. However, Windows 11 users may encounter slow transfer speeds or even see the speed suddenly drop to zero. In this article, we’ll explore the factors that cause slow file transfer speeds and provide possible solutions to fix these problems.

Also see: Windows 11 File Explorer Search is Too Slow

Performing too many transfers simultaneously

One possible reason for slow transfer speeds is an attempt to perform too many transfers (copying or moving) simultaneously from or to a specific HDD or SSD. When multiple transfers occur concurrently, it can lead to the following issues:

• Limited bandwidth: Storage devices have a maximum data transfer rate, known as bandwidth. When you perform multiple transfers simultaneously, this bandwidth is divided among the ongoing transfers, causing a decrease in the transfer speed of individual files.
• Increased latency: Simultaneous transfers can cause your storage device to become busier, as it has to manage multiple read and write operations. This increased activity can cause the read/write heads of an HDD to move back and forth between different parts of the disk or an SSD to handle a higher volume of data requests. Consequently, latency increases, ultimately slowing down the transfer process.

To improve transfer speeds in these situations, consider the following recommendations:

• Limit the number of concurrent transfers by prioritizing and scheduling them one after another. By focusing on fewer transfers at a time, you can allocate more bandwidth to each transfer, thereby improving the transfer speed.
• Use a more powerful storage device with faster read/write speeds, such as an SSD instead of an HDD. The increased performance of an SSD can help minimize the impact of simultaneous transfers.

Related issue: “A Disk Read Error Occurred” Windows 11/10 (SSD or HDD)

Transferring too many small files

Transferring a large number of small files can lead to slow transfer speeds. When dealing with numerous small files, the overhead associated with each file transfer becomes significant. This overhead includes file access, permissions, and metadata updates, which can cause delays during the transfer process.

To mitigate this issue, try the following:

• Transfer files in smaller chunks or batches, rather than attempting to move all files at once. By reducing the number of simultaneous transfers, you can allocate more resources to each transfer, improving overall transfer speed.
• Compress the files into a single archive (e.g., using ZIP or RAR) before transferring. This method reduces the number of individual transfers, decreasing the overhead associated with each transfer. After the transfer is complete, decompress the archive to access the files.

Pro tip: How to Split a File Into Multiple Files in Windows 11

Disk issues

If the transfer speed drops to zero for an extended period, and the disk stops responding afterward, it could indicate a problem with the HDD or SSD. Some potential disk issues include:

• Disk errors: File system errors or corrupted sectors can cause slowdowns or interruptions during transfers. Running the built-in Windows disk error checking tool (chkdsk) can help identify and fix these issues. To run chkdsk, open a Command Prompt with administrative privileges and enter chkdsk /f X:, replacing “X” with the drive letter of the affected disk.
• Fragmentation: Over time, file fragmentation can cause the read/write head of an HDD to move excessively, resulting in slower transfer speeds. Fragmentation is not an issue for SSDs due to their different storage mechanism. To defragment your HDD, use the built-in Windows defragmentation tool called “Optimize Drives.”
• Bad sectors: Bad sectors on an HDD can significantly impact transfer speeds. Consider running a disk diagnostic tool, such as “CrystalDiskInfo” or “HDDScan,” to identify bad sectors. If your HDD has a high number of bad sectors, consider replacing it with a new HDD or upgrading to an SSD.
• Hardware issues: Faulty hardware components, such as a failing HDD or SSD, can also cause slow transfer speeds. If you suspect a hardware issue, consult a professional technician for diagnosis and repair. Regularly monitoring the health of your storage devices using diagnostic tools can help identify potential issues before they result in data loss or significant performance degradation.

Learn more: Partition New, Existing or External SSD in Windows 11/10

USB-related factors

When transferring files from an external drive using a USB connection, consider the following factors:

• USB port: Different USB ports on your computer may offer varying performance levels. Some ports may be older versions or share bandwidth with other devices, affecting transfer speeds. Try using a different USB port to see if it improves transfer speeds.
• USB version: USB 3.0 (and later versions) offer significantly faster transfer speeds than USB 2.0. Ensure that both your external drive and computer support USB 3.0 or higher, and use the appropriate cables to take advantage of the increased speed. Keep in mind that using a USB 3.0 cable with a USB 2.0 port or device will not yield the faster transfer speeds of USB 3.0.

Outdated drivers

Outdated drivers for your storage device or USB interface can negatively impact transfer speeds. Compatibility issues or suboptimal performance may arise if drivers are not up-to-date. To address this issue:

• Check the manufacturer’s website for the latest drivers and install them as needed. This process ensures that your devices have the most recent improvements and bug fixes.
• Use Windows Update to keep your system and device drivers current. Windows Update automatically checks for updates to your installed drivers and provides a simple way to install them.

Network-related issues

When transferring files over a network, factors such as network congestion, interference, or poor signal quality can affect transfer speeds. To address these issues, consider the following:

• Use wired connections (Ethernet) instead of wireless (Wi-Fi) when possible. Wired connections generally offer more stable and faster transfer speeds compared to wireless connections.
• Upgrade to a faster network standard, such as Gigabit Ethernet or Wi-Fi 6. These newer technologies provide increased bandwidth and reduced latency, improving transfer speeds. Similar issue: Ethernet Internet Speed Capped at 100 Mbps (Fix).
• Check your router settings for any configuration issues or firmware updates. An outdated firmware or improper configuration can negatively impact network performance.
• Ensure that both the sending and receiving devices have optimal network configurations. This process may include enabling jumbo frames, optimizing TCP/IP settings, or adjusting other network-related parameters.

Useful resource: Change Ethernet from 100Mbps to 1Gbps in Windows 11/10

Antivirus software interference

Some antivirus programs may scan files during transfers, resulting in slower transfer speeds. To mitigate this issue:

• Temporarily disable the antivirus software during the file transfer. This action allows the transfer to proceed without interference from the antivirus program.
• Add an exception for the specific file transfer within your antivirus program. By doing so, you instruct the antivirus software to ignore the transfer, preventing it from impacting transfer speeds.
• Remember to re-enable the antivirus software once the transfer is complete. Keeping your antivirus software active is essential for maintaining the security of your system.

Insufficient system resources

A lack of system resources, such as CPU, RAM, or disk space, can also cause slow file transfers. In these situations:

• Close unnecessary programs and processes to free up resources. By reducing the load on your system, you can allocate more resources to the file transfer, improving performance.
• Upgrade your hardware, such as adding more RAM or replacing your storage device with a faster one. Improved hardware can help alleviate resource bottlenecks and boost transfer speeds.
• Monitor system resource usage using Task Manager or other performance monitoring tools. Regularly tracking resource usage can help identify areas where improvements can be made, ensuring optimal performance during file transfers.

Handy hint: How to Know Which App is Using The Internet in Windows 11

Power management settings

Aggressive power management settings in Windows can sometimes throttle transfer speeds to save energy. To optimize transfer speeds, adjust your power management settings:

• Go to the Power & Sleep settings in Windows 11.
• Change your power plan to “High performance” or customize the settings to prevent power-saving features from affecting transfer speeds.
• Ensure that USB selective suspend is disabled, as it can slow down transfers to external drives by putting the USB port into a low-power state.

File system limitations

The file system used on your storage device can also impact file transfer speeds. Different file systems have various features, limitations, and performance characteristics. For example, FAT32 has a file size limit of 4 GB, while NTFS and exFAT can handle much larger files.

Consider the following when choosing a file system:

• Use a modern file system like NTFS or exFAT for improved performance and compatibility with larger files.
• Format your external storage devices with a file system that is compatible with the devices you plan to use them with (e.g., Windows, macOS, or Linux).

Recommended guide: How to Merge Two Drives in Windows 11

Using Third-Party Software

Another solution to fix slow file transfer speeds in Windows 11 is to use third-party software specifically designed to optimize file transfers. These applications often provide additional features and improved performance compared to the built-in file transfer functionality in Windows.

Some popular third-party file transfer software options include:

• TeraCopy: TeraCopy is designed to copy and move files at the maximum possible speed, providing an improved user interface and additional features like error recovery and verification.
• FastCopy: FastCopy is an open-source file transfer utility that offers customizable buffer sizes, advanced filtering options, and the ability to handle long file paths.

Before using third-party software, ensure that it is from a reputable source and compatible with Windows 11. By using these specialized tools, you can further enhance your file transfer experience and overcome the limitations of the built-in Windows file transfer functionality.

Wrap-up

In conclusion, slow file transfer speed or sudden speed drops to zero issue in Windows 11 can be caused by various factors related to hardware, software, or network problems. To fix slow transfer speeds, it’s important to understand these factors and how they affect your file transfers.

Also, having good habits for managing your files can help improve file transfer speeds and keep your computer running smoothly. This includes organizing files in a clear way and doing regular maintenance tasks like running CHKDSK and defragmenting your drives.