Ron Schenone

Windows XP Pro – Increase Performance For Broadband

Posted by on Dec 15, 2006 | 11 Comments

If you are using Windows XP Pro (Sorry Home & Media Center Users), you can use this trick to increase your performance if you are using a DSL or cable connection. Seems like Windows XP Pro hoards 20% for itself and you can disable this feature permanently for better performance.

Make sure you Log on as Administrator, not as a user with Administrator privileges.

  • Start-> Run-> type gpedit.msc

  • You will see [Local Computer Policy]
  • Expand the [Administrative Templates] branch
  • Expand the [Network] branch
  • Highlight [QoS Packet Scheduler]
  • Double-click [Limit Reservable Bandwidth]
  • Check [Enabled]
  • Change [Bandwidth limit %] to 0 %
  • Click [Apply] [OK]
  • Restart (Reboot)

Effect is immediate.

Thank you, The Shadow, for passing on this tip in the KRC Forum.

Side Note: As with any Windows change, use at your own risk.

[tags]Windows XP Pro, performance, broadband, edit, disable[/tags]

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  • http://yashvin.rikonplus.com/blog/ Yashvin

    thnks !
    now we will see if there’s any difference after the reboot :)

  • Joris

    If there aren’t any QoS aware programs using the internet (like windows update), other applications can freely use this “20%”.

    So you wont notice a difference most of the time.

  • RSchewe

    Beware of this tweak if you are using VOIP. This may affect the quality of VOIP calls if QOS is not preserved on your network.

    From what I understand this QOS feature prioritizes certain packets to ensure an uninterrupted flow of data to important applications or devices. In other words it allows a dedicated lane, so to speak, for something like a VOIP call.

    While this tweak may indeed help bandwidth, just be advised that there may be a side effect to changing this setting.

  • http://www.lash-69.com LaSh

    Thanks the tip :)

  • SwE

    WHY?? is this not possible on Win XP Home ??

    It must be… but some other way i belive… or?

  • http://wp3.lockergnome.com/nexus/blade/ Ron Schenone

    SwE,
    Pro has advanced networking features that were not included in Home. I haven’t seen Home tweaks, but maybe someone may comment with additional information.

  • Rudra

    Thats Good. My broad band Speed is Increased .
    Thanks for the Tweak.

  • http://wp3.lockergnome.com/nexus/blade/ Ron Schenone

    Hello Rudra,
    Thanks for your comment and I am glad it worked.
    Ron

  • Larry Miller

    THIS IS INCORRECT

    Windows XP does not reserve any portion of bandwidth for any reason. However, an application may request priority bandwidth. Even if this occurs there will be no bandwidth reduction unless the application is actively using it. Any portion of “reserved” bandwidth that is not used will be available to other applications.

    References:
    http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=KB;EN-US;Q316666

  • http://wp3.lockergnome.com/nexus/blade/ Ron Schenone

    Hi Larry,
    Thanks for the link.

    It is appreciated.

    Regards, Ron