Windows 11, Microsoft’s latest operating system, boasts a sleek and modern interface alongwith various performance improvements. However, some users have reported experiencing slow file transfer speeds, which can be frustrating and impact productivity.
This article discusses the cause of slow file transfer speed on Windows 11 and a few methods to help you fix the issue.
Also read: Why are the USB ports not working on Windows 11? Quick Fix
What causes this issue?
Users who switched to Windows 11 have been frustrated by sluggish file transfers. The root of the problem lies in the Server Message Block (SMB) protocol, a technology that facilitates file sharing and communication among computers on a network. This protocol is the go-to for programs to open, read, write, and seek assistance from other computers online.
The trouble began with a Windows 11 2022 update that impacted file transfers through SMB. Suddenly, copying large files from a remote computer to a Windows 11 system or even within a local drive became noticeably slower than the usual speed. Microsoft has provided insights into this issue through an advisory addressing OS Build 22621.1344.
Fix for the issue
Fortunately, there is a fix for this issue. It’s included in the KB5022913 update for February 2023. This update became available on February 28, 2023. Importantly, it’s an optional fix and doesn’t come bundled with any security updates. Users can download and install it from their Windows Update settings manually.
To update Windows 11, go to Settings > Windows Update and click the Check for Updates button on the right side of the screen.

Also read: How to shut down Windows 11?
Other fixes
Here are some other common fixes that will help you increase the file transfer speed:
Change USB Port
Today’s computers come equipped with different types of USB ports. If your USB drive is compatible with USB 3.0/3.1, connect it to a USB 3.0/3.1 port. You can typically identify a USB 3 port by its blue colour or consult your computer’s documentation for guidance. Shifting to these ports can significantly enhance copying speeds, making it a crucial first step to consider when aiming to speed up the entire copying or moving process.
Update USB drivers
Step 1: Press the Windows+X and tap on the Device Manager option in the dropdown menu.

Step 2: Double-click on the Universal Serial Bus controllers category to expand it. Right-click on the driver and then click on the Update driver option in the menu.

Step 3: Click on Search automatically for drivers or if you have drivers available on your PC, you can click on Browse my computer for drivers option.

Disable Windows Auto tuning
If you want to move files across the network, the auto-tuning feature can enhance the performance of programs that receive TCP data over the network, making your transfer process more effective. However, disabling this feature might boost the transfer speed in certain situations. Here is how to do that:
Step 1: In Windows Search, type CMD and click on the Run as administrator.

Step 2: Type the command netsh int tcp set global autotuninglevel=disabled and hit the Enter button
Convert file format to NTFS
USB drives usually come formatted with FAT32 by default, and this can result in slower performance. It’s advisable to upgrade to the latest NTFS format for better speed. Here’s how you can do it.
Step 1: In Windows Search, type CMD and click on the Run as administrator.

Step 2: Type the command convert F:/fs:ntfs (replace the F alphabet with your drive letter).
Let the process, transfer files and check the speed.
Also read: How to change file type in Windows 11?