How to Change MTU Size in Windows 11
Changing the MTU (Maximum Transmission Unit) size in Windows 11 can help optimize your network performance. MTU size determines the maximum packet size that can be sent over your network. To change it, you’ll need to access the command prompt and use specific commands. Let’s walk through the steps to accomplish this.
How to Change MTU Size in Windows 11
Changing the MTU size can help resolve network issues like connectivity problems or slow speeds. Follow these steps to adjust the MTU size on your Windows 11 machine.
Step 1: Open Command Prompt with Admin Rights
First, right-click the Start button and select “Windows Terminal (Admin)”.
You need administrative rights to change system settings, so make sure to select the option that grants you these permissions. A User Account Control (UAC) prompt may appear; click “Yes” to continue.
Step 2: Check Current MTU Size
Type netsh interface ipv4 show subinterfaces and press Enter.
This command will display a list of network interfaces along with their current MTU sizes. Make note of the interface name whose MTU you want to change.
Step 3: Change the MTU Size
Type netsh interface ipv4 set subinterface "Your_Interface_Name" mtu=New_MTU_Size store=persistent and press Enter.
Replace "Your_Interface_Name" with the actual name of your network interface, and "New_MTU_Size" with the desired MTU value. This command will set a new MTU size for the specified interface.
Step 4: Verify the Change
Type netsh interface ipv4 show subinterfaces again and press Enter.
This step ensures that the MTU size has been successfully changed. Compare the new MTU size with the old one to confirm the update.
Step 5: Restart Your Computer
Finally, restart your computer to apply the changes.
Rebooting ensures that all network services recognize the updated MTU size. After restarting, your network should operate with the new settings.
After completing these steps, your network interface will use the new MTU size you specified. This change can enhance your network performance, especially if you were experiencing connectivity issues or slow speeds.
Tips for Changing MTU Size in Windows 11
- Check Default MTU Size: Before making changes, always check the current MTU settings.
- Use Safe Values: Common MTU sizes are 1500 (Ethernet) and 1492 (PPPoE). Use these as safe defaults.
- Test Network Performance: After changing the MTU size, test your network to see if performance has improved.
- Backup Settings: Note down the original MTU size in case you need to revert to it.
- Consult Documentation: Refer to your router or ISP documentation for recommended MTU sizes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is MTU?
MTU stands for Maximum Transmission Unit and it defines the largest packet size that can be sent over a network interface.
Why should I change the MTU size?
Changing the MTU size can resolve network issues, improve speed, and optimize performance.
What’s a good MTU size for Ethernet?
The standard MTU size for Ethernet is 1500 bytes.
How do I revert to the original MTU size?
You can revert to the original MTU size by re-running the netsh command with the original MTU value.
Does changing MTU size affect all devices on the network?
No, changing MTU size only affects the specific device where the change was made.
Summary
- Open Command Prompt with Admin Rights.
- Check Current MTU Size.
- Change the MTU Size.
- Verify the Change.
- Restart Your Computer.
Conclusion
Changing the MTU size in Windows 11 can seem like a daunting task, but it’s actually quite straightforward once you know the steps. By adjusting the MTU size, you can potentially resolve network issues and boost your connection speed. Always remember to check your current settings and make a note of them before making any changes. This way, you can easily revert if needed.
For anyone facing chronic network issues, tweaking the MTU size might just be the solution you need. But remember, the MTU size isn’t a one-size-fits-all setting. Some trial and error might be necessary to find the perfect value for your specific network. If you’re unsure, it’s always a good idea to consult your ISP or network administrator for advice.
Happy networking!
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.