Ethernet to USB Adapter only gets 300 Mbps, not my full 1GB plan

[BarryPG1]

I tried using a USB-C to ethernet adapter with a Cat 7 ethernet cable and also another USB-A to ethernet adapter with the same cable plugged into our wall ethernet port.

Neither adapter gets internet speeds over 300 Mbps and I have a 1 Gig plan. I tested the Cat 7 cable plugged  nto the ethernet port of a desktop computer and I get a full gig. And I tested these adapters with another laptop and I get a full GB.

I have an HP 15ef1072nr laptop with no ethernet port.  I checked the Ethernet settings and it reads 1000/1000. But, when I run internet speed tests, I never get more than about 300 Mbps. In fact, sometimes I get faster internet speeds using Wi-Fi.

Any troubleshooting suggestions or settings I can change?

[Hawks_Eye]

Hi @BarryPG1 

Welcome to the HP Support Community!

Thanks for posting your query! We're here to help you get back up and running.

It’s frustrating when your wired connection isn’t delivering the speeds you expect, especially when other devices are getting the full gigabit! Since your HP 15ef1072nr laptop recognizes the 1000/1000 Ethernet settings but maxes out at 300 Mbps, here are some troubleshooting steps to try:

1. Check USB Port Speeds

• Some USB ports may limit bandwidth.
• Try plugging the USB-C adapter into a different USB-C port (if available).
• If using a USB-A adapter, ensure it’s connected to a USB 3.0 port (usually blue inside).

2. Update Network & USB Drivers

• Open Device Manager (Win + X → **Device Manager`).
• Expand Network Adapters → Right-click your USB Ethernet adapter → Update driver → Search automatically.
• Expand Universal Serial Bus controllers → Update any USB-related drivers.

3. Disable Power-Saving Mode for USB

• Open Device Manager → Expand Universal Serial Bus controllers.
• Right-click each USB Root Hub → Properties → Power Management tab.
• Uncheck Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power.

4. Adjust Ethernet Adapter Settings

• Open Control Panel → Network and Sharing Center → Change adapter settings.
• Right-click your Ethernet adapter → Properties → Configure.
• Go to the Advanced tab and check:
  • Speed & Duplex → Set to 1.0 Gbps Full Duplex.
  • Energy-Efficient Ethernet → Disable it.

5. Test with a Different Adapter

• Some USB-to-Ethernet adapters have chipset limitations that affect speed.
• If possible, try a different brand/model adapter to see if speeds improve.

6. Compare Speed Tests

• Run speed tests using different servers (e.g., Fast.com vs. Speedtest.net).
• Test speeds with and without VPN (if applicable).

If none of these steps work, let me know what happens at each stage, and I’ll help troubleshoot further!

If my response helped, please mark it as an Accepted Solution! ✅ It helps others and spreads support. 💙 Also, tapping "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?" makes a big difference! Thanks! 😊

Take care, and have an amazing day!

Regards, 

Hawks_Eye