Fortnite'sChapter 2 Season 7 is getting ready to release this week, bringing a sizeable new update for the game. The update marks a shift away from Season 6's 'Primal' theme, bringing the game into the future with alien/intergalactic content.
However, as with many games in this generation, these new updates can be pretty large, and will often take hours to download depending on your internet speed.
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If the download seems to take ages, read on for our tips on how to improve your slow download speeds.
How to fix my Fortnite slow download speed?
If your console or PC is taking too long to download the latest Fortnite Season 7 update, here are some things you can try:
Close all your games and other applications
Playing other games or using apps like streaming services is a surefire way to slow down the update. While it's tempting to load up Warzoneor Netflix while waiting for your Fortnite update to install, it will make the wait longer.
If these applications require the internet to use, then they likely will get bandwidth priority over the Fortnite update. Shutting these down will give priority to the update and should help increase the download speed.
Put your console into Rest Mode
When your console is turned on, it will constantly be using bandwidth to check for new messages, friend requests, and online notifications that get priority over updates.
If you put your console into Rest Mode, turn on automatic downloads or select 'Stay Connected to the Internet', the Fortnite update should download much faster.
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Move your console closer to your WiFi router or use an ethernet cable
Using a wired connection is the best way to increase your download speeds for the Fortnite update.
Ethernet cables use a direct connection to your router to ensure any connection issues stemming from the distance between your console and the router do not affect your internet stability.
If you don't have an ethernet cable on hand, even just moving your console or setup closer to your WiFi router temporarily should help to quash any stability issues that may be causing a slow download.
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Avoid downloading the update at peak times
This may be hard for those Fortnite fans who want to play immediately, but scheduling your update so it downloads when fewer people are online trying to do the same should see your speed increase.
Restart your WiFi router
Sometimes, problems with download speeds are nothing to do with your console or PC, but instead with your WiFi.
If you frequently have problems with your internet even when not downloading huge updates, this may be the issue. Unplugging your router and restarting your internet may solve your connection issues, albeit temporarily, for long enough for you to download the latest Fortnite update.
Change your DNS Settings
Other Fortnite players have reported that changing your DNS settings can help improve download speeds.
If you go to 'Network Settings' and choose to set up your DNS manually, inputting the Primary DNS as 8.8.8.8 and the Secondary DNS as 8.8.8.4 will connect you using Google's public DNS and help speed up your Fortnite download.
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