Vista Registry Tweak – Increase the Number of Simultaneous Downloads

Registry Tweak to Increase the Number of Simultaneous Downloads

Have you noticed a problem if you try to download more than two files at once from the internet?  The default number of simultaneous downloads from a web server is only 2.  By tweaking the registry you can increase the number to 10.

Topics for MaxConnectionsPerServer

• Instructions for MaxConnectionsPerServer
• MaxConnectionsPer1_0Server in Windows 7
• Key Learning Points
• Screen Shot of Internet Settings

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Instructions for Increasing the Number of Simultaneous Downloads

1. Launch Regedit (See more details on starting regedit)
   Navigate to this key:
2. HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings
3. Create a new DWORD called MaxConnectionsPerServer
4. Set the value for DWORD = 000000a
5. Create another new DWORD called MaxConnectionsPer1_0Server
6. Also set the value of this DWORD = 0000000a

Note 1:  Check Internet Settings (Not Internet Explorer)

Note 2:  Hex 0000000a = Decimal 10

Key Learning Points

MaxConnectionsPerServer is a property of Internet Explorer, rather than of Vista.  Default values simultaneous downloads have increased in later version of IE, thus in IE 7 the default is 2, whereas IE it’s 6.

• Do you find the MaxConnectionsPerServervalue in HKCU** or HKLM? 
  Answer: HKCU
• Should you add a value, or modify an existing setting? 
  Answer: Create a new dword set the value = 0000000a
• Is MaxConnectionsPerServer a String Value or a DWORD? 
  Answer: DWORD.
• Do you need to Restart, or merely Log Off / On? 
  Answer: As it’s a HKCU, just logoff and logon.
• Tip: Add this Value, MaxConnectionsPerServer to Regedit’s Favorites menu
• This maximum number of connections applies to any connection to a web server, not just to downloads.
• This limit of two connections is set by the HTTP 1.1 specification (RFC2068) rather than Microsoft.

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Screen Shot of Internet Settings

Creating a .Reg File

This page explains how to create, and then edit .reg files for your computer.  As it’s easy to import the contents of a .reg file into the registry, do take extra care with procedures.  Example MaxConnectionsPerServer  .reg file.

Configuring Windows Vista Topics: