How to Fix WoW Lag Spikes For Good [Quickest Steps]

Lag Spikes is one of the most frustrating issues game enthusiasts encounter while playing World of Warcraft(WoW), a popular online multiplayer game. When these random lag spikes occur, the game becomes uninteresting and unplayable.

The game was launched in 2004 and is one of the oldest online multiplayer games. But despite being around for many years, players are still having to deal with WoW lagging for no reason. If you are having a similar experience, below are quick steps to fix WoW lag spikes.

Why do I get lag spikes in WoW?

• Incompatible system requirement: If your PC does not meet the recommended system requirement to play WoW, lag spikes can randomly occur.
• Outdated GPU/network drivers: To get optimal game performance, your GPU/network drivers must be up to date. An outdated GPU driver can cause lag spikes in WoW.
• Other programs running in the background: if there are other bandwidth-hungry programs running in the background while playing WoW, there is a tendency for lag spikes to occur.
• Server Issues: if the WoW server is temporarily down or overcrowded, gamers could experience lag spikes.

How to Fix WoW Lag Spikes?

Before you try out the fixes recommended here, it is advisable to perform these preliminary checks; 

• Confirm that the WoW servers are functioning.
• Ensure you have a strong internet connection and you’re not running other bandwidth-hogging apps.
• Check to confirm your PC meets the minimum requirements.

1. Power cycle the router and modem

1. Unplug the power cable from the back of the modem.
2. Unplug the power cable from the back of the router.
3. Wait for at least 30 seconds.
4. Reconnect the power cable to the modem.
5. A connection to the internet should be established after the modem has finished fully booting up.
6. Reconnect the power cable to the router.
7. Wait for the router to fully boot up and establish a connection to the network.

2. Update your network drivers

The network drivers play a vital role in your system, and it is important to keep them up to date in order to enjoy WoW without lagging. Follow the steps below to update your network drivers:

1. Click Windows + R, and when the run box appears, enter devmgmt.msc.
2. In your device manager, double-click the Network adapters option to expand.
3. Locate your PC’s Network adapter and right click on it and then select the Update driver option.
4. Press Search automatically for updated driver software and hold on for Windows to conduct the search.
5. If Windows finds the updated driver for the PC’s network card, it will download and install automatically.

3. Update your GPU drivers

If you randomly experience lag spikes while playing WoW, it could be a result of outdated GPU drivers in your system. Visit your graphic driver manufacturer’s website to update the GPU drivers, or follow these steps to update it on your Windows PC.

1. Click Windows + X keys and select Device Manager from Menu.
2. Click and expand the Display adapters option which will lead to the graphics card option.
   
3. Right-click on your specific graphics driver and select Update driver.
4. Select Search automatically for drivers.
5. Windows will automatically search for available graphics card updates. Restart your PC after the installation.

4. End bandwidth-hogging programs and set WoW to high priority

Certain apps running in the background can cause WoW lag spikes. To fix this issue, you need to close all these bandwidth-hogging apps and set WoW to high priority. Here is how to end bandwidth-hogging programs:

1. Click Ctrl + Shift + Esc keys on your keyboard to open task manager.
2. Right-click on any bandwidth-hogging app and press End Task.
3. To set WoW to high priority, go back to the task manager and select the Details tab.
4. Right-click the WoW.exe file on the list, click on Set priority, and select High.

   

Conclusion

Hopefully, these solutions have helped you fix the issue. You can also our article here to fix the WoW screen flickering issue if you’re experiencing that as well.