Use GeForce NOW's built-in network test before changing graphics settings. It measures the connection to NVIDIA's streaming servers, which a normal speed-test website does not. Leave Server Location on Auto, turn off a VPN or proxy, pause downloads, and compare Ethernet or 5 GHz Wi-Fi. If the test passes but streaming still lags, try Balanced streaming quality before changing one Custom setting at a time.
Open NVIDIA's status page and look for an incident in your region or with the game you want to stream. Wait if the affected service is under maintenance.
In the GeForce NOW app, open Settings, keep Server Location on Auto, and select Test Network. Record the bandwidth, packet loss, jitter, and ping results. This test reaches NVIDIA's data center, so it is more useful here than a general speed test.
Disconnect a VPN or proxy, pause game downloads, cloud backups, and high-quality video streams, then run the same test again. Keep other household devices unchanged unless their traffic is clearly using most of the connection.
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Compare Ethernet or 5 GHz Wi-Fi
Use Ethernet if possible. Otherwise connect near the router on its 5 GHz Wi-Fi network. NVIDIA recommends Ethernet or 5 GHz Wi-Fi because 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi is more vulnerable to interference.
In Settings > Streaming Quality, select Balanced and test the same game. Balanced lets GeForce NOW choose settings for the measured connection. This is a streaming quality control, not the game's local graphics menu.
If Balanced is stable, use Custom only when you need to match the display or data allowance. Leave Auto bitrate on at first, match resolution to the display, and use 60 FPS on a 60 Hz screen. Retest after each change.
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Report the network result
If the built-in test repeatedly fails on two trusted connections, contact NVIDIA with the data center, test values, time, internet provider, and whether Ethernet changed the result.
A VPN is not needed for these GeForce NOW checks and can add delay or select a distant server. The optional sponsor link below is unrelated to the troubleshooting steps. Tech How may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
If the picture is clear but controls respond late, focus on ping, Wi-Fi stability, server location, and input-device connection rather than increasing video quality.
If one game lags while other GeForce NOW games stream normally, check the status page for that game before changing the home network.
ⓘ Sources and verification
Checked against official documentation on . Scope: GeForce NOW on Windows.
The current written steps follow the linked company documentation. The preserved video may show older menus.
