Browser running slow or timing out, however internet is working fine.

I'll just jump in with some other suggestions but please do follow Gokay's advice.

A factory reset (re-install windows) didn't fix the problem so I'd say it must be a hardware issue. Try swapping cables and cleaning connectors - Already done.

On the software/ configuration side try opening an Elevated Command Prompt then type:

netstat -ano

Press Enter.

From the list that appears check the PID's against Task Manager and see if you can find any connections by processes that you don't actually need.

Also since it affects all browsers it can't be a browser configuration issue.

Try running this. I use it myself:

SpeedGuide TCP Optimizer 4

You can aslo read the documentation if you can understand it!

SG :: TCP Optimizer 4 Documentation - Windows 7, 8, 10, 2012 Server

However it's best to just run the program, choose your connection speed and let it apply optimal settings and also use the reg backup feature so that you can restore current settings.

Test after a reboot.

Re: DNS Settings.

Sometimes you can just try to find your fastest DNS Server. I'll post more on that if you want to give it a go.

[EDIT]

Additional info:

It might be worth running ICSI Netalyzer and seeing if it flags up anything unusual. Note: I've used this in the past but will not run it currently as it requires JAVA. I do not have JAVA installed.

Also see:

Understanding your Netalyzr results

and

Revealing the secrets of the internet’s gatekeepers

Okay so Gokay might have ideas about the problem persiting in Linux Mint. To me - it indicates that it's not a problem with Windows.

Also from your Netalyzer results - that doesn't look correct for what would be expected after a fresh install of windows.

Check Control Panel > Internet Options > Connections > LAN Settings. Should be auto-detect with nothing else checked.

Re: Netalyzer results.

Don't worry about DNS Server results. Those can be caused by blocking sites using your Hosts file, an IP address blocklist, Firewall or other security software. I'd say - nothing to worry about.




As far as I know - allowed is the default setting for this unless you have some sort of SSL scanning set up in your AV.