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Optimal uTorrent Settings

This post is part of the Ultimate beginners guide for torrents article, please read the full guide.

Are you having troubles getting some decent download speeds from your uTorrent? I was having some myself recently so I decided to sack the default settings and pimp it up a bit to suit my taste.One thing you must know when it comes to torrents is that the more you upload the higher your speeds will be, torrent clients are programmed to reward people who upload very fast with a greater download speed.In this tutorial not only will I tweak your utorrent download settings but I will also help you improve your upload settings.

So lets get to it then,first off I want you to open up your browser and go to SpeedTest.net, run a test and keep the results open cause we will use them further down in this guide.Open up your uTorrent go to Options > Preferences…

GENERAL

User Interface Settings:

    » Check for updates automatically - CHECKED
    » Confirm when deleting torrents - CHECKED
    » Show confirmation dialog on exit - UNCHECKED

System Tray:

    » Close to tray - UNCHECKED
    » Always show tray icon - CHECKED
    » Show balloon notifications in tray - CHECKED
    » Minimize to tray - CHECKED
    » Single click on tray icon to open - CHECKED
    » Always activate when clicked - CHECKED

Display Options:

    » Alternate list background color - CHECKED
    » Show current speed in the title bar - UNCHECKED
    » Show graphical progress bar - CHECKED
    » Show speed limits in the status bar - UNCHECKED

Windows Integration:

    » Associate with .torrent files - PRESSED
    » Check association on startup - CHECKED
    » Start uTorrent on system startup - UNCHECKED

DOWNLOADS

Location of Downloaded Files:

    » All this is optional by you

When Adding Torrent:

    » Don’t start the download automatically - UNCHECKED
    » Show a window that display the files inside the torrent - CHECKED
    » Activate the program window - CHECKED

Other Settings:

    » Append .!ut to incomplete files - UNCHECKED
    » Prevent standby if there are active torrents - CHECKED
    » Pre-allocate all files - UNCHECKED

CONNECTION

Listening Port:

    » Port used for incoming connections: - 45682
    » Randomize port each time uTorrent starts - UNCHECKED
    » Enable UPnP port mapping - UNCHECKED
    » Add uTorrent to Windows Firewall exceptions - CHECKED

Proxy Server:

    » Type: - (none)

Bandwidth Limiting:

Now this is a bit of a tricky part, remember that speedtest I told you to take at the beginning of this guide? we’re going to use the results.Take your upload speed and divide it by 10 (use the windows calculator), I got 20.9. We only want to use about 85% of that so grab the calculator and work out your result x 0.85 = maximum upload rate. Mine was 17.765 but since uTorrent only allows round numbers, I’ll rounded it up to 18.

    » Global maximum upload rate (KB/s): - The result of the division and multiplication above.
    » Alternate upload rate when not downloading (KB/s) - UNCHECKED

BITTORRENT

Number of Connections:

    » Global maximum number of connections: - The upload speed from the speed test.
    » Maximum number of connected peers per torrent - 16

The number of upload slots per torrent is another little tricky part, go back to the Connection tab and look at your Global Maximum upload rate, grab that number and divide it by 4. In my case the result is 4.5, I’ll go on the safe side and round it up to 4 instead of 5.

    » Number of upload slots per torrent: - The result of the division above.
    » Use additional upload slots if upload speed < 90% - CHECKED

Additional BitTorrent Features:

    » Enable DHT Network - CHECKED
    » Enable DHT for new torrents - CHECKED
    » Ask tracker for scrape information - CHECKED
    » Enable Peer Exchange - CHECKED
    » IP/Hostname to report to tracker - BLANK

Protocol Encryption:

    » Outgoing - DISABLED

Enable Outgoing if you are being unfairly throttled by your ISP.

    » Allow incoming legacy connections - CHECKED

QUEUEING

Queueing Settings:

    » Maximum number of active torrents (upload or download) - 10
    » Maximum number of active downloads - 5

Seed While [Default values]:

    » Leave it all like it is.

When Torrent has reached the seeding goal:

    » Limit the upload rate to [use 0 to stop torrent] - UNCHECKED

SCHEDULER

    » Thats up to you, if you want to create schedules for uTorrent to run and download every day.

OTHER

    » Leave it all how it is.

ADVANCE

Only modify this if you plan on patching the TCPIP.sys file which I specify how to do at the bottom of this page.Click on net.max_halfopen change the value from 8 to 40, and click Set.

Now click the Apply button, and click OK. Your changes have been saved! :)

NOTE:To increase speed even more I suggest you do the following, patch the TCPIP.sys file.Why? Windows XP SP2 and Vista limits the number of half-connections to 10. This limitation can impact your bittorrent experience.How? see below:

Windows XP Users:

    1. Go to lvllord.de
    2. Click on Downloads.
    3. Right-click the link (english or german) and click “Save Target As”.
    4. Save it in your Desktop.
    5. Open the file and run the program located inside the archive, agreeing to the security warning.
    6. Some text should scroll by in a MS-DOS window, after it ends, type C.
    7. Enter 50 for the number of concurrent half-open connections and press Enter.
    8. Type Y and the file should be patched. Cancel any Windows XP warnings that should appear, it is part of Microsoft’s way of ensuring its files are not tampered with (the utility tempers them to break the limit on purpose).

Windows Vista Users:

    1. Go to yaronmaor.net
    2. Look for the item named - EventID4226Fix for Windows Vista (Line 2)
    3. Right-click the link and click “Save Target As”.
    4. Save it in your Desktop.
    5. Extract all contents of the file to a folder.
    6. If you are running 64-bit Vista, double click on InstallPatch64.bat. If you are running 32-Bit Vista, double click on InstallPatch32.bat. Unsure? Run InstallPatch32.bat.
    7. Some text should scroll by in a MS-DOS window, after it ends, type Y and press Enter.
    8. After the restart notice appears, press any key and restart your PC.

TIP: If you use Comodo Personal Firewall, you might want to check out our guide on how to unblock uTorrent from Comodo’s blocked list.

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43 Responses

  1. what are torrents,how to use torrents,where to find torrents,torrents tutorial,what are .torrent files,best bit torrent client,best torrent tracking websites,how torrents works,how to download with torrents,improve torrent speeds,torrent guide,beginners t
    June 13th, 2007 at 6:02 am

    […] BitTorrent Clients: » 1. uTorrent [optimal uTorrent settings] » 2. Azureus [optimal Azureus settings, best Azureus plugins.] » 3. BitComet [optimal BitComet […]

  2. Jenn
    October 12th, 2007 at 1:03 pm

    I tried changing the settings and my speed is still really slow. My download speed varies from about 12 to a max of about 20kB/s. Upload is about the same. What can I do to make this faster?

  3. Matthew M
    October 15th, 2007 at 5:34 am

    what kind of connection do you have? have you got any firewall that might be blocking you or router? you should also do a spyware/virus scan just in case.

  4. Ghillie Suits » Optimal uTorrent Settings This post is part of t
    October 19th, 2007 at 7:04 am

    […] Check it out! While looking through the blogosphere we stumbled on an interesting post today.Here’s a quick excerpt warnings that should appear, it is part of Microsoft s way of ensuring its files are not tampered […]

  5. My Ghillie » Optimal uTorrent Settings This post is part of t
    October 19th, 2007 at 7:09 am

    […] Check it out! While looking through the blogosphere we stumbled on an interesting post today.Here’s a quick excerpt warnings that should appear, it is part of Microsoft s way of ensuring its files are not tampered […]

  6. Rabee3
    October 29th, 2007 at 9:11 pm

    Hey, I installed the TCPIP.sys patch and now i want it gone. Can somebody tell me how to do that. its not in the programs and features as I am using windows vista….Thanks

  7. Matthew M
    October 31st, 2007 at 5:09 am

    Unless you find a default copy of the TCPIP.sys file for vista you can insert the Vista install disk and use Command Prompt to copy and paste the file from the disk to your TCPIP.sys file location.

  8. Idle Jet
    November 27th, 2007 at 11:12 pm

    Works perfect for me download speed went from 34kps to 340 kbps…
    Awesome guide now i understand utorrent alot better

  9. Cynical2k
    December 23rd, 2007 at 4:12 pm

    Cool guide, i’m new to torrents since i’ve been using limewire.
    I tripped out when you mentioned the tcp/ip tweak and have used to patch in the past. I check the site from time 2 time for tweak info or wares reviews. Keep up the good work!!

  10. Mark Howard
    December 28th, 2007 at 9:08 am

    torrents depend on seeds and leechers

    if it has 20 seeds and 30 leechers then the download speed will be slower

    look for torrents with higher seed amount and when download complete let your file upload so it helps others get it as well

  11. tony rogers
    December 30th, 2007 at 3:02 am

    How do i get more seeds for the download
    7(89) with 89 being the amount detected but 7 is the amount i access

  12. tony rogers
    December 30th, 2007 at 10:28 am

    :eek:

  13. William Xec
    December 31st, 2007 at 9:11 am

    thanx worked alot
    nice guide

    :grin:

  14. neorang
    January 4th, 2008 at 9:23 pm

    heeeeeeelpme
    didn’t work

    :cry:

  15. alok
    January 20th, 2008 at 6:46 pm

    nothing happened

  16. Guitarist55
    February 2nd, 2008 at 1:11 am

    it kinda worked for me

    i just wish there were more seeders and peers
    =(

  17. windows vista ultimate torrent
    February 3rd, 2008 at 9:45 pm

    windows vista ultimate torrent…

    yes indeed……

  18. j_h_o_h
    February 4th, 2008 at 4:14 am

    Hi Everyone,

    I’ve tried all this, but nothing really happened. It doesn’t matter anyway. I’ve question… What will be the difference using port45682, 45683, 45684 other than something else? I’ve been trying the famous port8080… Does the port impacts on the download speed considerably??? :\

  19. Matthew M
    February 4th, 2008 at 4:44 am

    Hey J,

    I don’t think the port does much of a difference when it comes to download speeds, I’ve tried several “famous” ports and get the same speed with any other one…

  20. Paul
    February 14th, 2008 at 4:13 am

    Hi,
    The TCPIP tweak, does it work for general internet browsing, watching movies online, normal downloads, etc or for torrent downloads only?

  21. sarcastichippo
    February 18th, 2008 at 3:44 am

    good guide but for vista users

    remember when opening the patch RUN AS ADMINISTRATOR else the file does not copy and it will not work :)

  22. Verdi
    February 25th, 2008 at 4:40 am

    Thankies!!
    Finally something that actually works and isn’t as if the people are picking random numbers!
    Cheers Much

  23. port forwading help - India Broadband Forum
    March 22nd, 2008 at 2:44 am

    […] have been repeated quite a few times. Optimize Your BitTorrent Download Speed | TorrentFreak and utorrent,settings,best utorrent settings,optimize utorrent speed,how to make utorrent download faste… (Thanks to Osiris and Kyrl….who were they i don’t know) Now how are you connected to your […]

  24. Amy
    March 22nd, 2008 at 2:10 pm

    Nothing happened. Oh well.

  25. Charlie
    March 26th, 2008 at 9:04 pm

    GOD BLESS YOU MATE!!!

    My download rate went from 14kbs to 150!!! Oh my lord….THANK YOU!!!

    :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :grin: :grin: :grin: :grin: :grin:

  26. Ian
    March 30th, 2008 at 10:08 am

    Hi,

    When I go to open the TCPIP.sys file windows asks me what progam to use to open the file.

    Any one help?

    Cheers,

  27. Ian
    March 30th, 2008 at 10:14 am

    Sorry Guys,

    My dumb ass worked it out!!

  28. arthur brogard
    March 30th, 2008 at 3:51 pm

    Thanks for this discussion, I too think it feels more reliable than many other such I’ve looked at.

    I’ve got an adsl connection 512 down, 128 up and the speedtest shows I’m getting only 482 down and 100 up.

    So this should be about 48kBs down.

    I’m actually getting a maximum of about 7kBs.

    I have set everything as per this blog. Except you didn’t mention the download setting so I put that at 90% of the download speedtest as suggested in some other forum. i.e. at 45kBs on my system.

    I’m currently connected to two torrents and one has (when I last looked) seeds 6(39) peers 8(223) and the other has seeds 11(30) and peers 1(634).

    They both run with a max download of 7, frequently falling to about 2 and often even below 1.

    I have had better results from this same machine, same utorrent installation previously. My original settings were not so different from yours.

    I’ve switched off all such things as Scotty and various other spam and adware watchers and such.

    It seems that the biggest probably cause still hanging out is the actual Torrent one is connected to, which is why I quoted the seeds and peers of them.

    Do you think that’s my problem? Does anyone have any other advice. I’m running the latest utorrent version.

    Is there a torrent somewhere we can download as a test sample, somehow that shows how well your configuration will operate if it is not constrained by any problems with seeds or peers or whatever ?

    regards,

    ab :)

  29. pp
    March 31st, 2008 at 3:11 pm

    basic configuration works great .. my speed improved from average 20kb/s to average 60kb/s

    thanks lots

  30. milkyjoe
    April 14th, 2008 at 4:00 am

    hi i did the final step, the dos screen 50 half open thingies…and then this window has popped up ‘windows file protection’

    ”Files that are required for Windows to run properly have been
    replaced by unrecognized versions. To maintain system stability,
    Windows must restore the original versions of these files.
    Insert your Windows XP Home Edition Service Pack 2 CD now”

    then

    ”You chose not to restore the original versions of the files. This may affect Windows stability.
    Are you sure you want to keep these unrecognized file versions?”

    im scared..what do i do?

  31. Jay
    April 17th, 2008 at 12:35 pm

    This helped me alot, my download speed was stuck at 2-300, now it’s between 4 and 900kbps. :D

  32. TIMMY
    June 15th, 2008 at 4:13 pm

    Great guide. Thanks dude! :cool:

  33. sandy
    June 21st, 2008 at 1:38 am

    dude i had better speed when i didn’t took the test,,wtf? what’s the problem?thnx :cry:

  34. torrent
    June 27th, 2008 at 11:23 pm

    :mrgreen: Yeah my download speed was before this guide 7kb/s and after this guide it was 43kb/s so thankx

  35. eli
    July 2nd, 2008 at 3:08 am

    so at first this didnt seem to make any impact, my down rate was 0.16 which made for horrible download times [pretty much always just showed the infinity symbol!] i closed uTorrent and then reopened it, and it immediately took affect. my rate went to around 30kb/s. BUT then it dropped to 14kb/s. also, i am curious as to why it only shows seeds 0(59) and peers 6(181) twhen it had previously been seeds 2(2) and peers 1(248). i am new to this and dont really understand what this all means though. any help or advice is greatly appreciated!

  36. Mike
    July 10th, 2008 at 4:16 am

    ok so i tried everything here but its still like 4.2KB/s
    is there anything i can do to make it faster?
    mines version 1.7.7 is that why?
    the game i tried was castlevania: symphony of the night please help? :cry: thanks

  37. Rob
    July 10th, 2008 at 8:33 pm

    :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: i tried these speed up things and didnt really get anything good, it slowed below 10 kb\s so i just reinstalled it then loaded the torrents again from the site i go them from, if it messed up ur downloads just do that, best of luck to u all, hope u get the opposite of what i go :arrow: :arrow: :arrow: :!:

  38. gaunta
    July 14th, 2008 at 8:01 am

    hey everybody
    do i open it with microsoft picture it
    thanks

  39. gaunta
    July 14th, 2008 at 8:03 am

    sorry, do i open the download with picture it.

  40. Mayhem
    July 24th, 2008 at 7:26 pm

    NEED help ppl…
    i got the numbers but i can’t use them i mean put them in the right places because of the . . . . 0(.)27625
    tell me what to do :cry: :sad: :sad: :sad:

  41. Martín
    July 25th, 2008 at 2:09 am

    Hi, I need some help, cause it didn`t work.

    1.-does it make any difference that i`m not in US (i`m in Buenos AIres, Agentina… forgive my spelling!)

    2 -My speed test resultes in 4 values:
    First 128K took 483 ms = 271371 Bytes/sec = Speed aprox: 2171 Kbps
    second 128K took 546 ms = 240059 Bytes/sec = speed aprox 1920 Kbps
    Third 128K took 540 ms = 242726 Bytes/sec = speed aprox aproximada: 1942 Kbps
    Fourth 128K took 588 ms = 222912 Bytes/sec =speed aprox: 1783 Kbps

    Which should be my bandwith limit: 18 or 180

    well, hope i can get an answer cause im quite lost and my download speed suks! around 5 kb/s, 20 top, before i started messing around with the settings

    thanks!

  42. saib
    August 2nd, 2008 at 1:45 am

    that patch …my anti virus setect a trojan! dont u hav an alternate file ? :(

  43. MANISH
    August 5th, 2008 at 8:00 pm

    My downloading speed is 20-25kbps.
    after apply all above instrution I remain same.
    I use broadband connection.
    I see other have 200kbps what shoud I do .





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