Improve Network Speed in Windows by Increasing IRPStackSize

The I/O Request Packet Stack Size (IRPStackSize) is a registry setting that can affect network performance. A larger IRPStackSize value can improve network performance by allowing the computer to handle more data simultaneously.

To increase the IRPStackSize value, you need to edit the Windows registry. Here are the steps:

  1. Open the Registry Editor.
  2. Navigate to the following key:
Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\LanmanServer\Parameters
  1. Right-click the Parameters folder (or right-click an open area in the right-hand windowpane) and select New | DWORD (32-bit) Value from the context menu.
  2. Give the new key entry the name IRPStackSize.
  3. Double-click the new IRPStackSize key you just made and change the value base to Decimal and change the Data value to 32.
  4. Click OK to save your changes.

After you have made these changes, you need to restart your computer for them to take effect.

Note: The IRPStackSize value is a system-wide setting, so it will affect all network connections on your computer.

How much can I expect to improve my network speed?

The amount of improvement you see in your network speed will depend on a number of factors, including your hardware, your network configuration, and the type of traffic you are using. In general, you can expect to see a small improvement in your network speed after increasing the IRPStackSize value.

Install Kali Linux in the Windows using WSL

Enable-WindowsOptionalFeature -Online -FeatureName Microsoft-Windows-Subsystem-Linux

Once rebooted, open the Windows App store and search for the “Kali Linux” application, or alternatively click here to go there directly. Install the app and enjoy Kali!

Install Kali Linux Metapackages

sudo apt update
sudo apt full-upgrade -y
sudo apt install -y kali-linux-default

Install Win-KeX

Win-KeX provides a Kali Desktop Experience for Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL 2)

sudo apt update
sudo apt install -y kali-win-kex

To start Win-KeX in Window mode with sound support, run

kex --win -s

To start Win-KeX in Enhanced Session Mode with sound support and arm workaround, run

kex --esm --ip -s

To start Win-KeX in Seamless mode with sound support, run

kex --sl -s

Optional Steps

If you have the space, why not install “Kali with the lot”?

sudo apt install -y kali-linux-large

References
https://www.kali.org/blog/kali-linux-in-the-windows-app-store/
https://www.kali.org/docs/general-use/metapackages/
https://www.kali.org/docs/wsl/win-kex/