> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.talview.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Why do background applications cause bandwidth and latency issues?

If you're seeing **“Latency: Warning”** or **“Bandwidth: Low”** during the system check, background apps running on your device might be using up your internet bandwidth. This can lead to:

* Delayed audio or video
* Freezing screens
* Buffering during your test or interview
* Unstable proctoring sessions

Even if you're not actively using other apps, some may still run in the background and consume bandwidth. Applications such as video conferencing tools, streaming platforms, cloud backups, and system updates often continue to transmit data in the background, competing with your session for network resources.

## ✅ Common Background Bandwidth Consumers

* **Video conferencing apps** (Zoom, Google Meet, Microsoft Teams)
* **Streaming services** (Netflix, YouTube, Spotify)
* **Cloud sync tools** (OneDrive, Google Drive, Dropbox)
* **System or software updates** running automatically
* **Other users on the same network** streaming or downloading content

### ⚠️ How this affects your session?

You may experience bandwidth or latency issues if:

* Audio cuts out or is delayed
* Video freezes, buffers, or appears pixelated
* The system check shows **“Low Bandwidth”** or **“Latency: Warning”**
* Your session freezes or disconnects unexpectedly

### 🛠️ How to prevent Bandwidth drain?

Before starting your session:

* Close all unnecessary apps and browser tabs
* Exit video calls and stop media streaming completely
* Pause cloud backups and file sync services
* Temporarily disable auto-updates
* Ask others on the same network to pause heavy internet use
* Restart your device to clear background processes

Once completed, run a [Network Speed Test](https://www.speedtest.net/) to confirm your connection is stable and meets the minimum requirements.

## 📚 Related Articles

* [Latency Issues and Their Impact on Audio/Video](https://docs.talview.com/candidates/system-diagnostics/how-network-latency-affects-audio-and-video-quality#how-network-latency-affects-audio-and-video-quality)
* [Using Mobile Hotspot Without Interruption](https://docs.talview.com/candidates/system-diagnostics/how-to-use-mobile-hotspot-without-interruption#how-to-use-mobile-hotspot-without-interruption)
* [Troubleshooting VPN or Proxy-Related Latency](https://docs.talview.com/candidates/system-diagnostics/why-does-vpn-usage-trigger-high-latency-warnings)
* [Minimum Network Requirements for Talview](https://docs.talview.com/candidates/system-diagnostics/why-is-my-network-not-meeting-test-requirements#minimum-network-requirements)

***