Metered connections in Windows

Internet service providers can charge by data used (the amount of data sent and received by your device). That's called a metered Internet connection. These plans often have a data limit, and if you exceed the limit you might have to pay extra. In some cases, you aren't charged extra, but your connection speed becomes slower until the billing cycle ends.

If you have a metered Internet connection, setting your network connection to metered in Windows can help you reduce the amount of data you send and receive.

It depends on whether your Internet service provider charges you by the amount of data you use. Some general guidelines:

• Wi‑Fi networks. By default, Windows sets Wi‑Fi networks to non-metered. But if your Internet service provider charges you by the amount of data you use, setting your network connection to metered can help you limit your data usage.

• Mobile broadband networks. By default, Windows sets mobile broadband networks to metered. But if your mobile broadband service is actually unlimited, then you might want to change the network setting to non-metered.

If you're not sure what to do, keep a record of your data usage. If you find that you're being billed for extra data usage, setting your network connection to metered can help you manage this.

Any app that relies on an Internet connection to update or display info may be limited in the amount of data it can download or display. You might notice these and other effects:

• Windows Update will only download priority updates.

• Apps downloading from the Microsoft Store might be paused.

• Offline files might not sync automatically.

If you notice that the metered connection setting is turned on and greyed out and you can’t turn it off, try one of the following:

• Remove the data limit if one is set. Go to Network & Internet settings, then select Data usage, select the network connection, and then select Remove limit > Remove.

• Make sure you're signed in with an account that has administrator rights. In the Settings app, select Accounts > Your info. Look under your account name and see if it says Administrator.

• Check with your IT support person. The metered connection setting might be set by your organization, so you can’t change it.

1. In Windows 11, go to Settings > Windows Update. In Windows 10, go to Settings > Updates & Security.

2. Select Advanced Options and then select Download updates over metered connections.