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Metered connections in Windows
Applies To
Windows 10 Windows 11
Windows 11
Windows 10
Summary
A metered connection in Windows limits data usage by controlling how apps and system services consume network bandwidth. When enabled, some features like background updates and app syncing may be restricted to reduce data usage. Users can manually set Wi‑Fi or Ethernet connections as metered, while cellular networks are metered by default. This setting is useful for managing limited data plans and avoiding excess network charges.
A metered network connection will try to control and reduce data usage on the network, so some apps might work differently on a metered connection. Also, some updates for Windows won't be installed automatically.
You can manually set Wi-Fi or Ethernet network connections to metered if you want to reduce the amount of data used by apps and services on that network. A cellular data network connection is set as metered by default.
To set a network as a metered connection
Wi-Fi: In Settings, select Network & internet > Wi-Fi > the Wi-Fi network you’re connected to, then turn on Metered connection.
Ethernet: In Settings, select Network & internet > Ethernet > select the network you’re connected to, then turn on Metered connection.
Cellular: In Settings, select Network & internet > Cellular, then turn on Metered connection.
You might notice that the Metered connection setting is greyed out in any of the places mentioned above. If it is, check with your IT support person. The metered connection setting might be set by your organization, so you can’t change it.
Note
If you set a network connection as an unmetered connection but it has a limited data plan, you might go over your data limit for that network and incur charges.
Frequently asked questions
Here are answers to some common questions about metered internet connections. If your internet service provider charges you for the amount of data that you use, you may find this information useful.
What's a metered internet connection?
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.
What are the recommended settings?
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.
How does setting my network connection to metered affect my PC?
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.
Why can’t I change the metered connection setting?
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, select Advanced network 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. 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.
How can I install Windows updates on metered connections?
Go to Settings > Windows Update.
Select Advanced options and then turn on Download updates over metered connections.
Note
Support for Windows 10 has ended on October 14, 2025
After October 14, 2025, Microsoft will no longer provide free software updates from Windows Update, technical assistance, or security fixes for Windows 10. Your PC will still work, but we recommend moving to Windows 11.
Learn more
Summary
A metered connection in Windows limits data usage by controlling how apps and system services consume network bandwidth. When enabled, some features like background updates and app syncing may be restricted to reduce data usage. Users can manually set Wi‑Fi or Ethernet connections as metered, while cellular networks are metered by default. This setting is useful for managing limited data plans and avoiding excess network charges.
A metered network connection will try to control and reduce data usage on the network, so some apps might work differently on a metered connection. Also, some updates for Windows won't be installed automatically.
You can manually set Wi-Fi or Ethernet network connections to metered if you want to reduce the amount of data used by apps and services on that network. A cellular data network connection is set as metered by default.
To set a network as a metered connection
Wi-Fi: In Settings, select Network & Internet > Wi-Fi > select the Wi-Fi network you're connected to > Properties, and then turn on Set as metered connection.
Ethernet: In Settings, select Network & Internet > Ethernet > select the network you’re connected to, then turn on Set as metered connection.
Cellular: In Settings, select Network & Internet > Cellular, then turn on Set as metered connection.
Frequently asked questions
Here are answers to some common questions about metered internet connections. If your internet service provider charges you for the amount of data that you use, you may find this information useful.
What's a metered internet connection?
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.
What are the recommended settings?
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.
How does setting my network connection to metered affect my PC?
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.
Why can’t I change the metered connection setting?
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.
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.
How can I install Windows updates on metered connections?
Go to Settings > Updates & Security.
Select Advanced Options and then select Download updates over metered connections.
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