To set a metered connection in Windows 10, go to Start > Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi, select the network you’re connected to, and turn on Set as metered connection. Windows then uses less data on that network. Turn the same switch off to go back to normal.
Applies to: Windows 10. Checked against Microsoft Support on September 27, 2026.
Use this on a phone hotspot, satellite internet, or any plan with a data cap.
Set a network as metered
- Select Start > Settings > Network & Internet.
- Select Wi-Fi (or Ethernet), then select the network you’re connected to.
- Under Metered connection, turn on Set as metered connection.
What changes on a metered network
- Windows Update downloads only priority updates.
- Microsoft Store app downloads might pause.
- Offline files, like OneDrive files, might not sync automatically.
Set a data limit and restrict background data
- Select Start > Settings > Network & Internet > Data usage.
- Under Show settings for, pick the network, then select Enter limit and type your plan’s limit.
- Under Background data, choose when to restrict what Store apps and Windows features do in the background.
Setting a data limit also makes the network metered automatically.
Save even more data
- OneDrive: open OneDrive settings and turn on Pause syncing when this device is on a metered network. You can also pause syncing for a few hours from the OneDrive icon.
- Delivery Optimization: in Settings > Update & Security > Delivery Optimization, turn off Allow downloads from other PCs, so your PC doesn’t share updates with others over your connection.
- Device downloads: in Settings > Devices > Printers & scanners, leave Download over metered connections off so drivers and device apps wait.
- Videos: lower the playback quality in streaming apps and websites. Video uses far more data than anything else.
Turn off a metered connection
Go back to the network’s settings and turn Set as metered connection off. If the switch won’t change, go to Data usage and select Remove limit. On a work PC, your organization may control this setting.
If metered connection settings don’t work
- There’s no Set as metered connection switch. Make sure you selected the network you’re connected to. Mobile broadband connections are often set as metered automatically.
- Data use is still high. Desktop apps, games, and browsers don’t follow the metered setting. Check Data usage to find the apps using the most, and limit them in their own settings.
- Updates still download. Check that Download updates over metered connections is off in Windows Update > Advanced options. Some critical updates download anyway.
Frequently asked questions
Why aren’t updates installing?
Metered networks get only priority updates. To get everything, turn metered off while on an unlimited network, or allow updates over metered connections in Windows Update > Advanced options. See how to update Windows 10.
How do I see which apps use the most data?
Select Data usage > View usage per app.
Can I use my phone’s hotspot this way?
Yes. Connect to the hotspot, then set that network as metered. To share your PC’s connection instead, see how to turn on a mobile hotspot in Windows 10.
Does a metered connection slow down my internet?
No. It doesn’t limit your speed. It only stops Windows and some apps from downloading large things in the background.
Does Windows remember the setting?
Yes. The setting is saved for each network, so Windows uses it every time you connect to that network again. Other networks aren’t affected.
Can I set Ethernet as metered?
Yes. Select Ethernet in Network & Internet, select your connection, and turn on Set as metered connection. It works the same way as Wi-Fi. This is handy with a USB modem or a router that uses mobile data.
For laptops with a SIM, see how to use a SIM card in a Windows 10 laptop.
To stop a single app from going online, see how to block an app from the internet in Windows 10.
On Windows 11, see how to turn off a metered connection.
Microsoft’s guide is Metered connections in Windows. More help is on our Windows Help & Guides page.
Related: how to reduce data usage on a Windows 11 laptop.
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.