Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager, then select the Network column on the Processes page. The apps using the most network data move to the top. If nothing is above 0 Mbps, nothing is downloading.
Applies to: Windows 11. Checked against Microsoft Support on September 29, 2026.
Check in Task Manager
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
- Select Processes.
- Select the Network column heading to sort by it.
Look at the top few rows. Windows Update usually shows as Service Host: Windows Update. On the Performance page, the Wi-Fi or Ethernet graph shows total activity.
See which apps use the most data
- Select Start > Settings > Network & internet > Advanced network settings.
- Select Data usage.
This shows the last 30 days, so it’s good for finding apps that download a lot over time.
Common background downloads
- Windows Update: go to Settings > Windows Update to see what’s downloading.
- Microsoft Store: open the Microsoft Store, select Downloads to see app updates.
- Browsers: check the browser’s downloads list. See how to find downloads on Windows 11.
Frequently asked questions
How do I stop background downloads on a limited plan?
Set the connection as metered: go to Settings > Network & internet, select the network’s properties, and turn on Metered connection. Windows then holds back many updates.
Why is my internet slow?
A big download can slow everything else. See how to increase internet speed; most tips also work in Windows 11.
To choose where finished downloads are saved, see how to change the download location in Windows 11.
Microsoft’s reference is Metered connections in Windows. More help is on our Windows Help & Guides page.
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.