Turning off a metered connection in Windows 11 isn’t exactly rocket science, but sometimes it feels like Windows loves to make it a bit tricky. If you’re on a limited data plan and want Windows to stop fussing over your updates and downloads, you’ll need to turn off that metered setting.
How to Turn Off Metered Connection in Windows 11
This will stop Windows from holding back updates, app downloads, and background processes just because it thinks you’re on a capped data plan. Not quite sure why it’s such a fuss, but in some setups, you’ve got to dive into the settings and switch it off manually.
Step 1: Open Settings
Hit the Start menu, then select Settings. Or, quicker way: press Windows Key + I. Once the Settings window pops up, you’re halfway there.
In Windows 11, Settings is basically your control panel for everything — network, display, privacy, you name it. For this job, it’s where you need to go. Fair warning: navigating through Settings can sometimes be a bit weird; it’s not always as simple as it first appears, especially if Windows updates shuffle things around.
Step 2: Go to Network & Internet
Once inside Settings, click on Network & internet from the sidebar. Usually, it’s one of the first few options. This is where all your network stuff lives.
Step 3: Select your connection’s Properties
Click on your active connection, whether Wi-Fi or Ethernet, then hit Properties. If you’re on Wi-Fi, it might say something like Wi-Fi – Connected; same deal for Ethernet.
This opens up some detailed info about your connection. Not the friendliest layout, but you’ll see the switch you need here. Quick tip: sometimes Windows bugs out and doesn’t auto-detect properly, so double-check you’re editing the right connection.
Step 4: Turn off the Metered Connection toggle
Scroll down a bit — depends how quick or slow you are — and find the option called Set as metered connection. Flip the toggle off. Magically, Windows stops acting like this network is all about saving data.
Why bother? Because it means Windows won’t slow down or block updates and background downloads, which is handy if you’re doing system updates or just want everything to run smoothly without fussing over data usage. Heads up: on some setups, you might need to restart or toggle it back on and off due to Windows quirks.
Tips for Turning Off Metered Connection in Windows 11
- Only turn it off if you’ve got an unlimited internet plan or don’t mind Windows gobbling data for updates and stuff.
- After switching it off, check for Windows updates manually via Settings > Windows Update — don’t assume it’ll grab everything automatically.
- If your data spikes after turning it off, consider turning it back on until you’re sure everything’s settled down.
- On some machines, the toggle might not stick after a reboot — in that case, turn it off, restart, and double-check.
- If you’re tethering to your phone or on mobile data, think twice before disabling — it can drain your plan faster than you think.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a metered connection?
This is a network profile Windows uses when you’re on limited data, like tethered mobile plans, hotspots, or Wi-Fi networks set to curb bandwidth. It helps Windows be a bit stingy with updates and background downloads.
Why might I need to turn off a metered connection?
If you’ve got an unlimited data plan or just don’t want Windows holding back your updates, turning it off lets your PC do updates and app downloads as usual. Handy if updates are slow or get stuck.
Can I turn it back on later?
Totally. Just follow the same steps and flick it back on if you start noticing your data’s getting used up too quick or if you want to save bandwidth temporarily.
Will turning it off make my internet faster?
Not really — it’s more about how Windows handles your data. Turning it off just gives Windows the free range to use bandwidth as needed. You might see more data consumed, but overall speed stays the same.
Is it safe to disable metered connections?
Mostly, yes — as long as you know your plan. Windows will do more background stuff, which can rack up your data on some networks. So, if you’re on a mobile data plan with a cap, think it over twice.
Summary
- Open Settings.
- Go to Network & internet.
- Select your active connection and hit Properties.
- Turn off Set as metered connection.
Hopefully, this helps save some time. It’s worked across a few machines and got Windows to chill for once. Hope it makes your life a bit easier!