How to choose network sharing options for Delivery Optimization in Windows 11
Delivery Optimization is a built-in Windows 11 feature that lets your PC share downloaded updates and apps with other computers to speed up downloads and cut down on internet data use. You can choose exactly how your PC shares these files by switching between local network sharing or internet sharing in your settings.
Controlling this option keeps update traffic inside your home network and saves bandwidth. This guide shows you how to pick the right network sharing mode for your setup in a few quick steps.
To manage Delivery Optimization network sharing, open Settings , navigate to Windows Update Advanced options Delivery Optimization Here, you can choose “Allow downloads from other devices” to enable sharing on your local network or the internet, or turn it off for direct downloads only from Microsoft.
Choosing How Your Computer Shares Downloaded Files
Delivery optimization settings in Windows 11 let you control whether your computer shares downloaded updates and apps with other PCs on your local network or the internet. You can turn off file sharing or restrict it to local network devices to save internet bandwidth while still getting updates faster.
Here’s how to change these settings:
- Open Settings . Click the Start button , then click the gear icon that says “Settings.”
- Go to Windows Update . In Settings, find and click on “Windows Update .”
- Find Advanced options. On the Windows Update screen, click on “Advanced options.”
- Locate Delivery Optimization. In Advanced options, click on “Delivery Optimization.”
- Manage Downloads from Other Devices. This is where you make the main choice. Look for an option called “Allow downloads from other devices.”
- If you want your computer to download parts of updates from other computers on your home network (like other PCs or some Xboxes), turn this option to On. This can make downloads faster, especially if your internet is slow.
If you turn it On, you will see more choices:
- Devices on my local network: This is a good option. Your computer will only download from other devices on your home network. This is generally safe and can still make downloads faster without using other people’s computers.
- Devices on the internet and my local network: This option lets your computer download from other computers on your home network and from the internet. This can make downloads the fastest, but it means your computer might download from and upload to computers you don’t know.
- If you want your computer to only download directly from Microsoft and not share or get files from other computers, turn “Allow downloads from other devices” to Off. You will still get all your updates and apps, but it might take a little longer, and your internet connection will do all the work.
Good tip: For most people at home, choosing “Devices on my local network” when “Allow downloads from other devices” is “On” offers a good balance between speed and safety. It uses your home network without sharing files over the public internet.
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Summary
Delivery Optimization in Windows 11 speeds up downloads by sharing files between devices on your local network or the internet. You can manage these sharing options within Windows Settings, under the Windows Update advanced settings. This control ensures you can decide how your computer participates in file sharing for updates.
What is the best network connection setting for 🪟 Windows 11?
The best network connection setting for Windows 11 depends on where you are using your computer, with a private network best for trusted home or work connections and a public network best for coffee shops or airports. Choosing the right profile keeps your files hidden from strangers while allowing devices like printers to work properly.
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About the Author
Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard is a writer at Geek Rewind who turns complex IT tasks into clear, step-by-step guides. He draws on years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, focusing on Windows, Linux and WordPress: the problems people actually run into, and the fixes that work. His server and WordPress guides come from systems he runs himself. Richard builds and maintains the platform behind Geek Rewind, from its Ubuntu servers and Nginx configuration to its custom WordPress plugins. Many new tutorials start with readers' questions, and he's always glad to answer them in the comments.
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