How to Enable or Disable Cellular Data Use in Windows 11

What Is Cellular Data on 🪟 Windows 11?

Cellular data on Windows 11 lets your laptop connect to the internet using mobile networks, similar to how your phone uses its data plan.

Learn more about connecting to cellular data here: How to Turn On or Off Cellular on Windows 11

Turn On “Use Cellular Whenever Wi-Fi is Poor” in Settings

Why do this? This setting makes your internet connection more reliable by automatically using cellular data when Wi-Fi is not good enough.

What happens when done? Your Windows 11 device will switch to cellular data without you having to do anything.

Step 1Open ⚙️ the Settings App

1. Click the ⊞ Start menu and select Settings, or
2. Press Windows key + I together on your keyboard.

Step 2Go to Cellular Settings

1. In Settings, click Network & internet on the left menu.
2. Click on Cellular on the right side to see cellular options.

Step 3Turn On the Feature

1. Find the switch for “Use cellular whenever 📶 Wi-Fi is poor” and toggle it On to enable it .
2. To turn it off later, just toggle the switch back to Off.

Alternative: Turn On or Off Using the Registry Editor

You can also turn Windows 11 cellular data on or off using the Registry Editor if you’re comfortable making advanced system changes.

What happens when done? The same setting will be enabled or disabled, just like using ⚙️ the Settings app.

⚠️ Admin privileges required for this section

Warning: Be careful when using the Registry Editor. Messing with the wrong settings could cause issues. Only do this if you are comfortable making advanced changes.

Step 1Open Registry Editor

1. Type regedit in the ⊞ Start menu search and press Enter.
2. Click Yes if Windows asks for permission.

Step 2Find or Create the CellularFailover Folder

1. Go to this location:
   
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\WcmSvc\CellularFailover
2. If you don’t see the CellularFailover folder, 🖱️ right-click on WcmSvc, choose New > Key, and name it CellularFailover.

Step 3Create or Edit the AllowFailover Value

1. Right-click inside the CellularFailover folder’s right panel, then choose New > String Value.
2. Name it AllowFailover.
3. Double-click AllowFailover and set the value to:

   • 2 to enable “Use cellular whenever 📶 Wi-Fi is poor”
   • 0 to disable it

Step 4🔄 Restart Your Computer

1. After making changes, 🔄 restart your computer to apply them.

Summary

• Windows 11 can automatically use cellular data when 📶 Wi-Fi is weak.
• This keeps your internet working smoothly without you needing to switch networks manually.
• You can turn this feature on or off through ⚙️ the Settings app or the Registry Editor.
• ⚙️ The Settings app method is easier for most users.
• The Registry Editor method requires admin privileges and is for advanced users.

Windows 11 can switch to cellular data automatically if your 📶 Wi-Fi connection is weak, ensuring you stay online without interruption.