Enable Updates for Edge on Metered Connections

This article describes steps to turn on or off downloading updates over metered connections with the Microsoft Edge browser.

The default web browser in Windows 11 is Microsoft Edge. It is built on the same codebase as Google Chrome and is compatible with all supported Windows, Linux, and macOS versions.

By design, Microsoft Edge will automatically check for and install updates to the latest version. You can also manually check for updates anytime.

However, the Microsoft Edge browser will only check for updates on a network connection that is not metered. That means if you’re on a metered connection, you won’t get updates until you connect to a network that is not metered.

Below is how to enable or disable Microsoft Edge from automatically downloading updates on all connections.

How to automatically check for and install Microsoft Edge updates on a metered connection

As described above, the Microsoft Edge browser will only check for updates on a network connection that is not metered. That means if you’re on a metered connection, you won’t get updates until you connect to a network that is not metered.

Here’s how to enable Microsoft Edge to download updates over all connections.

First, open Microsoft Edge.

The Edge browser icon is on the Taskbar by default. However, you can also click the Start menu button, search for “Microsoft Edge,” and select it under results.

When the Microsoft Edge browser opens, click on the Settings and more ( 3 dots ) menu button in the top right corner.

On the Settings menu, select Help and feedback, and click on About Microsoft Edge.

On the About Microsoft Edge page, toggle the button to the On position to enable downloading updates over a metered connection.

To disable it, toggle the button back to the Off position.

Close the Edge browser.

How to turn on or off downloading Microsoft Edge updates over metered connection via Windows Registry

Alternatively, users can use the Windows Registry to enable or disable the feature.

Open the Windows Registry, and navigate to the folder key path as listed below.

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\WOW6432Node\Microsoft\EdgeUpdate\ClientStateMedium\{56EB18F8-B008-4CBD-B6D2-8C97FE7E9062}

If you don’t see the {56EB18F8-B008-4CBD-B6D2-8C97FE7E9062} folder key, right-click on the ClientStateMedium key, then create the subkey ({56EB18F8-B008-4CBD-B6D2-8C97FE7E9062}) folders.

On the right pane of the {56EB18F8-B008-4CBD-B6D2-8C97FE7E9062} folder key, right-click and select New -> DWORD (32-bit) Value. Next, type a new key named allowautoupdatesmetered.

Double-click the new value name (allowautoupdatesmetered) and enter the Value data as 1 to turn on downloading updates over a metered connection.

A Value data of 0 will turn off downloading updates over a metered connection.

That should do it!

Conclusion:

• Enabling or disabling automatic updates for Microsoft Edge over metered connections can be done through the browser settings or Windows Registry.
• Users can toggle the settings within Microsoft Edge by accessing the “About Microsoft Edge” section.
• Alternatively, modifying the Windows Registry by creating or adjusting the “allowautoupdatesmetered” value can achieve the same result.
• It’s essential to consider data usage and network restrictions when choosing whether to allow updates over metered connections.
• Understanding these options allows users to manage Microsoft Edge updates based on their network preferences and limitations.