How to Enable Updates for Edge on Metered Connections

What is Microsoft Edge?

Microsoft Edge is the web browser that comes with Windows 11. It functions similarly to Google Chrome and runs on Windows, Linux, and macOS computers.

By default, Microsoft Edge automatically checks for and installs the latest updates. Manual update checks remain available whenever required.

Why Control Updates on Metered Connections?

When using a metered internet plan with strict data limits, controlling browser updates becomes important. Automatic background downloads can quickly eat into a data allowance and potentially cost extra.

Allowing updates on metered networks keeps the browser current, but background downloads can quickly drain a limited data allowance.

Method 1Enable Updates Through Microsoft Edge Settings

Step 1Open Microsoft Edge

Click the Edge browser icon on the taskbar 🖥️. Alternatively, open the Start menu ⊞, search for “Microsoft Edge,” and select the application from the results.

Step 2Go to Settings

Click the three-dot menu button in the top right corner of the window. Select Help and feedback, then click About Microsoft Edge.

Step 3Turn Updates On or Off

Look for the toggle switch on the About Microsoft Edge page. Switch the toggle On to allow downloads regardless of connection type, or flip it Off to restrict updates to unmetered networks.

Step 4Close Microsoft Edge

Close the browser window to finish the process.

Method 2Enable Updates Using Windows Registry

The Edge update setting can be changed using the Windows Registry (a database storing low-level settings for the operating system), specifically by editing the `HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\EdgeUpdate` path. This registry method offers more direct control over update behavior compared to the graphical interface.

Step 1Open Registry Editor

⚠️ Admin Required

The Registry Editor, a tool for advanced Windows settings, opens to the folder path HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft. This tool allows modifications to system configurations that influence how Windows operates.

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

Step 2Create the Folder (If Needed)

If the {56EB18F8-B008-4CBD-B6D2-8C97FE7E9062} folder is missing, right-click on ClientStateMedium and create a new subkey, which functions similarly to creating a new folder inside the Registry Editor.

Step 3Create a New Value

Right-click inside the {56EB18F8-B008-4CBD-B6D2-8C97FE7E9062} folder. Select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value, then name the new entry MeteredConnectionUpdates.

Step 4Set the Value

Double-click the new allowautoupdatesmetered entry. Configure the value data accordingly:

• 1 = Turn on updates over metered connections
• 0 = Turn off updates over metered connections

Summary

Managing Edge updates on metered connections is possible through browser settings or the Windows Registry for advanced control. Turning on metered updates keeps Edge current but consumes more data, so disabling the feature remains recommended for limited data plans. Pick the option that best fits your monthly data limits.

• Use the Edge browser settings for a quick, easy change
• Use the Windows Registry for more advanced control

Enabling metered updates for Edge keeps the browser current but uses additional data. Turn off metered updates if the data plan is limited. Pick the option that best fits your monthly data limits.