How to Enable OneDrive Sync on Metered Networks in Windows 11

This guide shows you how to manage OneDrive sync sync settings when using a metered network in Windows 11.

Understanding onedrive-syncing-in-windows-11/" class="sal-link" rel="noopener" target="_blank" data-sal-id="23211">OneDrive Sync on Metered Networks

Microsoft OneDrive is a powerful tool for keeping your files backed up to the cloud and synced across all your devices. However, Windows 11 includes a feature called metered connection to help users with limited data plans. When Windows detects a metered network, it automatically pauses background tasks like OneDrive sync to prevent unexpected data charges.

Why change these settings?

By default, Windows pauses OneDrive syncing if you are on a metered Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection. This helps you save data if your internet plan has a limit. You may want to turn this off if you have plenty of data and want your files to stay up to date everywhere, even when using a metered connection.

What happens when you are done?

Once you change these settings, OneDrive will continue to upload and download your files even when your computer is connected to a metered network. This ensures your files are always current, but be aware that this will consume your data allowance.

Before You Start: Data Usage Warning

Before enabling sync on a metered connection, understand that this may impact your data caps. If you have a strict monthly limit, allowing OneDrive to sync large files could exhaust your data quickly. Always verify your current network status before proceeding.

How to Control OneDrive Sync via Settings

1. Click the white or blue OneDrive cloud icon in your taskbar near the clock.

2. If you do not see the icon, click the Show hidden icons arrow. If it is still not there, open the Start menu, type OneDrive, and select it.

3. In the OneDrive app, click Help & Settings and then choose Settings.

4. Go to the Settings tab. Locate the box labeled Automatically pause sync when this device is on a metered network.

5. Check or uncheck this box based on your preference. Click Ok to save your changes.

Verifying Network Status via PowerShell

You can check if your current network is set to metered using PowerShell. Note: This requires administrative privileges.

1. Right-click the Start button and select terminal-in-an-admin-window-in-windows-11/" class="sal-link" rel="noopener" target="_blank" data-sal-id="28353">Terminal (Admin).

2. Type the following command and press Enter:

Get-NetConnectionProfile

3. Look for the NetworkCategory and InterfaceAlias. If the network is set to metered, you will see it listed in the connection profile details.

Advanced Configuration: Group Policy and Registry

For IT administrators managing multiple machines, you can force sync settings using the Group Policy Object (GPO) or the Registry Editor.

Using Registry Editor (Admin Required)

1. Press Win + R, type regedit, and press Enter.

2. Navigate to: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\OneDrive

3. Create a new DWORD (32-bit) value named DisableMeteredNetworkSync and set the value to 0 to allow syncing.

Using Group Policy (Admin Required)

1. Open gpedit.msc.

2. Navigate to Computer Configuration\Administrative Templates\OneDrive.

3. Enable the policy Allow syncing on metered networks.

Summary

• OneDrive syncs your files across all your devices.
• Windows pauses syncing on metered networks by default to save your data.
• You can toggle this setting in the OneDrive Settings menu.
• Changes are specific to each device you own.
• Always verify your data plan before enabling sync on metered connections.