Enable OneDrive Sync on Metered Networks in Windows 11

This guide explains how to manage OneDrive sync sync settings over a metered network in Windows 11.

Microsoft OneDrive keeps your photos and files backed up to the cloud, synced, and ready to use on all your devices. When you change or delete a file in your OneDrive folder, those changes happen everywhere.

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.

How to control OneDrive sync on a metered network

First, make sure you are signed in to your Microsoft account on your computer.

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

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

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

3. Go to the Settings tab.

4. 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.

Note: You must repeat these steps for every device you use, as these settings do not sync automatically between different computers.

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.
• Wi-Fi