If your Windows 11 device has a SIM card or eSIM, it can use cellular data to connect to the internet, just like your phone does.

This means you can use the internet when you’re away from Wi-Fi, but sometimes data roaming can cause extra charges if you’re connected to a network outside your usual mobile provider.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to turn data roaming on or off so you can avoid unexpected bills or keep using the internet when roaming is okay with you.

What is Data Roaming?

Data roaming means your device uses a network that isn’t your mobile provider’s usual network. This can happen if you’re traveling or in a place where your provider doesn’t have coverage.

Turning data roaming off helps avoid extra costs, but turning it on lets you stay connected when you’re outside your provider’s area.

How to Turn Data Roaming On or Off in Windows 11

Follow these easy steps to change your data roaming settings:

1. Open Settings: Click the Start menu button (the Windows icon) and select Settings, or press Windows key + I on your keyboard.
2. Go to Network & Internet: In the Settings window, click Network & internet on the left side.
   

   Click Network & internet in the Settings app

3. Select Cellular: On the right side, click the Cellular option.
   

   

   
   
   
4. Click Data roaming options: In the Cellular menu, find and click Data roaming options.
5. Turn roaming on or off: Choose Don’t roam to turn roaming off, or enable it if you want to use data while roaming.
6. Close Settings: Your changes save automatically. You can now close the Settings app.

How to Change Data Roaming Using the Registry Editor (For Advanced Users)

If you want to control data roaming using a more advanced method, you can use the Registry Editor. Be careful — changing the registry can affect your PC if done wrong.

Here’s how:

1. Open the Registry Editor by typing regedit in the Start menu search and pressing Enter.
2. Navigate to this folder:
   

   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WcmSvc\GroupPolicy

   
   
3. If GroupPolicy doesn’t exist, right-click WcmSvc → New → Key, and name it GroupPolicy.
4. Inside GroupPolicy, right-click the right side → New → String Value.
5. Name the new string fBlockRoaming.
6. Double-click fBlockRoaming and set the value:
   • 1 = Data roaming is turned off.
   • Delete the fBlockRoaming entry to allow data roaming.
7. Restart your computer to apply changes.

Change Data Roaming Using Local Group Policy Editor (For Windows 11 Pro and above)

If you have Windows 11 Pro or higher, you can also use the Local Group Policy Editor:

1. Open the Start menu, type Edit group policy, and select it.
   

   

   
   
   
2. In the left pane, go to:
   

   Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Network > Windows Connection Manager

   
   
3. In the right pane, double-click Prohibit connection to roaming Mobile Broadband networks.
   

   

   
   
   
4. Choose one of these options:
   • Not Configured or Disabled: Data roaming is allowed.
   • Enabled: Blocks all connections to roaming networks.
5. Click OK, then close the Local Group Policy Editor.

Need More Help?

For official Microsoft info, visit their support page: Cellular settings in Windows.

Summary

• You can control data roaming on your Windows 11 device to avoid extra charges or stay connected while traveling.
• The easiest way is through the Settings app under Network & internet → Cellular → Data roaming options.
• Advanced users can change settings via the Registry Editor or Local Group Policy Editor.
• Always be careful when using Registry or Group Policy Editor, and consider backing up your system first.

If you found this helpful, feel free to share your experience or ask questions below!