How to set bandwidth limits for downloads with Delivery Optimization in Windows 11

Accessing Delivery Optimization Settings

Here’s how to find the settings to control download speeds:

1. Click the Start button (the Windows icon usually in the bottom-left corner).
2. Select Settings (it looks like a gear icon).
3. In ⚙️ the Settings window, click on 🔃 Windows Update.
4. Click on Advanced options.
5. Find and click on Delivery Optimization.

Choosing Your Download Limit Method

Delivery Optimization’s download settings let you control how much internet speed Delivery Optimization uses for downloads in Windows 11. You can set a specific bandwidth limit, for example, allowing only 20% of your total upload bandwidth for background downloads.

You can set limits in two main ways:

1Set a Specific Speed Limit

1. In the “Download options” section, find the setting called Limit bandwidth used for downloads.
2. Turn this setting On if it’s not already.
3. You can choose if this limit applies to downloads happening when you’re not actively using your PC (background downloads), when you are using your PC (foreground downloads), or both.
4. Enter a number in the box. This number is in Mbps (Megabits per second), which is how fast your internet can be. This is the highest speed your downloads will reach.

2Set a Percentage of Your Internet Speed

For more flexibility with download speeds in Windows 11, you can set a percentage of your total internet connection that Delivery Optimization can use. Instead of a fixed number, you tell Windows to use, for example, 30% of your available bandwidth. This is helpful if your internet speed changes often.

1. Again, in the “Download options” section, find Limit bandwidth used for downloads and turn it On.
2. Choose the option that says Percentage of measured bandwidth.
3. You’ll see a slider or a place to type a percentage. This is how much of your internet speed Delivery Optimization can use.
4. You can usually select if this applies to background downloads, foreground downloads, or both.

Delivery Optimization uses your internet speed effectively. When your connection slows, Delivery Optimization uses less bandwidth. When your connection speeds up, Delivery Optimization can use more, up to the percentage you set. This prevents Delivery Optimization from slowing your internet connection too much, especially when your overall speed fluctuates.

References:

https://support.microsoft.com/en-US/Windows/Deployment/Updates-Lifecycle/delivery-optimization-in-windows

Summary

You can easily control how much internet speed Windows 11 uses for background downloads like updates and apps. Just ⚙️ go to Settings > 🔃 Windows Update > Advanced options > Delivery Optimization. There, you can either set a specific speed limit in Mbps or choose a percentage of your total internet speed to ensure your connection stays smooth for other activities.