How to set bandwidth limits for downloads with Delivery Optimization in Windows 11
Delivery Optimization is a built-in Windows 11 feature that manages how much internet bandwidth your PC uses to download system updates and apps in the background. By default, Windows can use up to 100% of your connection speed, which often causes lagging in online games and slow web browsing.
You can stop background updates from hogging your internet by setting an exact download or upload speed limit measured in megabytes per second (Mbps). Capping your update speed helps protect your connection if you share a slow network or use a limited mobile data plan.
Set bandwidth limits for Windows downloads by going to Settings Windows Update Advanced options Delivery Optimization You can then choose to limit downloads to a specific Mbps speed or a percentage of your total internet bandwidth. This prevents background downloads from consuming all your internet speed.
Accessing Delivery Optimization Settings
Here’s how to find the settings to control download speeds:
- Click the Start button (the Windows icon usually in the bottom-left corner).
- Select Settings (it looks like a gear icon).
- In the Settings window, click on Windows Update .
- Click on Advanced options.
- 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.
Set limits in two main ways:
1Set a Specific Speed Limit
Setting a specific speed limit for windows 11 bandwidth limit controls how fast background updates download. Open Settings Windows Update Advanced options Delivery Optimization Advanced options, and enter a fixed megabits per second cap to stop updates from slowing down your connection.
- In the "Download options" section, find the setting called Limit bandwidth used for downloads.
- Turn this setting On if it's not already.
- 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.
- 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.
The bandwidth limit for background downloads in Windows 11 depends on your internet speed and how you use the internet. For example, if your internet speed is 100 Mbps, setting a download limit of 20 Mbps provides enough speed for streaming or browsing. Change this download limit later if needed.
2Set a Percentage of Your Internet Speed
Setting a windows 11 bandwidth limit by percentage adjusts download speeds based on your total internet capacity. Go to Settings Windows Update Advanced options Delivery Optimization Advanced options, and pick the percentage option to share your connection fairly with background tasks.
- Again, in the "Download options" section, find Limit bandwidth used for downloads and turn it On.
- Choose the option that says Percentage of measured bandwidth.
- You'll see a slider or a place to type a percentage. This is how much of your internet speed Delivery Optimization can use.
- 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.
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Summary
Managing your windows 11 bandwidth limit prevents background updates from ruining your web browsing or online gaming. Head to Settings Windows Update Advanced options Delivery Optimization to choose a fixed speed or a percentage cap that keeps your internet fast for everything else you do.
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About the Author
Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard is a writer at Geek Rewind who turns complex IT tasks into clear, step-by-step guides. He draws on years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, focusing on Windows, Linux and WordPress: the problems people actually run into, and the fixes that work. His server and WordPress guides come from systems he runs himself. Richard builds and maintains the platform behind Geek Rewind, from its Ubuntu servers and Nginx configuration to its custom WordPress plugins. Many new tutorials start with readers' questions, and he's always glad to answer them in the comments.
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