How to set bandwidth limits for uploads with Delivery Optimization in Windows 11
Delivery Optimization in Windows 11 lets you control how much of your upload speed it uses, preventing it from slowing down your internet for other tasks.
This feature helps speed up updates and app downloads by sharing data between PCs on your network or over the internet. However, it can use a lot of your upload bandwidth, which might slow down your own online activities like video calls or sending large files.
You can set specific upload bandwidth limits in Windows. For example, you can limit uploads to 30% of your total bandwidth or to a specific speed, such as 10 megabits per second (Mbps).
This guide shows you exactly how to adjust these settings in Windows 11 to prevent Delivery Optimization from hogging your upload connection.
Go to Settings > Windows Update > Advanced options > Delivery Optimization. Under Upload options, set a percentage for “Limit how much bandwidth is used for uploading updates” and optionally set a “Monthly upload limit” in GB.
Step 1Open Delivery Optimization Settings
You can control Delivery Optimization settings by opening the Settings app. Navigate to the Windows Update section, and then select Advanced options. Within Advanced options, you will find the Delivery Optimization settings where you can manage bandwidth limits.
- Click the Start button (usually in the bottom-left corner).
- Click the Settings cogwheel icon.
- In the Settings window, click on Windows Update.
- Click on Advanced options.
- Scroll down and click on Delivery Optimization.
Step 2Find the Upload Settings
Inside the Delivery Optimization settings, you’ll see different options. Look for the section about uploads.
Upload options, a heading within Windows 11 settings, allows you to adjust the portion of your internet speed used for uploading update files to other computers.
Step 3Limit Upload Speed Percentage
Delivery Optimization in Windows 11 allows you to limit the percentage of your internet's upload speed that Delivery Optimization uses for sharing updates. This upload bandwidth limit ensures you have enough speed for other online tasks, such as browsing or streaming. You can find this setting under Upload options in Delivery Optimization and choose a percentage that works best for you.
Within Upload options, locate the setting that reads something like: “Limit how much bandwidth is used for uploading updates to other devices on the internet.”
- Click the dropdown menu or slider for this option.
- You’ll see choices as a percentage. Pick a percentage that works for you. For example, 5% or 10% means Delivery Optimization will only use that small part of your upload speed.
Step 4Set a Monthly Upload Limit (Optional but Recommended for Data Caps)
You can set a monthly upload limit for Delivery Optimization in Windows 11 to prevent excessive data use for sharing updates, which helps you avoid extra charges or slower internet speeds. Find the 'Monthly upload limit' option within Upload options to choose a maximum amount in Gigabytes (GB), for example, 50 GB.
Still in the Upload options, look for an option called Monthly upload limit.
- Click this option. You can set a maximum amount of data in Gigabytes (GB).
- Choose a limit from the options provided. Windows usually offers choices from 1 GB up to 500 GB or more. Select an amount that fits your internet plan and how you use the internet.
Step 5Save Your Settings
Delivery Optimization upload limits are saved automatically when you set them. No separate 'Save' button exists. After you adjust the upload speed percentage and optional monthly data limit in the Settings window, you can close the window, and Windows begins using your new upload limits.
The Settings window can now be closed. Delivery Optimization will start using your new upload speed limits for background downloads.
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Summary
You can control how much of your internet’s upload speed and total data Windows uses for sharing updates with other computers via Delivery Optimization. This helps prevent slow internet speeds for your own online activities. Go to Settings > Windows Update > Advanced options > Delivery Optimization to set a percentage limit for upload speed and an optional monthly data limit.
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Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.
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