How to Enable or Disable Windows Update Delivery Optimization

Security and Privacy Implications

Windows Update 🔃 Delivery Optimization is generally safe, as Microsoft checks that update files are real, but some people prefer to turn it off to stop background data sharing.

Bandwidth Throttling and Network Impact

Yes, Windows Update 🔃 Delivery Optimization can use your internet bandwidth to upload updates to other PCs on the network.

How to Check if Delivery Optimization is Active

You can see if it is working by opening Task Manager 📊. Press Ctrl+Shift+Esc. Click the Performance tab and look at your Ethernet or Wi-Fi 📶 usage. If you see high activity while no apps are open, Delivery Optimization might be sharing files.

How to Change Settings in 🪟 Windows 11

1. Open the Windows Settings app.
2. Select Windows Update on the left side.
3. Click on Advanced options.

4. Look for the Delivery Optimization tile under "Additional options" and click it.

5. Click on Allow downloads from other PCs.
6. Toggle the switch to On or Off.

You can change Windows Update Delivery Optimization settings directly in the Windows Settings app to control whether your computer shares update files with other PCs on your local network or the internet. To do this, open Settings, select Windows Update, go to Advanced options, click Delivery Optimization, and then turn the switch on or off next to Allow downloads from other PCs.

Advanced Method: Using the Registry Editor

You can change Windows Update Delivery Optimization using the Registry Editor (a tool that lets you view and change system settings) if you prefer not to use the main Settings app. Type regedit in your search bar and press Enter to open the tool, then go to the correct registry path to update the values. Make sure to back up your system first, because a wrong edit can cause serious Windows problems.

1. Press the Windows key, type regedit, and press Enter.
2. Navigate to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\DeliveryOptimization
3. Look for DODownloadMode. If it is not there, right-click, select New › DWORD (32-bit) Value, and name it DODownloadMode.
4. Double-click DODownloadMode and enter:

   • 0: Disable Delivery Optimization.
   • 1: Enable for local network only.
   • 3: Enable for local network and the internet.

Restart your computer to apply the changes.

How to Clear the Delivery Optimization Cache

Go to Settings › System › Storage › Temporary files. Select Delivery Optimization Files and click Remove files.

Summary

Windows Update Delivery Optimization is a tool for faster updates using P2P technology. While efficient, it can impact your bandwidth. These settings can be managed in the Windows Settings app or via the Registry Editor. Always monitor your data usage if you have a limited internet plan.