How to Enable or Disable Windows Update Delivery Optimization

Windows comes with a feature called Delivery Optimization. By default, it allows your computer to share update files with other PCs. You might get updates from other computers on your network or the internet, and your computer might send updates to them, too.

Why use this?

This feature helps updates finish faster by pulling files from nearby sources instead of just Microsoft servers. However, if you have a slow internet plan or limited data, this can use up your bandwidth quickly. You may also prefer to only get updates directly from Microsoft for security reasons.

What happens when done?

Once you change these settings, your computer will stop using other PCs as a source for updates. This gives you more control over your internet usage and how your system handles file transfers.

How to Change Settings in Windows 11

You can change these settings easily through the Settings app.

1. Open the Windows Settings app 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 to enable it, or Off to disable it.

If you keep it on, you can choose between Devices on my local network or Devices on the Internet and my local network. Close the window when you are finished.

Advanced Method: Using the Registry Editor

Note: This method requires admin privileges. Editing the registry can be risky. Please back up your computer before making any changes.

1. Press the Windows key, type regedit, and press Enter to open the Windows Registry Registry Editor.
2. Navigate to this path: Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\DeliveryOptimization
3. Look for DODownloadMode on the right side. If it is not there, right-click in an empty space, select New, then DWORD (32-bit) Value, and name it DODownloadMode.
4. Double-click DODownloadMode and enter one of these values:
   • 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.

Summary

Windows Update Delivery Optimization helps speed up updates by sharing files between computers. You can turn this feature off if you want to save internet data or prefer to download updates only from Microsoft. You can manage this through the standard Windows Settings or via the Registry Editor for more advanced control. Always back up your system before editing the registry.