How to Turn On or Off Downloading Windows Updates on Metered Internet in Windows 11

How To Turn On or Off Automatic Update Downloads on Metered Connections

Option 1Use ⚙️ the Settings App (Easy Way)

1. Press Windows key + I to open Settings.
2. On the left side, click 🔃 Windows Update.
3. On the right side, click Advanced options.
4. Find the setting called Download updates over metered connections.
5. Turn it On if you want Windows to download all updates even on limited data.
6. Turn it Off (default) if you want to save data and download only important updates.
7. You can now close ⚙️ the Settings window.

You can manage your metered connections using the ⚙️ Settings app. ⚙️ Open Settings, navigate to 🔃 Windows Update, then Advanced options, and you’ll find the setting for automatic downloads.

Option 2Use a Registry File (For Advanced Users)

For advanced users, changing Windows 11’s behavior on metered connections can be done with a registry file. This method lets you manually adjust settings to save data on limited internet plans. A specific command can enable or disable automatic update downloads when you’re on a metered connection.

To enable ⬇️ downloading updates on metered connections, run the command below.

reg add "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\WindowsUpdate\UX\Settings" /v AllowAutoWindowsUpdateDownloadOverMeteredNetwork /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /f

If you wish to disable these downloads (which is the default), use this command:

reg add "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\WindowsUpdate\UX\Settings" /v AllowAutoWindowsUpdateDownloadOverMeteredNetwork /t REG_DWORD /d 0 /f

After running the command, remember to 🔄 restart your computer for the changes to take effect.

Option 3Use Local Group Policy Editor (For 🪟 Windows 11 Pro and above)

Windows 11 Pro users have a powerful tool, the Local Group Policy Editor, to manage update downloads on metered connections. This lets you decide if Windows should download all updates, even when your internet data is limited. Access it by typing ‘gpedit.msc’ and navigating through specific folders.

1. Press Windows key + R, type gpedit.msc, and press Enter to open Local Group Policy Editor.
2. Go to:
   
   Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Update > Manage end user experience
   
3. In the right pane, double-click Allow updates to be downloaded automatically over metered connections.
4. To allow automatic updates over metered connections, select Enabled, then click OK.
5. To block them, select Disabled or Not Configured (default), then click OK.
6. Close the Group Policy Editor and 🔄 restart your PC.

Option 4Use Registry File for Policies (Advanced)

An advanced way to control updates on metered connections in Windows 11 uses a specific registry file for policies. This method allows for fine-tuning how Windows handles data usage for updates. You can use commands to either allow or prevent automatic downloads, helping you manage your limited internet plan effectively.

To enable:

reg add "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WindowsUpdate" /v AllowAutoWindowsUpdateDownloadOverMeteredNetwork /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /f

To disable (default):

reg add "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WindowsUpdate" /v AllowAutoWindowsUpdateDownloadOverMeteredNetwork /t REG_DWORD /d 0 /f

To remove this setting and use default behavior:

reg delete "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WindowsUpdate" /v AllowAutoWindowsUpdateDownloadOverMeteredNetwork /f

Remember to 🔄 restart your computer after applying these changes.

Summary

• You can control whether Windows 11 downloads all updates automatically on metered (limited data) connections.
• Use ⚙️ the Settings app for the easiest way.
• Advanced users can use Registry Editor or Group Policy Editor for more control.
• Always be sure you have administrator rights before making these changes.
• Checking these settings can help you avoid unexpected extra data charges.

Several methods exist for controlling whether Windows 11 downloads all updates automatically when using a metered connection (meaning limited data). The easiest method is ⚙️ the Settings app, while advanced users can use Registry Editor or Group Policy Editor for more control over these downloads.