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

What Are Metered Connections?

A metered connection is an internet connection where you have a data limit or pay extra for using more data. Windows helps you save data by not downloading big updates automatically on these connections.

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 easily control whether Windows 11 downloads updates on metered connections using ⚙️ the Settings app.

Option 2Use a Registry File (For Advanced Users)

For those comfortable with advanced settings, you can change metered connection update behavior for Windows 11 using a registry file.

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

To disable ⬇️ downloading updates on metered connections (which is the default), use this:

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 can manage how updates download on metered connections by using the Local Group Policy Editor.

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)

Another advanced method to control ⬇️ downloading updates over metered connections in Windows 11 involves using a specific registry file for policies.

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.

In summary, you have several ways to control whether Windows 11 downloads all updates automatically on metered connections, helping you manage your data usage.