This guide will help you learn how to set your Wi-Fi as a metered connection or non-metered connection on Windows 11. This is useful if you want to control how much data your computer uses.

What is Wi-Fi?

Wi-Fi lets your computer connect to the Internet without wires, using radio waves.

What is a Metered Connection?

A metered connection means your Internet has a data limit. For example, some plans limit how much data you can use each month. Cellular (mobile) data is metered by default, but Wi-Fi usually isn’t.

When you set your Wi-Fi as metered, Windows and some apps will use less data. Also, Windows won’t automatically download big updates, helping you save data.

If you go over your data limit, you might pay extra or your Internet could slow down. So, turning on metered connection can help you avoid surprises on your bill.

How to Turn On or Off Metered Connection for Wi-Fi in Windows 11

Option 1: Use Settings

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
2. Click on Network & internet on the left side.
3. Click Wi-Fi on the right side.
4. Click Manage known networks.
5. Find the Wi-Fi network you want to change and click its name.
6. Turn Metered connection On or Off as you wish.
7. Close Settings when done.

Here are some pictures to help you:

Option 2: Use Command Prompt (For Advanced Users)

Note: You need to be an administrator on your PC to do this.

1. Right-click the Start button and choose Windows Terminal (Admin).
2. Type this command and press Enter to see all saved Wi-Fi networks:
   

   netsh wlan show profiles

3. Find the Wi-Fi name you want to change.
4. Check the current setting by typing:
   

   netsh wlan show profile name="Your Wi-Fi Name"

   
   

   Replace Your Wi-Fi Name with the exact name from step 2.

5. To turn off metered (make it non-metered), type:
   

   netsh wlan set profileparameter name="Your Wi-Fi Name" cost=Unrestricted

6. To turn on metered (make it metered), type:
   

   netsh wlan set profileparameter name="Your Wi-Fi Name" cost=Fixed

7. Close the terminal when finished.

Example:

netsh wlan set profileparameter name="Penguin" cost=Fixed

Summary

• Setting your Wi-Fi as a metered connection helps you save data and avoid extra charges.
• Windows and apps may limit downloads and updates on metered connections.
• You can easily change this in Settings or with Command Prompt if you are comfortable.
• Keep an eye on your data usage to stay within your limits.
• Change your settings anytime based on your internet plan.

By following these simple steps, you can control your data use and avoid surprises on your Internet bill.

More Help from Microsoft

Learn more about metered connections on the official Microsoft support page:

• Metered connections in Windows – Microsoft Support
• Metered connections FAQ – Microsoft Support