A metered connection in Windows 11 is a network setting that tells the operating system to treat that specific network as having limited data availability. When enabled, Windows and many apps reduce automatic background activity to avoid using excessive data. This feature is useful for mobile hotspots, limited broadband plans, or connections where you want tighter control over usage.
Reasons to use a metered connection
You should consider marking a network as metered if your internet plan has a data cap, you are tethering through a phone, or you want to avoid automatic downloads that could consume bandwidth. Metered mode helps prevent surprise overage charges and gives you more control over when large transfers happen. It is especially helpful when traveling or using a slow or costly connection.
How Windows responds to metered connections
Windows 11 restricts certain background activities when it detects a metered connection, such as automatic app updates, large system downloads, and some sync operations. Many Microsoft apps and third‑party applications respect the metered flag and delay nonessential network tasks. Critical security updates may still download in some cases to maintain system integrity.
Preparing before you configure
Decide which networks should be treated as metered and remember that marking a trusted home network as metered can delay important updates and feature downloads. Make a plan for manually applying critical updates when convenient on an unmetered connection. Review which apps you rely on for real‑time syncing so you can adjust their settings if needed.
Set a Wi‑Fi connection as metered
Open Settings, go to Network & internet, select Wi‑Fi, click the name of the connected Wi‑Fi network, and toggle Metered connection on. This flags that specific Wi‑Fi profile so Windows will limit background data on that network. The change applies only to the selected Wi‑Fi network profile, not to every Wi‑Fi network you connect to.
Set an Ethernet connection as metered
Open Settings, go to Network & internet, choose Ethernet, select the active Ethernet connection, and enable Metered connection. Windows supports metered settings for wired connections, which is useful when a wired link itself has limited bandwidth or is routed through a capped gateway. The metered flag for Ethernet works similarly to Wi‑Fi, restricting background downloads and updates.
Set a cellular connection as metered
Cellular connections are often treated as metered by default because mobile data plans commonly have limits. You can confirm or change the setting under Network & internet > Cellular in Settings. Keeping cellular connections metered prevents large system or app downloads while you are on the mobile network.
How to turn off metered mode
To revert, return to the network page in Settings corresponding to Wi‑Fi, Ethernet, or Cellular and toggle Metered connection off for that network. Turning off metered mode restores normal background activity and automatic updates on that network. If you switch networks frequently, verify the metered status of each connection you use.
Windows Update behavior on metered connections
Windows Update may postpone noncritical feature updates and avoid downloading large update packages automatically while on a metered connection. Security patches identified as urgent may still be allowed through to protect the device. If you need a specific update, you can manually initiate the download when on an unmetered network.
Microsoft Store and app behavior
Apps from the Microsoft Store and many third‑party apps will limit automatic updates and background syncing when the connection is metered. Some apps provide their own settings to override or fine‑tune behavior on metered networks. Check individual app settings for granular control over updates, sync frequency, and background data use.
Practical tips to reduce data use further
Disable or restrict background app permissions in Settings > Apps to limit unwanted network activity. Pause or limit cloud backup and syncing services, set large apps to manual update, and use browser settings that block heavy media or autoplay. Combine these steps with metered mode to maximize data savings.
Troubleshooting persistent data use
If an app still consumes data, check its per‑app background data permissions and update settings. Confirm the correct network interface is marked as metered and restart the PC to ensure settings apply. If particular updates continue to download, review update history to identify which component is requesting data.
Security and maintenance considerations
While metered connections save data, routinely delaying updates can leave your system vulnerable if critical patches are postponed for too long. Schedule periodic connections to an unmetered network to install cumulative and security updates. Balance data savings with required maintenance to keep the system secure and stable.
Metered connections in Windows 11 offer a straightforward way to control background data usage and avoid unexpected charges by telling the OS and compliant apps to limit nonessential network activity. Configure metered mode selectively for networks that truly need it, combine it with app and sync settings for the best results, and ensure you apply critical updates on unmetered connections when necessary.