In today’s age of digital connectivity, managing and conserving data consumption is crucial, especially for users on limited data plans or those who prefer not to exhaust their bandwidth. Windows 11, along with its predecessor Windows 10, acknowledges this challenge. These operating systems introduce a helpful feature known as the “metered connection.” At its core, a metered connection is designed for internet access with a capped data limit. By default, mobile data connections are set as metered, ensuring that large updates don’t consume valuable mobile data. Although Wi-Fi and Ethernet connections come without these inherent restrictions, users have the flexibility to designate them as metered if required. The real advantage? When the metered connection mode is active, Windows significantly reduces its data usage by holding back non-essential updates. Moreover, certain applications will also adapt their behavior, optimizing their functions to reduce data consumption. If you often find yourself tethered to a mobile network with a restricted data allotment or are simply keen on conserving bandwidth on your primary connection, Windows 11 provides an effective solution. Dive in to learn how to set up and utilize the metered connection feature on Windows 10 or 11, ensuring an optimized and data-conscious experience.
How to Turn On a Metered Connection on Windows 11?
To set up or enable a metered connection on Windows 11, use the following steps:-
Step 1. First, open the Settings app by pressing the Windows + I keyboard shortcut.
Step 2. When Windows Settings opens, select the Network & internet on the left side.
Step 3. Then, click the “Wi-Fi” or “Ethernet” on the right-side pane to set “Metered connection.” For example, in this post, we will use the metered connection for a Wi-Fi network.
Step 4. Afterward, select the Manage known networks option.
Step 5. In the next window, you will see all the Wi-Fi profiles listed that you have ever used to connect to the internet. Select a network profile by clicking on it.
Step 6. Now, turn the toggle switch On beside “Metered connection” to enable it.
You need to repeat the steps for each Wi-Fi profile if you want to set a metered connection.
How to Turn Off Metered Connection on Windows 11?
To disable or turn off the metered connection in Windows 11, do the following recommended steps:-
Step 1. First, open the Settings app by pressing the Windows + I keyboard shortcut.
Step 2. When Windows Settings opens, select the Network & internet from the left sidebar.
Step 3. Then, click the “Wi-Fi” or “Ethernet” on the right-side pane to set “Metered connection.” For example, in this risewindows post, we will disable a metered connection for a Wi-Fi network.
Step 4. Afterward, select the Manage known networks option.
Step 5. In the next window, you will see all the Wi-Fi profiles listed that you have ever used to connect to the internet. Select a network profile by clicking on it.
Step 6. Then, turn the toggle switch Off beside “Metered connection” to disable it.
You must repeat the above steps for each Wi-Fi profile if you want to turn off the metered connection.
How to Enable or Disable a Metered Connection on Windows 10?
To turn on or off a Metered Connection in Windows 10, use the following steps:-
Step 1. As usual, open the Settings app by pressing the Windows + I keys on the keyboard.
Step 2. When Windows Settings appears, click on the Network & Internet category.
Step 3. Then, select the Wi-Fi tab in the left sidebar.
Step 4. Next, click the link Manage known networks on the right sidebar.
Step 5. After that, select the Wi-Fi network you’d like to set Metered Connection. Then, click on the Properties button under it.
Step 6. Finally, scroll down to the Metered connection section in the following window. Then, toggle the Set as metered connection to On/Off to enable or disable this feature.
Also Read: How to Enable or Disable Wi-Fi AutoSwitch on Windows 11?
Conclusion
Managing and conserving data is vital in our digital era, particularly for those on limited data plans or aiming to conserve bandwidth. Windows 10 and 11, with their “metered connection” feature, address this issue adeptly. This feature aids users in restricting data usage, especially during large updates or app activities. By following the outlined steps, users can easily enable, disable, or manage this feature, ensuring a data-conscious experience on their Windows devices.
