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How to Turn Off Metered Connection in Windows 10 & 11

This article shows how to disable or turn off the metered connection in Windows 10 and 11 operating systems when you no longer need it.

Windows 10 and 11 have a neat little feature called Metered Connection that lets you limit how much internet data you can use. i.e., when you enable metered connection, applications aware of it restrict themselves from using too much data. For example, Windows won’t download updates, OneDrive pauses sync, etc.

As you can guess, the metered connection feature is useful when you have limited data, like mobile data. Thankfully, both Windows 10 and 11 make it easy to enable the metered connection. In fact, Windows remembers the setting and automatically sets the connection to metered when connected to the same network again.

As good as the metered connection feature is, it has its limitations. So, if you no longer need it or find it too restrictive, follow the guide below to disable or turn off the metered connection in Windows 10 and 11.

Table of contents:

  1. What is a metered connection?
  2. Why disable metered connection (disadvantages)?
  3. How to turn off metered connection in Windows 10
  4. How to turn off metered connection in Windows 11
  5. Metered connection FAQ

What is a metered connection?

A metered connection is a Windows setting that allows you to control how much data you can use on a specific network. Often, this setting is enabled on networks with mobile data plans where you have a limited amount of data that you can use each month.

On a metered connection, Windows can automatically limit how much data is used for certain tasks, such as downloading updates, syncing files, etc. This can help you avoid going over your data allowance and being charged extra.

Why disable metered connection (disadvantages)?

One disadvantage of a metered connection in Windows is that it can limit your access to certain updates and features.

For example, if you have a metered connection, Windows might not automatically download large updates, such as feature updates or monthly quality updates. This can make it more difficult to keep your device up-to-date and secure.

Additionally, some features and apps, such as Windows Media Player and certain Windows Store apps, might not work properly on a metered connection. This can limit your ability to use these features and apps.

All in all, if you don’t need it, it is better to disable the metered connection in Windows.

How to turn off metered connection in Windows 10

You can modify or turn off the metered connection from the network properties page in the Settings app.

Ensure you are connected to the network for which the metered connection is enabled, and follow the below steps to disable it.

  1. Open the Settings app.
  2. Go to the “Network & Internet” page.
  3. Select “Status” on the sidebar.
  4. Click “Properties” under the network connection.
  5. Turn off the “Set as metered connection” setting.
  6. Close the Settings app.
  7. With that, you’ve disabled metered connection in Windows 10.

Steps with more details:

First, open the Windows 10 Settings app. You can click the “Settings” icon in the Start menu or use the “Windows key + I” keyboard shortcut.

After opening it, go to the “Network & Internet -> Status” page. It displays your active network connection. Under the network connection, click the “Properties” button.

open network properties in Windows 10

The above action shows all the network properties of the selected connection. From there, turn off the “Set as metered connection” setting.

turn off metered connection in Windows 10

As soon as you do that, Windows 10 turns off the metered connection of that specific network. From now on, Windows will no longer automatically limit how much data is used for certain tasks.

If you marked other networks as metered connections, then connect to those networks and follow the same steps.

How to turn off metered connection in Windows 11

Windows 11 users can go to the network properties page to disable the metered connection. Let me show you how.

Make sure you are connected to the metered network and follow the steps below.

  1. Use “Start + I” to open Settings.
  2. Select “Network & Internet” on the sidebar.
  3. Click “Properties” at the top.
  4. Turn off the “Metered connection” setting.
  5. With that, the metered connection is disabled in Windows 11.
  6. You can close the Settings app.

Steps with more details:

First, use the “Start + I” key binding to open the Windows 11 Settings app. Next, go to the “Network & Internet” page.

Once you are here, click the “Properties” option at the top. Since you are already connected to the metered connection network, it will take you to the network properties page.

Note: If you are not connected to the metered connection network, go to the “Network & Internet -> WiFi/Ethernet -> Manage known networks” page and click on the network name.

open network properties in Windows 11

Once you are here, turn off the “Metered connection” option. As soon as you do that, the metered connection setting is disabled for that network in Windows 11.

turn off metered connection in Windows 11

If the metered connection is enabled for other networks, follow the same steps for those networks. From now on, Windows will no longer automatically limit how much data is used for certain tasks.

Metered connection FAQ

Since the metered connection feature is so popular, there are bound to be a few questions regarding it. Follow are the answers to a few frequently asked questions.

What is a metered connection?

A metered connection is a Windows setting that allows you to control how much data you can use on a specific network. Often, this setting is enabled on networks with mobile data plans where you have a limited amount of data that you can use each month.

How do I enable or disable the metered connection in Windows?

You can enable or disable the metered connection in Windows via the “Network & Internet” options page in the Settings app. Detailed step-by-step instructions are provided above.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of metered connection?

The advantages of using a metered connection in Windows include monitoring and controlling your data usage, avoiding data overages and extra charges, and potentially improving your internet speeds. The disadvantages of using a metered connection include limited access to updates and features and compatibility issues with some apps and features.

Can I set different apps and services to use less data on a metered connection?

Some apps, like OneDrive, can automatically recognize the metered connection and restrict themselves from using too much data. Additionally, some apps may provide options to limit data usage when necessary. For that, you have to consult the application’s manual.

Can I set a wired network as a metered connection in Windows?

Yes, you can set a wired/ethernet network as a metered connection in Windows. Go to the wired/ethernet network properties and enable the metered connection setting.

Can I set a WiFi network as a metered connection in Windows?

Yes, you can set a WiFi network as a metered connection in Windows. Go to the WiFi network properties and enable the metered connection setting.

That is all. It is that simple to turn off or disable metered connection in Windows 10 and 11 operating systems.

I hope this simple and easy Windows how-to guide helped you.

If you are stuck or need help, send an email, and I will try to help as much as possible.

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