How to Stop Windows Updates Using Too Much Data on Metered Connections
Windows updates eating through your data cap? Here's how to control and limit update downloads on metered or limited internet connections.
What's Happening
You're on a limited data plan—maybe you're using mobile hotspot, satellite internet, or an ISP with a monthly data cap—and Windows updates are consuming huge amounts of data without asking permission. A single major Windows update can use 3-5GB or more, and if you have multiple computers, this quickly becomes expensive and frustrating.
The good news is that Windows has built-in features to control update downloads on metered connections, and you can configure them in just a few minutes.
Quick Checks
Before configuring metered connection settings:
- Check your data usage - Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Data usage to see how much Windows has consumed
- Identify your connection type - WiFi, Ethernet, and mobile hotspot are all handled differently
- Know your data limit - Understanding your cap helps you set appropriate limits
- Update when you have unlimited access - If possible, connect to a library, coffee shop, or friend's WiFi for major updates
Step-by-Step Fixes
Fix 1: Set Your Connection as Metered
This is the simplest and most effective solution. When a connection is marked as metered, Windows automatically limits update downloads.
- Press
Windows + Ito open Settings - Go to Network & Internet
- Select your active connection (WiFi or Ethernet)
- Find the Metered connection section
- Toggle on Set as metered connection
What this does:
- Prevents automatic download of major feature updates
- Limits background data usage by apps
- Reduces OneDrive syncing
- Still downloads critical security updates (but on a schedule you can control)
Note: For Ethernet connections, you might need to click "Properties" under your network name to find the metered option.
Fix 2: Configure Windows Update Settings for Metered Connections
Even on a metered connection, you can fine-tune exactly how Windows handles updates.
- Go to Settings > Windows Update > Advanced options
- Scroll down to Additional options
- Turn off Download updates over metered connections (this prevents automatic downloads even for security updates)
- Also consider turning off Download updates for other Microsoft products
- Under "Pause updates," you can temporarily pause updates for up to 5 weeks if you're going through a period of limited data
Fix 3: Set a Data Limit for Your Connection
Windows 10 and 11 allow you to set specific data limits that will trigger warnings.
- Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Data usage
- Under your connection, click Enter limit
- Choose your limit type:
- Monthly - Set a monthly data cap (like 50GB per month)
- One-time - Set a limit for a specific period
- Unlimited - Remove limits if your plan changes
- Set the limit amount and start date
- Windows will warn you when you're approaching the limit
Fix 4: Schedule Updates for Specific Times
If you have periods when data is cheaper or unlimited (like nighttime hours on some ISPs), schedule updates accordingly.
- Go to Settings > Windows Update > Advanced options
- Under "Active hours," set the times when you're actively using your computer
- Windows will avoid updating during these hours
- Updates will automatically happen outside active hours when you're less likely to be using limited data
For more control, you can also manually check for and install updates only when you have access to unlimited WiFi.
If Nothing Worked
If updates are still consuming too much data:
- Disable Windows Update temporarily - This isn't recommended long-term, but if you're in a data crisis, you can stop the Windows Update service: Press
Windows + R, typeservices.msc, find "Windows Update," right-click it, select "Stop." Remember to restart it later for security. - Use Group Policy (Windows Pro) - If you have Windows Pro or Enterprise, you can use Group Policy to prevent updates: Press
Windows + R, typegpedit.msc, navigate to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Update, and configure policies for update downloads. - Download updates manually on unlimited WiFi - Connect to free WiFi periodically and manually download/install updates through Settings > Windows Update.
- Use Microsoft's Update Catalog - Download specific updates on a computer with unlimited internet, transfer them to a USB drive, and install them manually on your limited-data computer.
When to Call a Pro
Consider professional help if:
- You need to configure multiple computers to respect data limits
- You're in a business environment where updates must be controlled across a network
- Updates keep downloading despite metered connection settings (might indicate malware or configuration issues)
- You need help setting up a local update server to distribute updates to multiple devices without repeatedly downloading them
- You're not comfortable editing services or group policies
A technician can configure advanced update policies, set up network-wide update management, ensure security isn't compromised while limiting data usage, and troubleshoot why metered connection settings aren't being respected.
Need Professional Help?
If you're in the Tampa Bay area and need hands-on assistance, Geeks in Sneaks provides friendly, on-site tech support in Clearwater, Clearwater Beach, and Dunedin.
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