You can manually set Wi-Fi and Ethernet network connections to metered if you want to reduce the amount of data used by apps and services on that network. However, if the meter is set on your networks, some updates for Windows won’t be installed automatically which may introduce security risks and vulnerabilities. If you have limited internet access with data caps, metered connections on your networks might help reduce data used by your apps and prevent you from going over your data usage limits. If you set a network connection as an unmetered connection, you might go over your data limit for that network and may incur additional charges. To get started with setting metered network connection on Windows 11, follow the steps below.
How to turn on metered connection on Windows 11
First, go to the Windows Setting app. Windows 11 has a centralized location for the majority of its settings. From system configurations to creating new users and updating Windows, all can be done from its System Settings pane. To get to System Settings, you can use the Windows key + I shortcut or click on Start ==> Settings as shown in the image below: Alternatively, you can use the search box on the taskbar and search for Settings. Then select to open it. Windows Settings pane should look similar to the image below. In Windows Settings, click Network & internet, then select Wi-Fi or Ethernet on the right pane of your screen shown in the image below.
For Wi-Fi connection, select the Wi-Fi network you’re connected to, then turn on Metered connection. For an Ethernet connection, select the Ethernet network you’re connected to, then turn on Metered connection. For Cellular connection, select Cellular, then turn on Metered connection.
On each of the network connections, toggle the button to the On position to enable metered connection for that specific network. Once you turn it on, data on that network should be reduced and limited. Some apps might work differently on a metered connection to help reduce your data usage.
How to turn off metered connection on Windows 11
If you change your mind about metered connection, you can simply reverse the steps above to disable it. For each network, go to Windows Settings ==> Network & internet ==> Wi-Fi, Ethernet, or Cellular and toggle the button to the Off position to disable. That should do it! Conclusion: This post showed you how to enable or disable metered connections on Windows 11. If you find any error above or have something to add, please use the comment form below.
