If you’re on a limited internet data plan, you can make your Windows 11 PC use less data by setting the connection as metered. I’ll show you how this feature works and the various ways to enable it on your computer.

What Is a Metered Connection?

With Windows 11’s metered connection feature, you may reduce the amount of internet data your system uses from apps or updates. It’s handy if you have a data limit.

For example, if you’re using yourphone’s internet (hotspot)with your PC, you can mark that connection as metered so you don’t drain the data of your limited mobile plan. You can use the metered connection feature with any internet connection you want.

“Network & Internet” and “Wi-Fi” highlighted in Settings.

When you’re on a metered connection, Windows delays installing some non-essential system updates, which means you won’t get the latest Windows features immediately. Other services like Dropbox and OneDrive will also stop syncing your files.

Note that this feature isn’t perfect. My colleague here at How-To Geek had a situation where the Microsoft Store downloaded a 20GB update for a game they had never played, even though the connection was set as metered.

"[Connection Name] Properties" highlighted in Settings.

How to Set a Connection as Metered

There are various ways to set a connection as metered, but you only need to use one method.

Using Settings

Using Settings is the easiest graphical way to set a connection as metered. To do that,open Settingsby pressing Windows+i. From the left sidebar, select “Network & Internet.” On the right pane, choose your Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection.

Select “[Connection Name] Properties.”

On the following screen, turn on the “Metered Connection” toggle.

Without any prompts, Settings will mark your specific connection as metered. In the future, you can disable the feature by toggling off the “Metered Connection” toggle.

Using Command Prompt

you’re able to use a command in Command Promptto set a connection as metered, but this method only works for Wi-Fi connections. If you want to set an Ethernet connection as metered, use the other methods listed in this guide.

To start, open Windows Search (press Windows+S), typeCommand Prompt, and select “Run as Administrator.” In the User Account Control prompt, choose “Yes.”

The “Metered Connection” toggle highlighted in Settings.

On the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter. You’llsee all your Wi-Fi networks.

On the network list, find the network you want to set as metered. Then, type the following command, replace “YourNetwork” with your network name, and press Enter:

The command to mark a connection as metered typed in Command Prompt.

Your chosen connection is now set as metered. To verify that, run the following command replacing “YourNetwork” with your network name. In the Cost Settings section, next to Cost, it’ll say “Fixed,” which means the connection is marked as metered. If it says “Unrestricted” or “Default,” the connection is unmetered.

In the future, to set the connection as unmetered, use the following command. verify to replace “YourNetwork” with the name of your wireless network.

“Value Data” and “OK” highlighted for “WiFi” in Registry Editor.

With Registry Editor

Another graphical way to set Wi-Fi or Ethernet connections as metered is by using Registry Editor. You tweak a registry item’s value, which sets your connection type as metered.

This method sets the entire network type (Wi-Fi or Ethernet) as metered; you can’t select a specific network to be set as metered. Also, follow the instructions carefully as accidental changes can cause your system to be unstable.

“Network & Internet” and “Wi-Fi” highlighted in Settings.

To do that, launch Run by pressing Windows+R. Type the following in the Open field and press Enter:

In the User Account Control prompt, choose “Yes.” Then, navigate to the following path:

“Set a Data Limit to Help Control Data Usage on This Network” highlighted in Settings.

You can copy the following path, paste it in the Registry Editor’s path box, and press Enter to quickly get to the path.

To be able to change certain items, right-click “DefaultMediaCost” in the left sidebar, choose “Permissions,” and give your user account all the permissions.

Various fields highlighted on the “Set Data Limit” window in Settings.

To set a Wi-Fi connection as metered, on the right pane, double-click “WiFi.” In the open box, click the “Value Data” field and type2. Then, select “OK.”

If you’d like to set your Ethernet connection as metered, double-click “Ethernet” on the right pane, type2in the “Value Data” field, and select “OK.”

Then, close Registry Editor andrestart your Windows 11 PCto bring the changes into effect.

Set Data Limit for Your Metered Connection

You canspecify the amount of data for your connection, so Windows 11 knows what amount of data is available to use on your metered connection and doesn’t exceed it.

To do that, open Settings using Windows+i. From the left sidebar, select “Network & Internet.” On the right pane, choose your Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection.

Select your connection on the following screen. Beneath Metered Connection, select “Set a Data Limit to Help Control Data Usage on This Network.”

In the top-right corner, click “Enter Limit.” You’ll see a Set Data Limit dialog box. Here, click the “Limit Type” drop-down menu and choose the limit frequency. Select when the limit resets from the other drop-down menu. Click the “Data Limit” field and type the limit. Choose the limit unit from the “Unit” drop-down menu.

Then, select “Save” to save the changes.

And that’s how you ensure your Windows 11 PC doesn’t end up using more data than what’s allowed in your internet plan. Now you can browse without worrying about extra charges!