Stuck with slow updates or app downloads on your Windows 11 PC because your network is marked as “metered”? You’re not alone. Many users face this issue without realizing that Windows automatically limits certain background activities on metered connections.
In this detailed guide, we’ll walk you through how to turn off metered connection in Windows 11, explain why Windows enables it, and share multiple methods to disable it — so you can enjoy uninterrupted updates, faster syncing, and smoother browsing.
What Is a Metered Connection in Windows 11?
A metered connection is a network setting in Windows that tells the operating system your internet has limited data. When enabled, Windows reduces background data usage by:
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Pausing automatic Windows updates.
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Restricting app downloads from the Microsoft Store.
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Delaying cloud sync for services like OneDrive.
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Limiting live tile updates and background tasks.
It’s a helpful feature for people on mobile hotspots, limited data plans, or pay-per-use networks. But if you’re on an unlimited Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection, leaving it enabled unnecessarily restricts your PC.
Why Would You Want to Turn Off a Metered Connection?
Think of a metered connection as a “diet mode” for your PC’s internet usage. While it’s great for saving data, it also creates headaches:
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Windows updates don’t download automatically.
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OneDrive and other cloud services stop syncing properly.
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App updates are delayed, which can impact security.
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Streaming and background downloads might get throttled.
So, if you’re not worried about data limits, disabling metered connection is the smart move.
How to Check If Your Network Is Set to Metered in Windows 11
Before turning it off, you should confirm whether your Wi-Fi or Ethernet network is actually marked as metered.
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Press Windows + I to open Settings.
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Navigate to Network & Internet.
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Select Wi-Fi or Ethernet, depending on your connection.
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Click your active network.
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Scroll down — if you see “Metered connection” is turned on, then that’s the reason your PC is restricting data usage.
Methods to Turn Off Metered Connection in Windows 11
There are multiple ways to disable metered connections. Let’s break them down step by step.
1. Turn Off Metered Connection via Settings (Wi-Fi)
This is the most common method if you’re using Wi-Fi:
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Press Windows + I to open Settings.
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Go to Network & Internet > Wi-Fi.
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Click on your active Wi-Fi network.
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Scroll down to Metered connection.
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Toggle “Set as metered connection” to Off.
That’s it — your Wi-Fi is now unrestricted.
2. Disable Metered Connection for Ethernet
If you’re on a wired connection, follow these steps:
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Open Settings using Windows + I.
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Navigate to Network & Internet > Ethernet.
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Select your Ethernet network.
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Scroll down and find Metered connection.
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Toggle the switch Off.
3. Turn Off Metered Connection Using the Taskbar
Here’s a quicker way for Wi-Fi users:
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Click the Wi-Fi/Network icon in your taskbar.
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Right-click your connected Wi-Fi network.
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Choose Properties.
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Under Metered connection, toggle it Off.
4. Use Group Policy Editor (For Pro and Enterprise Editions)
If you want to enforce the change system-wide, use Group Policy Editor:
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Press Windows + R, type
gpedit.msc, and hit Enter. -
Navigate to:
Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Network > Network Connections > Set as metered connection -
Double-click the policy.
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Set it to Disabled.
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Click Apply and OK.
5. Turn Off Metered Connection via Registry Editor
For advanced users, you can disable it through the Registry:
⚠️ Warning: Incorrect edits can harm your system. Proceed with caution.
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Press Windows + R, type
regedit, and hit Enter. -
Navigate to:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\NetworkList\DefaultMediaCost -
Double-click Ethernet or Wi-Fi.
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Change the value from 2 (metered) to 1 (unmetered).
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Restart your PC.
6. Disable Metered Connection via Command Prompt
You can also use the command line:
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Press Windows + S, type Command Prompt, right-click it, and choose Run as administrator.
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Enter the following command for Wi-Fi:
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Replace
"YourWiFiName"with your actual Wi-Fi network name.
7. Use PowerShell to Turn Off Metered Connection
PowerShell provides a similar method:
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Open PowerShell as administrator.
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Run this command:
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Replace
"YourNetworkName"with your network’s name.
Comparison of Methods
Here’s a quick comparison table:
| Method | Best For | Difficulty | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Settings (Wi-Fi) | Everyday users | Easy | Recommended method |
| Settings (Ethernet) | Wired users | Easy | Straightforward |
| Taskbar | Quick fix | Easy | Fastest way |
| Group Policy | Pro/Enterprise | Medium | System-wide enforcement |
| Registry Editor | Advanced users | Hard | Risky, backup first |
| Command Prompt | Tech-savvy users | Medium | Needs exact network name |
| PowerShell | IT admins | Medium | Useful for scripts |
What Happens After You Turn Off Metered Connection?
Once disabled, your PC goes back to “normal mode”:
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Windows Updates download automatically.
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Microsoft Store apps update in the background.
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OneDrive syncs files continuously.
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Live tiles and notifications update in real time.
This ensures you always have the latest features, security patches, and synced files.
Troubleshooting: Can’t Turn Off Metered Connection?
Sometimes, the option might appear grayed out. Here’s what you can do:
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Check admin rights: You need administrator privileges.
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Run Windows Update Troubleshooter: Fixes related issues.
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Reset Network Settings: Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Advanced network settings > Network reset.
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Update Network Drivers: Outdated drivers may cause glitches.
Should You Ever Keep a Metered Connection On?
Yes, in certain cases:
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If you’re tethering through a mobile hotspot.
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When using a limited data plan.
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If you want to control when Windows downloads large updates.
But for home broadband or office Wi-Fi, turning it off makes more sense.
Tips to Manage Data Without a Metered Connection
Even if you disable it, you can still manage your data efficiently:
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Set Active Hours for updates.
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Pause Windows updates temporarily.
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Limit background apps in Task Manager.
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Use a third-party data monitoring tool.
Conclusion
Learning how to turn off metered connection in Windows 11 gives you control over your PC’s internet behavior. Whether you prefer the simple Settings method or advanced tools like PowerShell, the process is straightforward once you know where to look.
If you’re on unlimited internet, disabling it ensures smoother updates, syncing, and overall performance. But if you’re on a limited plan, use it wisely to avoid unexpected data usage.
So, next time your Windows feels sluggish with updates or OneDrive refuses to sync, you know exactly what to do.
FAQs About Turning Off Metered Connection in Windows 11
1. How do I know if my network is metered?
Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi/Ethernet and check under your active network. If “Set as metered connection” is toggled on, it’s metered.
2. Will turning off metered connection increase data usage?
Yes, because Windows will resume automatic updates, app downloads, and syncing.
3. Why is the option to turn off metered connection grayed out?
It usually happens due to admin restrictions, outdated drivers, or group policies applied by your organization.
4. Can I turn off metered connection for one network only?
Yes. The setting is network-specific — you can disable it for your home Wi-Fi but keep it on for mobile hotspots.
5. Is it safe to turn off metered connection?
Absolutely. As long as you’re on an unlimited plan, turning it off improves system performance and keeps your PC updated.