Are you frustrated because your internet speed feels slower or Windows updates are not downloading automatically? You might have a metered connection enabled on your Windows 11 PC. Don’t worry — you’re not alone! In this guide, we’ll cover what a metered connection is, why it’s used, and exactly how to turn it off in Windows 11.
Whether you want to download large updates, remove data usage restrictions, or simply enjoy an uninterrupted internet experience, this step-by-step tutorial will help you take full control of your network settings.
📌 What Is a Metered Connection in Windows 11?
A metered connection is a network setting that tells Windows to limit data usage. When this setting is turned on, Windows will:
Pause automatic Windows updates.
Restrict background app data usage.
Limit downloading of large files and sync activities.
This feature is helpful if you are using a mobile hotspot or a limited data plan, but on unlimited Wi-Fi, it can be more annoying than helpful.
🔎 Why You Might Want to Turn Off Metered Connection
Turning off a metered connection removes these restrictions and gives you:
Full-speed Windows updates (important for security and performance).
Unrestricted background sync for OneDrive, Microsoft Store, and other apps.
Better streaming and download experience without bandwidth caps.
In short, if you’re on unlimited internet, disabling this setting ensures your PC works without limitations.
🛠️ Step-by-Step Guide: How to Turn Off Metered Connection in Windows 11
Follow these simple steps to disable metered connection:
1️⃣ Open Windows Settings
Press Windows + I on your keyboard (or click the Start button → Settings).
This opens the Settings app, where all network controls are located.
2️⃣ Navigate to Network & Internet
In the left sidebar, click Network & Internet.
Here, you’ll see all network-related options — Wi-Fi, Ethernet, VPN, etc.
3️⃣ Select Your Active Network
If you’re connected to Wi-Fi, click Wi-Fi → then select your active network name (SSID).
If you’re using Ethernet, click Ethernet instead.
4️⃣ Find the Metered Connection Option
Scroll down until you see Metered Connection toggle switch.
5️⃣ Turn Off the Toggle
Click the toggle switch to Off.
Your connection is no longer metered, and Windows will remove data restrictions.
🖼️ Visual Walkthrough (Optional)
| Step | Action | Screenshot Example |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Open Settings | |
| 2 | Go to Network & Internet | |
| 3 | Select active network | |
| 4 | Turn off Metered Connection |
(You can add screenshots in your actual blog post for better user engagement.)
🧠 Alternative Ways to Disable Metered Connection
Sometimes the Settings app might glitch or not save changes. Here are other methods you can try:
✅ Method 1: Disable Metered Connection via Control Panel
Press Windows + R, type
control, and hit Enter.Navigate to Network and Sharing Center.
Click your network name → Properties.
Uncheck any data usage restrictions (if available).
✅ Method 2: Disable via Windows Registry (Advanced Users)
⚠️ Warning: Editing the registry incorrectly can cause system issues. Proceed carefully.
Press Windows + R, type
regedit, and hit Enter.Navigate to:
Right-click Permissions and allow full control.
Change the value for your network type (Wi-Fi or Ethernet) from
2(metered) to1(unmetered).
✅ Method 3: Disable Using Command Prompt or PowerShell
Open Command Prompt (Admin).
Run the following command:
This resets network profile and removes metered connection flag.
⚙️ Troubleshooting: What If Metered Connection Keeps Turning On?
Sometimes Windows 11 automatically sets networks as metered, especially mobile hotspots. Here’s how to fix it:
Forget and reconnect to the network: Go to Wi-Fi settings → Forget network → Reconnect.
Update network drivers: Outdated drivers may cause network profile errors.
Run network troubleshooter: Settings → System → Troubleshoot → Other troubleshooters → Network Adapter.
Disable Data Usage Limit: Check if you have set a data limit in Data Usage Settings and remove it.
📊 Comparing Metered vs. Unmetered Connection
| Feature | Metered | Unmetered |
|---|---|---|
| Windows Updates | Limited (manual) | Automatic |
| Background App Data | Restricted | Full |
| Sync (OneDrive, Store) | Paused/limited | Normal |
| Best For | Mobile data, limited plans | Unlimited Wi-Fi, broadband |
💡 Pro Tips for Managing Your Network
Use metered connection only when necessary — for example, on a public Wi-Fi or mobile hotspot.
Schedule large updates for off-peak hours to avoid interruptions.
Monitor data usage in Settings → Network & Internet → Data Usage to avoid hitting ISP limits.
✅ Conclusion
Turning off metered connection in Windows 11 is easy and ensures your PC works at full capacity. Whether you’re downloading updates, syncing files, or streaming videos, having an unmetered connection helps everything run smoothly.
By following the step-by-step instructions above, you can quickly disable the metered setting and enjoy an unrestricted internet experience.
❓ FAQs About Turning Off Metered Connection in Windows 11
Q1: What happens if I turn off metered connection in Windows 11?
A1: Windows will automatically download updates, apps will sync in the background, and data restrictions will be removed.
Q2: Why does my Wi-Fi keep setting to metered automatically?
A2: This happens if Windows detects a mobile or limited data plan. Forget and reconnect to reset it.
Q3: Can I turn off metered connection for Ethernet too?
A3: Yes, you can. Go to Settings → Network & Internet → Ethernet and disable metered connection.
Q4: Does disabling metered connection use more data?
A4: Yes — since updates and background tasks will run automatically, you’ll consume more data.
Q5: Will this fix slow internet on my PC?
A5: It may improve speeds if updates were paused or background sync was blocked, but slow internet can also be due to ISP issues.