A metered connection tells Windows to reduce some background network activity because the connection may have a data limit. If your Windows 10 PC is on an unlimited home or office network, you can turn metering off so Windows and compatible apps treat the connection normally.
Turn off a metered Wi-Fi connection
- Open Settings.
- Select Network & Internet.
- Choose Wi-Fi.
- Select the network you are currently using.
- Turn off Set as metered connection.
Ethernet can have a metered setting too
For a wired connection, open Settings > Network & Internet > Ethernet, select the active network, and review its metered-connection control. The exact layout depends on the installed Windows 10 build.
Check your data plan first
Do not disable metering merely to make an update download faster if you are using a cellular hotspot, capped broadband service, or another connection that charges for excess data. Windows may increase background downloads after the restriction is removed.
Metering does not completely block updates
Windows can still download certain high-priority updates over a metered network. The setting primarily changes how Windows and participating applications manage data usage; it is not a firewall or a guaranteed update blocker.
Windows 10 is beyond regular support
Microsoft ended Windows 10 support on October 14, 2025. Eligible Windows 10 22H2 consumer PCs can enroll in ESU for critical and important security updates through October 12, 2027. Keeping a supported update path is particularly important if you turn off data-saving restrictions.
If an organization manages the PC, network and update policies can override local preferences. Contact IT before changing settings intended to control company data usage.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.