Microsoft Edge now has a feature that allows you to control update downloads over a metered connection. A metered connection is usually defined as a connection to the internet that has data limit. An example of this type of connection are cellular data or services that offer a set amount of data during a certain period.
On Windows 10, when the system detects a cellular connection, it sets the connection as metered to restrict data usage for the system and most applications to save bandwidth automatically. However, you can also enable or disable the metered connection feature on any Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection.
Starting with version 89 (available in the Canary), the Chromium version of Microsoft Edge now also includes an option to allow or pause update download when a metered connection is detected to save data — independently of the Windows 10 settings. However, it is a feature that you must enable manually.
In this guide, you will learn the steps to enable or disable the ability to download updates for Microsoft Edge over a metered connection on Windows 10.
- Enable updates over metered connections on Microsoft Edge
- Disable updates over metered connections on Microsoft Edge
Enable updates over metered connections on Microsoft Edge
To allow updates over metered connections, use these steps:
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Open Microsoft Edge.
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Click the Settings and More (ellipsis) button on the top-right corner.
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Select the Settings option.
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Click on About Microsoft Edge.
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Turn on the Download Updates over metered connections toggle switch.
Microsoft Edge metered connection enabled
Once you complete the steps, Microsoft Edge will ignore the metered connection configuration, and it will download and install updates as soon as they are available.
Disable updates over metered connections on Microsoft Edge
To prevent update downloads over metered connections, use these steps:
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Open Microsoft Edge.
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Click the Settings and More (ellipsis) button on the top-right corner.
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Select the Settings option.
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Click on About Microsoft Edge.
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Turn off the Download Updates over metered connections toggle switch.
Microsoft Edge metered connection disabled
After you complete the steps, the browser will respect the metered connection configuration, and updates will not download automatically.
Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 15 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 21 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me. Email him at [email protected].