The ability to monitor data usage on your device has been around for a long time on Windows 10, but the feature didn’t include a way to set data usage limit to help you avoid going over your data cap.
Starting with version 1803 (April 2018 Update), Windows 10 introduces changes to its Data usage feature allowing you to set data usage limit, and it’s not only available for Wi-Fi networks, but for Ethernet connections as well.
In this guide, you’ll learn the steps to set data usage limit for all Wi-Fi connections on Windows 10.
How to set data limit on Wi-Fi networks
If you’re connected to the internet using a limited connection, you can use data limit to monitor and get a notification when you reach your limit to prevent extra charges.
-
Open Settings.
-
Click on Network & Internet.
-
Click on Data usage.
-
Use the “Show setting for” drop-down menu to select the Wi-Fi adapter.
-
Click the Set limit button.
Data usage settings on Windows 10 -
Under “Limit type,” select the type of limit you want to use:
- Monthly — Monitors data usage in the monthly basis and statics reset every month as well at the day of your choosing.
- One time — Monitors your data usage during the course of one period.
- Unlimited — Constantly monitors data usage without limitations and statics reset every month at the day of your choosing.
-
Depending on your previous selection, select the Monthly reset date or Days until data expires.
-
Enter the data limit and select the unit in megabyte (MB) or gigabyte (GB).
Set data limit for Wi-Fi on Windows 10 -
Click the Save button.
In addition, under “Background data,” you can decide whether Windows 10 features and apps should stop using data in the background to reduce data usage.
Once you’ve completed the steps, your data usage in the network adapter will be monitor in the schedule you configured, and as you approach to the limit you’ll be notified with a toast notification.
At any time, you can return to the Data usage page to view the current usage and the remaining quota. If things change, you can always edit or remove the limit for the Wi-Fi connection.
It’s worth noting that this feature only allows you to keep track of data usage, and it only offers an estimate, as your mobile operator’s measurement may be different.
If you don’t see this option in the Settings app, it’s likely because you’re not running the version of Windows 10 that includes these changes. Data limit is available starting Windows 10 version 1803 (April 2018 Update), which is expected to be available starting April 30, 2018.
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 14 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 20 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].