How to turn metered connection on or off on Windows 11

If you're in a capped data connection, this is how you can set a network connection as metered on Windows 11.

Windows 11 metered connection
Windows 11 metered connection
  • To enable metered connection on Windows 11, open Settings > Network & internet > Wi-Fi or Ethernet, and turn on “Metered connection.”
  • To disable metered connection, open Settings > Network & internet > Wi-Fi or Ethernet, and turn off “Metered connection.”

On Windows 11, a metered connection is a feature for “Wi-Fi” and “Ethernet” network connections that limits the background data usage for the operating system and applications to prevent exceeding the data allowance. You would typically set a network connection as metered on a capped internet connection, mobile hotspot, and connections you want to save data.

If you must restrict the data usage on your computer, Windows 11 includes settings to set a network connection as metered through the Settings app.

This guide will show you the steps to set a network connection as metered on Windows 11.

Enable metered connection on Windows 11

To set a Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection as metered on Windows 11, use these steps:

  1. Open Settings on Windows 11.

  2. Click on Network & internet.

  3. Click on Wi-Fi or Ethernet (depending on the active connection).

    Open Wi-Fi settings

    Quick note: If you select the Wi-Fi option, you will need to click on the connected network to access the settings.
  4. Turn on the “Metered connection” toggle switch to enable the feature on Windows 11.

    Enable metered connection

Once you complete the steps, the active network connection will be configured as metered, restricting data usage for Windows 11 and apps to avoid extra charges on your subscription.

Only the active connection will be set as metered. You must repeat the instructions to configure the feature if you connect to a different network.

Disable metered connection on Windows 11

To turn off a metered connection on Windows 11, use these steps:

  1. Open Settings.

  2. Click on Network & internet.

  3. Click on Wi-Fi or Ethernet (depending on the active connection).

    Enable metered connection

  4. Turn off the “Metered connection” toggle switch to disable the feature on Windows 11.

    Disable metered connection

After you complete the steps, the metered feature will disable from the active network connection on Windows 11.

About the author

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].