On Windows 10, a metered connection restristics background data usage for the operating system and applications to avoid extra charges or go over a connection subscription. You would typically set a network connection as metered on a capped internet connection, mobile hotspot, and on any connection you want to save data.
Whatever the scenario it might be, Windows 10 includes settings to set a Wi-Fi connection as metered, and since the release of the Creators Update, the operating system also includes an option to set a wired Ethernet connection as metered.
In this guide, you’ll learn the steps to set a Wi-Fi and Ethernet connections as metered without complex workarounds on Windows 10.
How to set an Ethernet connection as metered
If you want set a wired network connection as metered, use these steps:
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Open Settings on Windows 10.
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Click on Network & Internet.
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Click on Ethernet.
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Click on the wire Ethernet connection to access its settings.
Ethernet settings -
Turn on the Set as metered connection toggle switch to enable and restrict background data usage.
Set Ethernet as metered
Once you complete the steps, the Ethernet connection will be set to metered to help you to save data and possible surcharges on a capped internet connection.
How to set a Wi-Fi connection as metered
If you want set a wireless network connection as metered, use these steps:
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Open Settings.
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Click on Network & Internet.
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Click on Wi-Fi.
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Click on the Wi-Fi connection to access its settings.
Wi-Fi settings -
Turn on the Set as metered connection toggle switch to enable and restrict background data usage.
Set Wi-Fi as metered
After you complete the steps, the metered connection will prevent some Windows 10 features and certain apps from work properly to save data. For example, settings a Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection as metered will block system security and maintenance updates as well as feature updates. The Microsoft Store won’t be able to download new update for apps, the Start menu will no longer show Live Tiles updates, and some apps may not behave as expected.
Although Windows 10 has been designed to take full advantage of an internet connection, setting a metered connection can come in handy in a number of scenarios, including to restrict data usage on limited internet connections, when trying to block Windows 10 updates, especially on PCs running Windows 10 Home, and more.
Update December 28, 2020: This guide was originally published in January 2017, and it’s been updated to make sure the information is still accurate.
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].