To allow Windows Update downloads while using a metered connection in Windows 10, open Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > Advanced options and switch on Download updates over metered connections. Turn it off at the same location to restrict those downloads. Enabling the option does not remove your data cap or prevent your provider from charging for usage.
Change the Windows Update metered-download setting
- Open Settings.
- Select Update & Security > Windows Update > Advanced options.
- Switch Download updates over metered connections on to permit Windows Update downloads on metered connections, or off to restrict them.
These steps are for Windows 10. Microsoft’s Metered connections in Windows guidance covers Windows 10 and Windows 11; menu labels and availability may vary with device configuration.
What the toggle changes—and what it does not
The toggle concerns Windows Update downloads. It does not make the network unmetered, lift its data allowance, or stop possible overage charges. If your plan has a strict cap, keeping downloads restricted is the lower-data-risk choice; allowing them can use your plan’s data.
Metered status is a separate network setting. You can mark a Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection as metered in network settings; Windows treats cellular connections as metered by default. Microsoft says that on a metered connection Windows Update may download only priority updates, Microsoft Store app downloads might pause, and offline files might not sync automatically.
Recommended Free Tools
#1 Best Overall
Microsoft also notes that updates will not download on a metered connection until you permit them. See Keep your PC up to date with active hours for its update guidance.
If the toggle is grayed out or unavailable
Microsoft recommends checking these causes rather than trying registry edits or policy workarounds:
Rank #2
- 15.6" diagonal, HD (1366 x 768), micro-edge, BrightView, 220 nits, 45% NTSC.
- A data limit is set. Check data-usage settings and remove the limit if appropriate. The available path and labels can vary by Windows version and device configuration.
- Your account is not an administrator. Sign in with an account that has administrator rights, if you are authorized to do so.
- Your organization manages the PC. Contact your IT administrator; a work or school policy may control the option.
These troubleshooting checks are described in Microsoft’s metered-connection guidance.
Do not confuse this with Delivery Optimization
Delivery Optimization controls how Windows obtains and shares update and app files; it is not the metered-download permission. Turning Delivery Optimization off does not stop updates: the device downloads directly from Microsoft rather than from another local machine. See Microsoft’s Delivery Optimization in Windows for the distinction.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Rank #3
- 10th Generation Intel Core i5-1035G1 processor
- 12GB system memory for full-power multitasking
- 256GB Solid State Drive
- 15.6" Micro-edge touchscreen display
Windows 10 support status
Windows 10 support ended on October 14, 2025. Microsoft says it no longer provides free Windows Update software updates, technical assistance, or security fixes for Windows 10 after that date. Changing the metered-download option does not alter that support status. Details are in Microsoft’s Windows 10 support notice.
Quick Recap
Best Value
Rank #4
- Latitude 7480 Laptop 14"
- Intel Core i7 6th Gen i7-6600U -Core Processor 2.6GHz (3.4GHz With Turbo Boost)
- 256 GB SSD Hard Drive & 16GB Memory
- 1920x1080 FHD resolution Non-Touch with Webcam and an integrated graphics chip
- Wireless Wifi & Bluetooth
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
