What Stops When You Turn On "Metered Connection"? ── The Effect on Windows Update, OneDrive and Store Apps
· Go Komura · Windows, Windows 11, Windows Settings, Networking, Windows Update, OneDrive, Tethering
Revision history (first version, published Nov 3, 2026)
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Go Komura (2026). What Stops When You Turn On "Metered Connection"? ── The Effect on Windows Update, OneDrive and Store Apps. KomuraSoft LLC. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.23923050 https://comcomponent.com/en/blog/windows-metered-connection-what-stops/
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Turning on “Metered connection” in the Windows network settings mainly holds back downloads and sync that run in the background. According to Microsoft, Windows Update downloads only priority updates. App downloads from the Microsoft Store may be paused, and Offline Files may not sync automatically1. OneDrive automatically pauses sync when it is connected to a metered connection2.
The setting is meant for connections with a data cap, such as smartphone tethering and mobile routers. It does not stop communication itself. What Microsoft’s description lists is holding back processing such as updates and sync1. Conversely, if you leave it on for a connection without a cap, updates other than priority updates will not arrive, and OneDrive sync will stay stopped.
This article focuses on Windows 11 and explains what changes when you turn it on, where to set it, how tethering is handled, and what happens if you forget to turn it off. The content is based on Microsoft documentation checked on November 3, 2026. The “Metered connection” switch for a wired LAN and the Windows Update setting were checked on screen on a virtual machine running Windows 11 Enterprise evaluation (26H2). The Wi-Fi properties screen was checked on a real PC running Windows 11 Pro (25H2). The default when reconnecting to Wi-Fi, tethering, the cellular network screen, and whether Windows Update behavior and OneDrive sync actually stop when it is turned on were not tried.
flowchart TB
accTitle: What is held back when a metered connection is on
accDescr: Shows that with a metered connection on, Windows Update gets only priority updates, Delivery Optimization does not exchange data with PCs on the internet, OneDrive pauses sync, and Store downloads and Offline Files sync may also stop.
M["Metered connection on"] --> DL
M --> SY
subgraph DL["Downloads held back"]
direction TB
WU["Windows Update (priority updates only)"] ~~~ ST["Microsoft Store (may stop)"]
ST ~~~ DO["Delivery Optimization (no exchange with other PCs)"]
end
subgraph SY["Sync held back"]
direction TB
OD["OneDrive (paused)"] ~~~ OF["Offline Files (may stop)"]
end
Figure 1: What changes with a metered connection is mainly downloads and sync in the background.
What a Metered Connection Means and Its Default Settings
A metered connection is a setting for connections where you are charged by the amount of data used or where the amount of data is capped. Microsoft describes it as a mechanism that controls how apps and system services use network bandwidth to keep data usage down1.
It is set per network you connect to, and the default differs by connection type3. Cellular networks (connections over a SIM or eSIM) are metered by default. Wi-Fi is not metered by default, so turn it on manually for a capped connection. Ethernet (wired LAN) can also be set to metered manually.
flowchart TB
accTitle: Default setting by connection type
accDescr: Shows that cellular networks are metered by default, that Wi-Fi is not metered by default, and that Wi-Fi and Ethernet can be set to metered manually.
C["Connection type"] --> CE["Cellular network"]
C --> WF["Wi-Fi"]
C --> ET["Ethernet"]
CE --> CE1["Metered by default"]
WF --> WF1["Not metered by default"]
WF1 --> MAN["Turn it on manually if needed"]
ET --> MAN
Figure 2: Cellular networks are metered by default; Wi-Fi and Ethernet are set by you.
Note that the Japanese edition of the Microsoft Support page says in this description of the defaults that “Windows sets Wi-Fi networks to metered”. The English edition says “non-metered”, which also agrees with the rest of the same page, so this article follows the English edition3. When the 15 Wi-Fi profiles saved on a real PC running Windows 11 Pro (25H2) were checked with netsh wlan show profile, every one had a cost of Unrestricted with Default as the cost source, and none was a metered connection. This result agrees with the English edition. A tethering Wi-Fi is decided by the information the smartphone sends when you connect, so this result says nothing about it.
In the diagram a solid line marks a relation that always holds and a dashed line marks a conditional one (the conditions are given per relation on the detail page). The full list of relations (10 in total, with evidence and certainty) and the definitions of the main concepts are collected on the knowledge map detail page (in Japanese). Data: JSON-LD / Turtle
What Changes When You Turn It On
Microsoft explains that apps that use the internet connection to update and display information may be limited in how much they download or display1. The features it explains by name are the following.
Windows Update
On a metered connection, Windows Update downloads only priority updates. Microsoft also writes that on a metered connection, some Windows updates are not installed automatically1. Which updates count as priority is not stated. Don’t assume that “the important updates will always come” on a metered connection; check for updates when you are back on a connection without a cap.
If you want to receive updates even on a metered connection, open [Advanced options] under [Windows Update] in Settings and turn on [Download updates over metered connections].1 When it is on, update downloads count toward your data usage.
flowchart TB
accTitle: Windows Update downloads on a metered connection
accDescr: Shows that on a metered connection, only priority updates are downloaded when downloading over metered connections is off, and updates are downloaded even over the metered connection when it is on.
A["Connected to a metered connection"] --> B{"Download updates over metered connections"}
B -->|"Off"| C["Download priority updates only"]
B -->|"On"| D["Download updates even over the metered connection"]
C --> E["Check for updates when back on an uncapped connection"]
Figure 3: Whether you receive updates on a metered connection is decided in Windows Update’s Advanced options.
Delivery Optimization
Delivery Optimization is a mechanism that lets Windows Update and Microsoft Store updates and apps be obtained not only from Microsoft but also from other PCs on the local network or the internet. Depending on the settings, your PC also sends them to other PCs4. On a metered connection, Delivery Optimization does not automatically download some updates and apps from other PCs on the internet, and does not send them to other PCs either4. Your connection is no longer used to send updates automatically to other PCs on the internet.
flowchart TB
accTitle: Delivery Optimization on a metered connection
accDescr: Shows that on a metered connection, Delivery Optimization does not automatically exchange some updates and apps with other PCs on the internet.
P["Your PC (metered connection)"] --> S["Windows Update and Microsoft Store"]
P -.-|"No automatic exchange"| I["Other PCs on the internet"]
Figure 4: On a metered connection, Delivery Optimization does not automatically exchange data with PCs on the internet.
OneDrive
OneDrive automatically pauses sync when it connects to a metered connection, or when the PC goes into battery saver mode2. When a metered connection is detected, a notification appears, and selecting [Sync] in the notification continues syncing without pausing5. After it has paused, you can resume sync from the OneDrive icon on the taskbar2.
If you always want it to sync even on metered connections, you can choose what happens on a metered connection (hotspot) in [Preferences] under [Sync and back up] in the OneDrive settings6.
While sync is stopped, files edited on the PC are not uploaded to the cloud. If the latest content doesn’t show up on another PC or a smartphone, check whether the OneDrive icon shows that sync is paused.
flowchart TB
accTitle: OneDrive sync on a metered connection
accDescr: Shows that when OneDrive detects a metered connection it pauses sync and shows a notification, that selecting Sync in the notification continues syncing, that after pausing you can resume from the icon, and that you can choose the behavior on metered connections in Preferences.
A["Metered connection detected"] --> B["Sync paused and a notification shown"]
B --> C["Select [Sync] in the notification"]
C --> D["Sync continues"]
B --> E["Resume from the taskbar icon"]
E --> D
F["Choose the behavior on metered connections in Preferences"] -.-> A
Figure 5: OneDrive stops syncing on a metered connection, but the notification or Preferences let you keep syncing.
Microsoft Store and Offline Files
App downloads from the Microsoft Store may be paused on a metered connection1. If an app you are installing from the Store doesn’t progress, check whether the network you are connected to is a metered connection.
Offline Files is a Windows feature that stores files from network shares on the PC so you can use them even when not connected to the network7. On a metered connection, Offline Files may not sync automatically1.
How to Set a Metered Connection
The setting is switched per network you are connected to1. The item names on the screens may differ slightly by Windows version.
- Open [Settings] and select [Network & internet].
- Select the connection type.
- For Wi-Fi, select [Wi-Fi] and then the Wi-Fi network you are connected to.
- For a wired LAN, select [Ethernet] and then the network you are connected to.
- For a SIM or eSIM connection, select [Cellular].
- Turn on [Metered connection]. Turning it off returns it to a normal connection.
You can also open the properties of a Wi-Fi network by selecting the network name from [Manage known networks] under [Wi-Fi]. On the properties screen of a real PC running Windows 11 Pro (25H2), the item was named “Metered connection”, with the description “Some apps might work differently to reduce data usage when you’re connected to this network”. The related link on the same screen is “Set a data limit to help control data usage on this network”.
On Windows 10, for Wi-Fi, open the network’s properties. The item is named [Set as metered connection].1
When the Setting Is Grayed Out and Can’t Be Changed
When [Metered connection] is on and grayed out so you can’t switch it, Microsoft lists the following three causes1.
- A data limit is set. Open [Data usage] from [Advanced network settings] under [Network & internet], and remove the limit for that network. On a real PC running Windows 11 Pro (25H2), the item under [Advanced network settings] was also named [Data usage]. The same screen can also be opened from [Data usage] at the top of [Network & internet].
- You are signed in with an account without administrator rights. In [Settings] > [Accounts], check whether “Administrator” appears under the account name.
- Your organization manages it. On PCs managed by a company or school, users may not be able to change it. Ask your IT department.
Does Tethering Become a Metered Connection Automatically?
When you connect to a smartphone’s tethering over Wi-Fi, Windows may treat that Wi-Fi as a metered connection. It doesn’t always do so, however.
Microsoft’s documentation describes two mechanisms by which the tethering side can tell Windows that “this is a metered connection”.
- Information carried in the Wi-Fi signal (the Network Cost IE). It was defined by Microsoft, and when the tethering side reports that it is metered here, Windows automatically treats that connection as a metered connection8.
- Information sent when an IP address is assigned (DHCP’s ANDROID_METERED). When Windows receives this value, it treats that interface as a metered connection. Windows 10 version 1909 and earlier do not support it9.
Whether your smartphone or mobile router sends this information depends on the device. This article did not check which models send it. When you connect to tethering, check whether [Metered connection] is on in that Wi-Fi network’s settings, and turn it on if it is off.
flowchart TB
accTitle: Deciding whether a tethering Wi-Fi becomes a metered connection
accDescr: Shows that when the tethering side reports a metered connection through Wi-Fi information or DHCP, Windows treats it as a metered connection automatically, and when it doesn't, Windows treats it as normal Wi-Fi, so you turn the setting on manually in the network settings.
T["Connect to a tethering Wi-Fi"] --> Q{"Does the tethering side report a metered connection?"}
Q -->|"Reports it via Wi-Fi information or DHCP"| A["Windows treats it as a metered connection automatically"]
Q -->|"Doesn't report it"| N["Treated as normal Wi-Fi"]
N --> M["Turn on Metered connection in the network settings"]
A --> C["Check that it is on in the network settings"]
Figure 6: Whether tethering becomes a metered connection automatically depends on whether the tethering device reports it.
Setting a Data Limit
Windows has a “data limit” that lets you set a cap on data usage for each network. When a limit is set, Windows notifies you when you are close to the limit and when you go over it10.
- In [Settings] > [Network & internet], select [Wi-Fi] and then the Wi-Fi network you are connected to.
- Select [Set a data limit].
- Select [Enter limit], enter the type of limit and the limit value that match your data plan, and select [Save].
For a wired LAN, set it from [Data usage] under [Network & internet]. On the Windows 11 (26H2) machine we checked, in the [Enter limit] section of this screen you choose the network from the list at the top right and select [Enter limit]. The Wi-Fi screen was not seen because the virtual machine used for checking had no Wi-Fi.
When you set a data limit on a cellular network, Windows automatically makes that connection a metered connection11. On a connection with a data limit, the metered connection setting may be grayed out and impossible to switch, as described in the previous section1.
flowchart TB
accTitle: How data limits relate to metered connections
accDescr: Shows that setting a data limit gives notifications when you are close to and over the limit, makes a cellular network metered automatically, may gray out the metered connection setting, and that to switch it you remove the limit on the data usage screen.
L["Set a data limit"] --> N1["Notified when close to and over the limit"]
L --> C["Cellular becomes metered automatically"]
L --> G["The setting may be grayed out"]
G --> R["Remove the limit on the data usage screen"]
Figure 7: A data limit not only gives notifications about the cap but also affects the metered connection setting.
When to Turn It On, and Forgetting to Turn It Off
A metered connection suits connections with a data cap or connections where you are charged for the amount used. Smartphone tethering, mobile routers and connections with a capped data plan fall into this category. Microsoft also explains that if you are being charged for going over your data usage, setting a metered connection helps you manage it1. On the other hand, it mentions changing a cellular connection to non-metered if your plan is actually unlimited3.
What needs care is forgetting to turn it off. If you keep using a connection without a cap while the metered connection is on, Windows Update downloads only priority updates and OneDrive sync stays stopped. When you turned it on temporarily for tethering, check the setting once you are done.
Conversely, if you use a capped connection without setting it as metered, you may be charged for going over your data limit1.
flowchart TB
accTitle: Deciding whether to turn on a metered connection
accDescr: Shows that you turn on a metered connection for a connection with a data cap or one charged by usage, turn it off for an uncapped connection, and that leaving it on for an uncapped connection keeps updates and sync stopped.
Q{"Is data capped or charged by usage?"} -->|"Yes"| ON["Turn on metered connection"]
Q -->|"No"| OFF["Turn off metered connection"]
ON --> W["Check the setting when back on an uncapped connection"]
W -.-> R["If left on, updates and sync stay stopped"]
Figure 8: Turn it on for capped connections, and check that you haven’t left it on when you return to an uncapped one.
When the Settings Are Decided on a Company PC
On PCs managed by a company or school, the behavior around metered connections may be decided by policy. If an item on the settings screen is grayed out and can’t be changed, don’t try to work around it yourself; ask your IT department1.
Administrators can decide the behavior with the following policies.
- Windows Update: Enabling the Group Policy setting “Allow updates to be downloaded automatically over metered connections” (
Update/AllowAutoWindowsUpdateDownloadOverMeteredNetworkin Policy CSP) makes updates download automatically even on metered connections12. - OneDrive: Enabling “Continue syncing on metered networks” (
DisablePauseOnMeteredNetwork) keeps OneDrive from pausing sync even on metered connections. This policy can be set with Group Policy and Intune5.
Related Articles
- What Is Windows Efficiency Mode? - The Green Leaf Icon and How to Turn It Off
- What Is Windows’ Hardware-Accelerated GPU Scheduling? — Does Turning It On Make Your PC Faster?
- OneDrive Files On-Demand and Business Apps — The Assumptions Placeholders Break and How to Fix Them
- Windows Update Management After WSUS Deprecation — How to Choose Between WUfB, Autopatch, and Intune
References
-
Microsoft Support (Japanese), Metered connections in Windows. What is limited on a metered connection (Windows Update downloads only priority updates, Microsoft Store downloads are paused, Offline Files), where to set it, the three causes when it is grayed out and can’t be changed, and the setting for downloading updates over metered connections. ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5 ↩6 ↩7 ↩8 ↩9 ↩10 ↩11 ↩12 ↩13 ↩14 ↩15
-
Microsoft Support (Japanese), How to pause and resume OneDrive sync. OneDrive pauses automatically on metered connections and in battery saver mode; how to pause and resume. ↩ ↩2 ↩3
-
Microsoft Support, Metered connections in Windows. Wi-Fi is non-metered by default and mobile broadband is metered by default. It mentions changing to a non-metered setting if the plan is unlimited. ↩ ↩2 ↩3
-
Microsoft Support (Japanese), Windows Update Delivery Optimization and privacy. On metered or capped connections, Delivery Optimization does not automatically exchange some updates and apps with other PCs on the internet. ↩ ↩2
-
Microsoft Learn (Japanese), IT Admins - Use OneDrive policies to control sync settings. How “Continue syncing on metered networks” (DisablePauseOnMeteredNetwork) works, and the notification and the [Sync] choice when it is not configured. ↩ ↩2
-
Microsoft Support (Japanese), How to access OneDrive settings. In Preferences under Sync and back up, you can choose what happens on a metered connection (hotspot). ↩
-
Microsoft Learn, Enable Always Offline mode for faster access to files in Windows and Windows Server. Offline Files is a Windows feature that caches files from network shares locally, makes them usable without a connection, and syncs changes with the server when the connection returns. ↩
-
Microsoft Learn, Network cost information element. Microsoft’s 802.11 extension for Wi-Fi networks to report their cost, and Windows treating the connection as metered for Fixed and Variable values. ↩
-
Microsoft Learn, MS-DHCPE: 2.2.2.6 Vendor-Specific ANDROID_METERED Option. The format of the DHCP vendor-specific option ANDROID_METERED. That a receiving client treats the interface as metered is in “Receiving a DHCPACK” of the same specification, and that Windows 10 v1909 and earlier do not support it is in “Appendix A: Product Behavior”. ↩
-
Microsoft Support (Japanese), Essential network settings and tasks in Windows. The steps for setting a data limit, and the notifications when you are close to and over the limit. ↩
-
Microsoft Support (Japanese), Cellular settings in Windows. Cellular data network connections are metered by default, and setting a data limit makes the connection metered automatically. ↩
-
Microsoft Learn, Update Policy CSP. AllowAutoWindowsUpdateDownloadOverMeteredNetwork and the Group Policy name “Allow updates to be downloaded automatically over metered connections”. ↩
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Frequently Asked Questions
Questions commonly asked at the time of consultation about the topic of this article.
- Does turning on a metered connection stop Windows Update completely?
- Not completely. According to Microsoft, on a metered connection Windows Update downloads only priority updates. Microsoft does not say which updates count as priority, so don't assume that every update will still arrive on a metered connection.
- How do I keep receiving Windows Update on a metered connection?
- In Settings, open Advanced options under Windows Update and turn on "Download updates over metered connections". When it is on, you may be charged for going over your data limit.
- Why does OneDrive pause on its own?
- Your PC may be connected to a metered connection or in battery saver mode. OneDrive pauses sync automatically in either case. You can continue syncing from the notification, and you can choose what happens on metered connections in Preferences in the OneDrive settings.
- Does connecting to a smartphone's tethering make the connection metered automatically?
- Sometimes it does and sometimes it doesn't. Cellular networks are metered by default, but Wi-Fi is not. There are also mechanisms that let the tethering side report that the connection is metered, but not every device reports it, so check the settings of the network you connected to.
- The metered connection setting is grayed out and I can't change it.
- Possible reasons are that a data limit is set, that you are signed in with an account without administrator rights, or that your organization manages the setting. A data limit can be removed on the Data usage screen; if your organization manages the setting, ask your IT department.
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Go Komura
Representative of KomuraSoft LLC
Focused on Windows software development, technical consulting, and bug investigation, with particular strength in projects where existing assets remain and in investigating failures whose cause is hard to see.