Metered connection means :

Internet connection with data limit is called “Metered Connection”. For example, if you are using a cellular data connection on your laptop or tab and it uses to update Windows or any other apps, will it be feasible for you ?. Windows has a built-in feature to handle such restricted data usage networks. If you are using cellular/mobile data then those connections will be set as metered by default. Wi-FI and ethernet network connections are not set as metered connections by default. You can manually enable or disable metered connection settings in Windows network settings. Windows updates and other app updates will not work if the metered connection is enabled.

How to Enable or Disable metered connection ?

Go to Start -> Windows Settings (Or Press Windows button + I)

Click “Network & Internet

Metered Connection Windows Network and internet
Metered Connection Windows Network and internet

Click “Properties

Metered Connection - Windows Network Properties
Metered Connection – Windows Network Properties

Here you can see “Set as metered connection“, click this toggle and move it to “Off” status to disable “Metered connection” and toggle it to “On” status to enable Metered connection.

If you have a limited data plan and want more control over data usage, make this connection a metered network. Some apps might work differently to reduce data usage when you're connect to this network.

Common Errors and Warnings because of metered connections

  • Windows wont update on metered connection
  • Setup incomplete because of a metered connection – Setups can fail because of metered connection.
  • Outlook Shows “Metered Connection Warning” – Click Anyway to connect
Outlook Warning -Metered connection
Outlook Warning -Metered connection

How override metered connection settings for Device software (apps and driver updates ) ?

Go to Windows Settings -> Devices->Tick “Download over metered connections

How To Reduce Data Usage?

Data usage(Windows 10/11) is the amount of data sent between your device and the Internet. For example, every time you use your web browser, send an email or watch a video online, you’re using data.

Data usage can be a serious problem for people who don’t have unlimited plans and use their phones for streaming music and video. However, there are ways how to reduce internet usage, even if you can’t just cut it out of your life completely.

Save data usage in windows 10 is not so hard. Starting from the outside in, there are a few things you can do to dramatically and learn how to save data usage in windows 10.

1. Check your plan:

If you’re on a limited data plan — for example, if you’ve got a monthly cap of 1GB or 2GB — you may be able to save some money by downgrading your service to something that’s better suited to your Internet needs.

2. Limit background data:

Some apps like Skype and Facebook are notorious for gobbling up data in the background without your knowledge. That can be pretty annoying; not only is it wasting valuable data, but it also can drain your battery pretty quickly.

3. Use Wi-Fi whenever possible:

Using Wi-Fi is one of the best ways to reduce data usage because your phone doesn’t have to work as hard to transmit and receive information over short distances (as opposed to 3G or LTE networks).

4. Download movies and music on Wi-Fi only:

Aside from media apps like Netflix and Spotify, which allow you to download content for offline use. Some phones offer “offline” modes that stop apps from automatically updating themselves (e.g., Twitter’s “Data Saver” mode).

5. Use compression services:

like Opera Max and Onavo Extend

Install data-saving extensions on your browser:

There are many free extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Safari that you can use to compress images and videos on the page before they load on your browser. They work by compressing the files, either by removing some color from the image or by resizing them, so they use less data when they load.

But one of our favorites is Data Saver by Google, which is available for Chrome. This extension has more than 6 million users who have collectively saved more than 1 exabyte (a billion gigabytes) of data since it was launched.