How to Use A Windows 10 Metered Connection

Windows 10's metered connection settings may be hard to find but they can be a powerful tool for decreasing your internet data usage and managing downloads. Here's everything you need to know about metered connections in Windows 10 and how to set one up.

The metered connection setting on Windows 10 computers, tablets, and laptops doesn't create a new internet connection but, instead, limits the functionality of an existing one. Any Wi-Fi internet connection can be labeled as a metered connection and any metered connection can also be returned to its regular status.

When an internet connection is set as a metered connection on a Windows 10 device, many operating system and app downloads will be paused and some background data usage, such as that needed for updating messaging apps, will also stop working.

Any internet connection can be set as a metered connection but it must first be added to your device's list of known networks. This can be done by connecting to the internet connection.

After the initial connection has been made, do the following to set it as a metered connection.

Setting an internet connection as a metered connection on a Windows 10 computer or tablet doesn't make it any more or less secure. The metered connection setting simply limits the amount of data that can be used when connected and doesn't add any protection against hacking, viruses, worms, or other such online dangers.

The Windows 10 metered connection setting can be useful in any situation where you want to limit how much data you use on a specific internet connection. Some common situations include:

• When staying in a hotel room with an expensive internet package.
• When renting a portable Wi-Fi device while traveling.
• If you use your smartphone as a Wi-Fi hotspot and connect your Windows 10 device to it.
• When visiting a friend or family member who has a low data internet plan.
• If you're on a slow internet connection and want to prioritize an active app over background downloads and updates.

While the metered connection setting can be useful in a variety of circumstances, it's not a good idea to use it all of the time as it can decrease your Windows 10 device's overall functionality.

Here are some features that are affected when the metered connection setting is activated.

• Some Windows 10 operating system and security updates won't download and install. This can make your device more vulnerable to attacks or infections over the long term.
• Windows 10 apps won't update. This can be a problem as many Windows 10 apps require the latest version to run properly.
• Windows 10 Start Menu Live Tiles may not update their data. This could be an issue if you rely on Live Tiles for important information such as the weather report or appointments.
• Some Windows 10 apps may not function properly.