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
  • How to set a Wi-Fi connection as metered

How to set an Ethernet connection as metered

If you want set a wired network connection as metered, use these steps:

  • Open Settings on Windows 10.
  • Click on Network & Internet.
  • Click on Ethernet.
  • 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.

Open Settings on Windows 10.

Click on Network & Internet.

Click on Ethernet.

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

How to set a Wi-Fi connection as metered

If you want set a wireless network connection as metered, use these steps:

  • Open Settings.
  • Click on Network & Internet.
  • Click on Wi-Fi.
  • 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.

Open Settings.

Click on Wi-Fi.

Click on the Wi-Fi connection to access its settings.

Wi-Fi settings

Set Wi-Fi as metered

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.