How to Limit Data Usage and Internet Bandwidth in Windows

Whether you’re on a limited data plan, sharing internet in a busy household, or trying to keep apps from hogging bandwidth, Windows has several built-in ways to help you control data usage. Here’s how to take charge and avoid surprises on your next internet bill.

1. Set a Data Limit

Windows lets you set a data cap on your network connection. This is useful if you’re on a metered or mobile hotspot.

Steps:

• Go to Settings → Network & Internet → Data Usage.
• Select your current network.
• Click Enter Limit, set the data cap (monthly, one-time, or unlimited), and click Save.

This won’t cut you off when you hit the cap, but it will give you warnings and help Windows throttle background data usage.

2. Set Your Connection as Metered

Telling Windows a network is metered forces the OS and apps to use less data.

Steps:

• Go to Settings → Network & Internet.
• Select Wi-Fi or Ethernet, then choose your network.
• Toggle on Set as metered connection.

This will stop Windows from downloading most updates and syncing in the background unless absolutely necessary.

3. Pause or Limit Windows Updates

Windows Updates can chew through gigabytes if you’re not careful.

Option 1: Pause Updates

• Go to Settings → Windows Update → Pause updates.
• Choose how long to pause (up to 5 weeks).

Option 2: Advanced Controls

• Click Advanced options under Windows Update.
• Limit bandwidth used for updates under “Delivery Optimization” → Advanced options.

4. Use Task Manager to Spot Data Hogs

You can catch apps using too much bandwidth with Task Manager.

Steps:

• Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
• Go to the Performance tab, then check Network usage.
• Switch to the App history tab for historical data usage.

Uninstall, disable, or restrict apps you don’t need using bandwidth in the background.

5. Control Background Apps

Windows allows apps to run in the background by default.

Steps:

• Go to Settings → Privacy → Background apps.
• Turn off background access for apps you don’t use often.

This reduces both data usage and improves system performance.

6. Use Third-Party Tools (Optional)

If you want deeper control (like per-app bandwidth limits), third-party tools can help:

• NetLimiter – Great for throttling individual apps.
• GlassWire – Excellent for visualizing data usage and spotting unusual activity.

Final Tip:
Keep an eye on your usage regularly. Windows provides built-in data tracking under Settings → Network & Internet → Data usage, showing per-app usage over the last 30 days.

By using these tools and settings, you can control your bandwidth and avoid going over your data cap—without constantly worrying about which app is downloading what.