This tutorial will show you how to turn on or off download drivers and device software from Windows Update over metered connections in Windows 11.
A metered connection is an Internet connection that has a data limit associated with it. Cellular data connections are set as metered by default. Wi-Fi and Ethernet network connections can be set to metered but aren't by default. Some apps might work differently on a metered connection to help reduce your data usage. Also, some updates for Windows won't be installed automatically.
Device software (drivers, info, and apps) for new devices will not download from Windows Update on metered internet connections by default since data charges may apply.
Contents
- Option One: Turn On or Off Download Drivers and Device Software over Metered Connections in Device Settings
- Option Two: Turn On or Off Download Drivers and Device Software over Metered Connections in Printer Preferences Settings
- Option Three: Turn On or Off Download Drivers and Device Software over Metered Connections using REG file
Turn On or Off Download Drivers and Device Software over Metered Connections in Device Settings
1 Open Settings (Win+I).
2 Click/tap on Bluetooth & devices on the left side, and click/tap on Devices on the right side. (see screenshot below)
3 Under Device settings, turn On or Off (default) Download over metered connections for what you want. (see screenshot below)
4 You can now close Settings if you like.
Turn On or Off Download Drivers and Device Software over Metered Connections in Printer Preferences Settings
1 Open Settings (Win+I).
2 Click/tap on Bluetooth & devices on the left side, and click/tap on Printers & scanner on the right side. (see screenshot below)
3 Under Printer preferences, turn On or Off (default) Download drivers and device software over metered connections for what you want. (see screenshot below)
4 You can now close Settings if you like.
Turn On or Off Download Drivers and Device Software over Metered Connections using REG file
You must be signed in as an administrator to use this option.
1 Do step 2 (on) or step 3 (off) below for what you would like to do.
2 Turn On Download Drivers and Device Software over Metered Connections
A) Click/tap on the Download button below to download the file below, and go to step 4 below.
Turn_ON_Download_drivers_and_device_software_over_metered_connections.reg
Download
(Contents of REG file for reference)
Code:
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\DeviceSetup]
"CostedNetworkPolicy"=dword:000000013 Turn Off Download Drivers and Device Software over Metered Connections
This is the default setting.
A) Click/tap on the Download button below to download the file below, and go to step 4 below.
Turn_OFF_Download_drivers_and_device_software_over_metered_connections.reg
Download
(Contents of REG file for reference)
Code:
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\DeviceSetup]
"CostedNetworkPolicy"=dword:000000004 Save the .reg file to your desktop.
5 Double click/tap on the downloaded .reg file to merge it.
6 When prompted, click/tap on Run, Yes (UAC), Yes, and OK to approve the merge.
7 You can now delete the downloaded .reg file if you like.
That's it,
Shawn Brink
Last edited:
