How To Restrict Background Data In Windows 10?

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Want to make the most of your Windows 10 computer and conserve your monthly data plan? We've got you covered! Here, we'll show you how to limit background data usage in Windows 10 to help you avoid any surprise data usage! Connecting your Windows 10 computer to the Internet can be a great asset, and with our tips, you won't have to worry about running out of data. Let's get started!

How To Restrict Background Data Usage In Windows 10

Viewing Installed Apps Data Usage

Before we kick off, let's see the data usage of all the apps installed on your Windows 10 computer. This might help you to manage and restrict data usage. Are you curious to know how much data each of the apps installed on your Windows 10 computer is consuming? It's easy to find out! Just follow the instructions below to view and manage the data usage of all the apps on your computer. Let's get started!

  • Open the Settings app by clicking on the Start menu and selecting the gear icon.
  • In the Settings app, select "Network & Internet."
  • In the left-hand menu, select "Data usage."
  • Click on the Usage details command to view the usage-specific of each app or program installed on your Windows 10 computer.
    restrict background data in windows 10

#1 Set Metered Connections

Do you want to save data easily and limit background usage on your Windows 10 computer? Setting a metered connection is the answer! It's easy to do. Follow the instructions below to learn more about it.

  • Head to the "Network & Internet" settings and select "Wi-Fi."
  • Under the "Advanced options" section, you'll find a toggle switch to set the connection as metered.
  • With this enabled, Windows 10 will automatically reduce data usage for all your apps. Give it a try now!
    • Set Metered Connections

#2 Restrict Background Data

Worried about your limited internet plan being used up by Windows 10 background data? Here's how you can restrict data usage!

  • Open the Network & Internet screen.
  • Here, click on the Data usage menu.
  • In the Data usage section on the right-hand side of the screen, you'll find three options under the Background data section: "Always," "Never," and "When I'm within 10% of my limit."
  • Select "Always" to restrict background data usage every time you connect and use the computer over the Internet.
  • Choose the 'When I'm within 10% of my limit' option if you want your computer to stop using the background data when it reaches this limit.
    • Restrict Background Data

#3 Set Data Limits

Do you have limited bandwidth? If so, you can limit your data usage in Windows 10 by setting a data limit. Before getting started, first make sure to implement the steps given in Solution 1 (Make Internet Connection Metered). Then, follow these steps:

  • Go to the "Data usage" tab in the Settings app and select "Set limit."
  • Enter the maximum amount of data you want to use per month, and make sure to select the correct Unit (MB or GB).
  • Once you have reached your limit, Windows 10 will automatically turn off background data usage for all apps.
  • Don't forget to click the Save button when you're done.
    • Tip: Ensure that you have chosen the correct Unit (MB or GB). Once you have made the modifications, click on the Save button.
    Set Data Limits

#4 Restrict Background Apps

Usually, Windows 10 keeps some applications running in the background for the smooth functioning of the PC. The problem is that these applications silently consume your Internet bandwidth and also eat up your battery to some extent. So, check and turn off unwanted apps that consume more data. Here's how to do it:

  • Head over to the Data usage tab, and you'll find a list of all apps that have used data on your device.
  • To turn off background data usage for all apps, toggle the switch under the Background data section.
  • To limit data usage for specific apps, scroll down the list and toggle the switch next to the app to turn it off.
    • Restrict Background Apps

#5 Disable Microsoft Store Auto-update

Another way to limit background data usage in Windows 10 is by disabling the Microsoft Store's Auto-Update feature. Here's how to do it:

  • Open the Microsoft Store app, click on the menu icon and choose Settings.
  • Locate the Update apps automatically option under the Settings- App updates section.
  • Finally, click on the toggle button under the Update apps automatically option to turn off the auto-update feature.
  • See, disabling the auto-update is that simple. Try it out now!
    • Open The Microsoft Store App

#6 Temporarily Pause Windows Update

Generally, Windows updates are important to keep your system free from bugs and lags. However, these updates are generally large in size and take up a lot of data to get updated successfully. You can temporarily stop the Windows update if you have data usage concerns.

  • Head over to the Windows Settings menu and select the Update & Security option.
  • Once you're on the Windows Update page, tap on the Advanced options from the right pane.
  • Then, in the Pause update section, tap on Pause and specify a particular date to stop updates.
    • Tap On The Advanced Options

Restrict Background Data Usage Now!

In summary, there are several ways on how to restrict background data in windows 10. You can turn off background data usage for all apps or for specific apps, set a data limit, use the built-in data usage tracking feature, or set a connection as metered. By taking these steps, you can save on your monthly data plan and prevent apps from using up your data without your knowledge.