Guide: How to Manage Data Usage on Windows 10 PC
Windows 10 can help you get the most out of your PC, but it comes with a cost: data usage. To ensure you don’t exceed your data plan, here are seven ways to reduce Windows 10’s data consumption.
Even if you have an unlimited internet plan, it’s still important to be mindful of your data usage. Windows 10 PCs can consume a lot of data, so here are some tips to help you reduce it.
1. Make connection metered
Measuring your internet connection can help you reduce data usage on Windows 10 computers. When connected to a metered network, Windows will suspend certain activities that use data in the background, such as automatic downloads of updates and app updates, as well as automatic updates of Start menu tiles.
To set up a metered internet connection on Windows 10, simply go to Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi and toggle the switch next to “Set as metered connection.”
To access the Windows Settings menu, launch it.
Choose ‘Network and Internet’ from the menu.
Tap ‘Change network properties’ in the Status section to set your PC’s network connection to metered.
Navigate to the Metered connection section and ensure the ‘Set as metered connection’ option is enabled.
Your connection has been tested.
2. Set the data limit
For those with limited internet plans, setting a data limit on their PCs is an effective way to conserve bandwidth. By capping usage at 2 GB per week, users can ensure their PCs don’t exceed the 20 GB limit of their plan. This gives them full control over how much data they use.
To help conserve data, Windows 10 users can set a limit on their PC’s connection. Here’s how.
To access the Windows Settings menu, launch it.
Choose ‘Network and Internet’ from the menu.
Tap Data usage in the left section to complete Step 3.
Users can set data limits on their devices by tapping the “Set limit” button in the Data limit section.
To reduce data usage, make sure the active internet connection is selected in the ‘Show settings for’ section.
Windows 10 users can set a monthly, one-time or unlimited data limit to manage their usage.
Choose a limit type, reset date and unit (MB or GB) for each data limit.
Tap ‘Save’ to complete data limit configuration.
When your computer reaches its data limit, you’ll be alerted. To adjust or remove the limit, go to Settings> Network & Internet> Data Usage.
3. Limit background data
Windows 10 users can take control of their internet data usage by restricting background app updates. To do this, follow the steps outlined in Microsoft’s instructions. This will help ensure that your limited subscription is not consumed by unnecessary downloads.
To access the Windows Settings menu, launch it.
Choose ‘Network and Internet’ from the settings menu.
Tap Data usage in the left section to complete Step 3.
Restrict Windows Store’s access to background data by selecting “Never” in the Background data section.
When your data limit is close to being reached, you can restrict background data usage to prevent exceeding it.
4. Turn off Background apps
Windows 10 OS permits certain apps to run in the background, even when they are not actively being used. This can lead to a decrease in battery life and an increase in internet usage, as these apps continue to operate without the user’s knowledge.
To minimize data usage on your Windows PC, disable background apps or reduce the number of apps running in the background. Here’s how.
To access the Windows Settings menu, launch it.
Choose your privacy settings.
Scroll to the bottom of the left panel, then select ‘Background apps’ to finish.
Tap the ‘Let apps run in the background’ option to disable background apps.
You can prevent apps from running in the background, ensuring their smooth operation.
Disable any apps you don’t want running in the background by scrolling through the list and turning them off.
5. Disable synchronization of settings
Signing in with your Microsoft account on Windows 10 PCs can be a convenient way to sync settings and configurations across multiple devices. However, this feature consumes data and may not be necessary to have running all the time.
To ensure your data is secure, disable the setting to sync your settings with other devices unless absolutely necessary. Here’s how.
To access the Windows Settings menu, launch it.
Choose the accounts you want to link to your online banking service.
Tap the ‘Sync your settings’ option to complete the process.
Uncheck the Sync Settings option to avoid syncing settings across devices.
6. Disable Microsoft Store Auto-Update
Windows 10 PCs are set to automatically update apps from the Microsoft Store, but this can be a drain on your data plan. To prevent this, you can turn off automatic updates in the Microsoft Store.
To achieve success, follow these steps: Achieving success is possible with the right approach. To get there, take the following steps:
To launch the Microsoft Store, open it on your PC.
Tap the three-dot menu icon in the top right corner of the home page.
Tap Settings to complete the process.
To ensure your apps are up-to-date, disable the ‘Automatically update apps’ option.
7. Pause Windows Updates
Windows updates are essential for keeping your PC running smoothly, but they can be a data hog. To reduce the amount of data used, pause the update until you have access to an unplugged wireless or Ethernet network. Here’s how:
To begin, open the Windows Settings menu on your PC.
Choose ‘Updates and Security’ from the menu.
Navigate to the Windows Update page and select ‘Advanced options’ in the right-hand pane for further customization.
Tap the “Pause Update” button, then select a date to delay Windows updates until.
Windows updates on your computer can be paused for up to 35 days, after which they will resume automatically.
Be the boss
Unanticipatedly running out of data before your plan’s expiration can be a hassle, and costly. To avoid this, take control of your Windows 10 PC’s data usage by limiting access to only essential activities and updates.
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How to Manage Data Usage on Windows 10 PC: benefits
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Final note
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Have questions about managing data usage on Windows 10 PCs? Our guide is here to help. For educational purposes only, we provide information on how to manage data usage. If you need to correct any misinformation or add more methods, contact us. We’re available through our contact page, social media accounts (WhatsApp, Facebook and Twitter) and Telegram channel for any help you may need - we usually respond within 24-48 hours (weekends excluded).
