7 Ways to Reduce How Much Data Your Windows 10 PC Uses

Sodiq has written thousands of tutorials, guides, and explainers over the past 3 years to help people solve problems relating to Android, iOS, and Windows devices. He also enjoys reviewing consumer tech products (smartphones, smart home devices, etc.) and previously worked with GearBest in that capacity.

Atish is a seasoned tech enthusiast fueled by caffeine and a Computer Science engineering degree. He stumbled into the blogging world in 2015 and hasn’t looked back. Over 2000+ articles later, his work has been featured on sites like Gizbot, Firstpost, PhoneArena, GSMArena, and IBTimes. At GT, he’s your go-to guy for how-tos, invaluable tips, and troubleshooting guides that actually work. He’s also an SEO and digital marketing whiz and content strategist, so his tech takes are always on point and ethical.

1. Make the Connection Metered

On a metered network, your Windows computer will suspend some data-consuming activities like the automatic download of Windows updates, automatic app updates, automaticupdates of Start Menu Tiles, and a few other functions that consume data in the background.

Step 1:Launch theWindows Settingsmenu.

Step 2:Select theNetwork & Internetoption.

Windows will show you the network your PC is currently connected to (could be Wi-Fi or Ethernet).

Step 3:To change the network status to metered, tap theChange network propertiesoption.

Step 4:Scroll to the Metered connection section, and toggle onSet as metered connectionoption.

And that’s it. Your connection is now metered.

2. Set Data Limit

For users on an internet plan with limited bandwidth, setting how much data you want to use on your PC is a brilliant way to reduce data usage.

Step 1:Launch theWindows Settingsmenu.

Step 2:Select theNetwork & Internetoption.

Step 3:On the left-hand section, tapData usage.

Step 4:In the Data limit section, tap theSet limitbutton.

Note:Ensure the active internet connection (that you want to reduce data usage on) is selected in the ‘Show settings for’ section.

Step 5:Choose the data limit type you want to set.

Step 6:When you’re done configuring the data limit to your preference, tapSave.

When you’ve hit the set data limit, your computer notifies you about it.

3. Restrict Background Data

Step 1:Launch theWindows Settingsmenu.

Step 2:Select theNetwork & Internet.

Step 3:On the left-hand section, tapData usage.

Step 4:Scroll to the Background data section and selectNever.

This setting should reduce how much data your Windows 10 PC uses. If you want to reduce down further, continue reading.

4. Turn off Background Apps

Windows 10 lets some apps run in the background, even when the apps are closed. These apps silently consume your internet bandwidth, they also run your PC’s battery down faster than usual.

Step 1:Launch theWindows Settingsmenu.

Step 2:SelectPrivacy.

Step 3:Scroll to the bottom of the left-hand section and selectBackground apps.

Step 4:Tap theLet apps run in the backgrounoption to toggle it off and disable background apps.

5. Disable Settings Synchronization

Windows 10 syncs the PC’s settings (and other configurations) to other computers you have the Microsoft account signed into. While this is a nifty feature, it consumes your data, and you most likely don’t need to have it on at all times

Step 1:Launch theWindows Settingsmenu.

Step 2:SelectAccounts.

Step 3:Tap theSync your settingsoption.

Step 4:Toggle off theSync settingsoption.

6. Turn off Microsoft Store Auto-Update

The default Windows apps or apps you installed from the Microsoft Store are set to get updated automatically. Here’s how to disable auto-update within the Microsoft Store.

Step 1:Launch yourMicrosoft Store.

Step 2:On the homepage, tap thethree-dottedmenu icon at the top-right corner.

Step 3:Next, selectSettings.

Step 4:Toggle off theUpdate apps automaticallyoption.

7. Pause Windows Updates

Windows updates are important; they fix bugs and generally help your PC perform better. However, these updates are huge (size-wise) and could be a data hog, particularly if you are on a limited data/internet plan.

Step 1:Launch yourWindows Settingsmenu.

Step 2:Select theUpdates & Securityoption.

Step 3:On the Windows Update page, selectAdvanced optionsfrom the right pane.

Step 4:Now, tap thePause untilthe drop-down button to select a date you want to defer the automatic download.

The maximum duration you can temporarily pause Windows updates for on your computer is 35 days. After this period, your computer will resume automatic download of Windows updates until you pause it again.

Was this helpful?

Last updated on 14 July, 2024

The article above may contain affiliate links which help support Guiding Tech. The content remains unbiased and authentic and will never affect our editorial integrity.

More in Windows

6 Ways to Fix Failed to Load Web Page Error in Steam for Windows

Top 8 Ways to Fix Mouse Lag on Windows 11

JOIN THE NEWSLETTER

Get Guiding Tech articles delivered to your inbox.

© 2024 Guiding Tech Media. All Rights Reserved.