Windows 11 continues to evolve with regular updates, including monthly cumulative releases and annual feature updates like the current rollout of version 24H2. While these updates are essential for enhancing features and bolstering security, they can sometimes download at inopportune moments, potentially impacting internet speed.
Fortunately, Windows provides a solution that allows users to manage the bandwidth allocated for Windows Update downloads. By setting limits on download speeds, users can ensure that their internet remains reliable for other tasks, making this feature particularly beneficial for those who rely on a stable connection for work.
How to set a bandwidth limit for Windows Update downloads
To optimize your bandwidth for Windows Update, follow these steps:
- Open the Settings app and select the Windows Update section from the left menu.
- Click on Advanced options.
- Select Delivery Optimization.
- Next to Download options, choose either Percentage of bandwidth limit or Absolute bandwidth limit from the dropdown menu. The latter is recommended for more precise control.
- Enable the Background limit in Mbps checkbox and enter the maximum bandwidth you want Windows updates to use while downloading in the background. The ideal value will depend on your internet speed; for slower connections, a limit of 1Mbps may be suitable.
- Optionally, enable a Foreground limit to restrict download speeds when actively seeking updates, although it is generally advisable to keep this off for faster downloads.
How to set a bandwidth limit for Windows Update uploads
Windows Update also utilizes your internet connection to upload updates to other devices. To manage this, you can set limits as follows:
- Open the Settings app and navigate to the Delivery Optimization page.
- Expand the Upload options section.
- Toggle the Limit as a % of measured bandwidth option to On.
- Use the slider to determine the percentage of bandwidth available for uploading updates.
- Set a Monthly upload limit to restrict uploads after a certain data threshold, with the default set at 500GB.
Don’t let Windows updates slow you down
With these delivery optimization settings, users can mitigate the disruptions caused by mandatory Windows updates. For those who depend on a constant internet connection, managing bandwidth effectively is crucial, allowing for a smoother workflow without the interruptions that updates can bring.
