How to Limit Bandwidth on Windows 10 Update

Windows Update may slow down your internet since it occupies some of the bandwidth. Thanks to Build 16237, now you can limit how much bandwidth Windows could use to update its system.

If you are on a metered connection or have limited data, this can also rack up data usage quickly. Fortunately, Windows 10 includes options to limit how much bandwidth is used for downloading updates in the background or while you are actively using your device.

Follow these steps to limit Windows 10 update bandwidth speed.

How to Limit Windows Update Bandwidth

1. Go to Start Menu > Settings. Next, select Update & Security.

2. On the Windows Update menu, click Advanced options.

3. Scroll down and find Delivery Optimization.

4. Then, select Advanced options.

5. Finally, adjust the bandwidth percentage as you wish.

Despite all of that, Microsoft may override the setting especially when there’s a very important security update. They want to make sure most their users can get the latest patch.

In addition, disabling Windows 10 background apps could help minimize unexpected bandwidth usage.

Using Group Policy Editor to Limit Bandwidth

For more advanced users and enterprise environments, you can also use Group Policy Editor to enforce bandwidth limits:

1. Type gpedit.msc in the Windows search box and open the Local Group Policy Editor
2. Navigate to: Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Delivery Optimization![Group Policy Editor](images/group-policy the policy for Set the maximum foreground download bandwidth and enable it
3. Enter a bandwidth limit in KB/s. For a 10 Mbps cap, enter 10000 KB/s
4. Repeat Steps 3-4 for the Set the maximum background download bandwidth policy

This allows setting explicit throughput limits rather than percentages. There are also policies for capping upload bandwidth if needed.Key advantages of using Group Policy include:

• Set exact limits rather than percentages
• Separate foreground vs background limits
• Apply policies to multiple devices in a domain
• Prevent users from overriding settings

For home users, the Windows Settings method is likely easiest. But Group Policy scales better for large organizations.

Finding the Right Update Bandwidth Balance

The optimal bandwidth limit can vary widely depending on your internet speeds, data caps, number of devices, and usage patterns. Testing different thresholds is recommended to find the right balance for your environment. Some general tips:

• Only limit bandwidth if you observe speed, usage, or data cap issues from updates. Don’t arbitrarily constrain the downloads without reason.
• Try setting conservative limits at first, like 30%, and tweak from there.
• Consider time-based policies, for example capping overnight downloads more aggressively since no one is actively using the network.
• For metered connections, setting a very low limit like 1 Mbps may be prudent to minimize data usage.
• For higher speed connections, you may not need to limit bandwidth at all unless you have many devices simultaneously downloading updates.

Get a feel for how your network performs during updates to choose suitable limits. Monitor speed tests and data usage over time to dial in ideal settings. And don’t forget to use Active Hours to prevent reboots during busy periods.

Additional Tips for Managing Bandwidth During Updates

Monitor Bandwidth Usage

To better understand how updates impact your network, use the Activity Monitor in Delivery Optimization settings. This tool provides insights into download and upload statistics, helping you adjust limits more effectively.

Set Active Hours

Active Hours prevent Windows from downloading updates during specific times, ensuring minimal disruption to your internet usage. Configure this feature in the Windows Update settings for a smoother experience.

Optimize Network for Multiple Devices

If your network supports multiple devices, consider enabling Quality of Service (QoS) settings on your router. This prioritizes traffic for specific applications or devices, ensuring critical tasks aren’t slowed down by updates.

Consider Third-Party Tools

For advanced bandwidth management, third-party software like NetLimiter or GlassWire can provide granular control over application bandwidth usage. These tools allow you to monitor and restrict Windows Update alongside other applications.

By implementing these strategies, you can maintain a balanced network environment without sacrificing update efficiency.