Windows 8.1: Restrict & Monitor Mobile Data Usage
Managing Data Usage in Windows 8.1
Windows 8.1 provides features for controlling and tracking your data consumption. This functionality extends beyond devices like tablets and laptops utilizing mobile broadband.
It’s equally beneficial when you are using your PC with a tethered connection to your smartphone.
Understanding Metered Connections
While configuring a connection as metered can be helpful, it’s important to understand its limitations. The impact on overall bandwidth reduction is often minimal.
Furthermore, designating a connection as metered does not influence the data usage of traditional desktop applications.
How Metered Connections Work
- They primarily affect Windows Store apps, encouraging them to download updates less frequently.
- This can help conserve data, particularly on limited plans.
- However, background tasks and updates for desktop programs remain unaffected.
Therefore, while a useful tool, a metered connection isn't a comprehensive solution for managing data usage across all applications.
Effective data management in Windows 8.1 requires a combination of settings and mindful application usage.
Designating a Connection as Metered
Related: Methods for Tethering Your Android Phone and Distributing Its Internet Access to Other Devices
Consider a scenario where you are utilizing a mobile data connection, or perhaps a connection established through smartphone tethering. Alternatively, you might be linked to a wired internet service burdened by strict bandwidth limitations. You can instruct Windows to recognize this connection as metered, prompting it to prioritize minimizing data consumption.
To begin, access the Wi-Fi settings panel. This can be achieved by clicking the Wi-Fi symbol within the system tray, or by navigating through the charms menu to Settings and then selecting your wireless network’s icon. Then, right-click or long-press the desired network and choose the "Set as metered connection" option.
Windows will now classify the selected network as a metered connection. While mobile data connections are automatically designated as metered, Wi-Fi connections – such as those generated by a tethered smartphone – require manual configuration.
It’s important to understand that this setting alone has limited effect. To effectively curtail data usage, further adjustments to the settings detailed below are recommended.
Monitoring Network Data Consumption
Determining the amount of bandwidth utilized on a network connection can be achieved by right-clicking, or performing a long-press, on the network itself within the settings pane. Subsequently, select the option to "Show estimated data usage."
The Windows operating system continuously monitors data transfer, meaning that enabling this feature provides immediate access to historical usage information. A connection does not need to be designated as metered for this functionality to become available.
It’s important to understand that the displayed figures are labeled as "estimated data usage" due to the inherent limitations of measurement within the Windows environment.
Absolute precision isn't guaranteed, as your mobile carrier maintains its own independent tracking system. Always verify data consumption figures directly with your mobile data provider to ensure accuracy, rather than solely relying on the values presented by Windows.
Managing Data Usage on Metered Connections
Simply designating a connection as metered doesn't automatically limit data consumption. This setting merely informs Windows to apply specific configurations to that connection when they become available. Declaring a connection as metered will not, for instance, curtail the full bandwidth usage of a BitTorrent client or prevent Netflix from streaming at its highest possible quality.
Windows responds to a metered connection status in a variety of ways. Specifically, Windows Update will prioritize and download only critical updates, foregoing the installation of all available updates. Furthermore, the Windows Store will suspend the downloading of applications, including their updates, and dynamic tiles on the Start screen will cease to refresh.
Controlling Sync Options
You have the ability to manage how Windows utilizes OneDrive and other synchronization services when connected via a metered connection. Access the PC Settings app and navigate to OneDrive > Metered Connections to adjust these settings. Here, you can disable both file uploading and downloading while on a metered network.
If you are utilizing Windows 8.1’s integrated OneDrive cloud storage, you can configure it to refrain from uploading or downloading files when a metered connection is active.
It’s important to note that, by default, Windows 8.1 will upload and download files over metered connections unless you are currently roaming.
Device and Search Settings
A "Download over metered connections" option can be found under PC and devices > Devices. By default, Windows will refrain from downloading drivers and applications for newly connected devices while on a metered connection, conserving bandwidth. Should you encounter a "Setup incomplete because of metered connection" message during peripheral setup, you will need to enable this option or establish a connection to a non-metered network.
Within Search and apps > Search, you can customize whether Bing will provide suggestions and web results over metered connections. Windows 8.1 will, by default, access Bing search results on metered connections, except when roaming.
Limitations of Metered Connection Settings
These settings exclusively govern Windows’ behavior and do not extend to restricting the actions of third-party applications. Designating a connection as metered will not influence your web browser, BitTorrent client, or any other external program.
It is conceivable that future Windows 8.1 "Store apps" will acknowledge the metered connection setting and offer options to limit bandwidth usage accordingly, but desktop applications are unlikely to adopt this functionality.
Managing Data Consumption on Desktop Computers
Related information can be found in our guide on reducing browser data usage while tethering.
When utilizing a mobile data connection directly or while tethering, controlling desktop application bandwidth requires a specific approach.
Previously discussed methods for limiting bandwidth during tethering remain effective on Windows 8.1. These include employing a compression proxy, such as Opera browser’s “Off-Road mode,” enabling on-demand Flash content loading, and even disabling images within your browser when necessary.
Understanding Metered Connection Limitations
Designating a connection as metered offers some assistance, but its capabilities are limited.
The estimated data usage feature displays consumption over the preceding 30 days, which may not align with monthly data allowances provided by your mobile carrier.
- It is crucial to remain aware of your data limits.
- Do not solely rely on Windows to manage your data usage.
Careful monitoring and proactive management are essential for avoiding unexpected charges.
