Windows Delivery Optimization Bandwidth Limit Registry Key

Windows Delivery Optimization controls how updates and Microsoft Store apps are downloaded, allowing you to limit network bandwidth consumption to prevent network congestion. This article details the exact Windows Registry key path and the specific DWORD values responsible for managing background download bandwidth caps.

The Delivery Optimization Registry Key Path

To configure background bandwidth limits through the Windows Registry, navigate to the following policy key:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\DeliveryOptimization

(Note: If the DeliveryOptimization subkey does not exist under \Policies\Microsoft\Windows\, you must create it manually.)

Values for Managing Background Bandwidth Caps

Inside this key, specific 32-bit DWORD values dictate how background download throttling behaves:

• DOMaxBackgroundDownloadBandwidth
  • Type: REG_DWORD
  • Function: Specifies the maximum background download bandwidth in kilobytes per second (KB/s). Setting a value of 0 means unlimited.
• DORestrictBackgroundDownloadBandwidthPercentage
  • Type: REG_DWORD
  • Function: Limits background downloads to a specific percentage of total available bandwidth. Values range from 1 to 100.
• DOBackgroundDownloadBandwidthPercentageWorkingHours
  • Type: REG_DWORD
  • Function: Restricts background bandwidth to a defined percentage specifically during defined business hours.
• DOBackgroundDownloadBandwidthPercentageNonWorkingHours
  • Type: REG_DWORD
  • Function: Restricts background bandwidth to a defined percentage outside of defined business hours.

How to Apply the Settings

1. Open the Run dialog by pressing Win + R, type regedit, and press Enter.
2. Navigate to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\DeliveryOptimization
3. Right-click in the right pane, select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value, and name it either DOMaxBackgroundDownloadBandwidth (for absolute KB/s limit) or DORestrictBackgroundDownloadBandwidthPercentage (for percentage limit).
4. Double-click the newly created value, set the Base to Decimal, enter your desired cap, and click OK.
5. Restart the Delivery Optimization service (dosvc) or reboot the system for the policy changes to take effect.