Limit Bandwidth for Windows 11 Updates

Windows 11 automatically downloads system updates in the background and foreground, which can consume significant network bandwidth and slow down your internet connection. Fortunately, the operating system includes built-in Delivery Optimization settings that allow you to throttle download speeds. This guide walks you through the exact steps to configure precise bandwidth limits for both background and foreground updates using either absolute values (Mbps) or percentages of your available connection.

How to Access Bandwidth Settings in Windows 11

1. Open the Settings app by pressing Win + I on your keyboard.
2. In the left sidebar, click on Windows Update.
3. In the right pane, click on Advanced options.
4. Scroll down to the Additional options section and select Delivery Optimization.
5. Scroll down to the bottom and click on Advanced options.

Setting Download Bandwidth Limits

Inside the Advanced options menu, you will see two primary methods for limiting download bandwidth under Download settings:

Option 1: Absolute Bandwidth (Mbps)

This option lets you define exact speed caps in megabits per second (Mbps).

1. Select Absolute bandwidth.
2. Check the box for Limit how much bandwidth is used for downloading updates in the background and enter your desired speed limit in Mbps.
3. Check the box for Limit how much bandwidth is used for downloading updates in the foreground and enter your desired speed limit in Mbps.

Option 2: Percentage of Measured Bandwidth

This option dynamically limits updates based on a percentage of your total available bandwidth.

1. Select Percentage of measured bandwidth (measured against the update source).
2. Check the box for Limit how much bandwidth is used for downloading updates in the background and drag the slider to your preferred percentage (e.g., 20% to minimize disruption).
3. Check the box for Limit how much bandwidth is used for downloading updates in the foreground and adjust the slider to your preferred percentage.

Foreground vs. Background Updates

• Background updates: These are routine, silent tasks initiated automatically by Windows (such as security intelligence definitions or scheduled system patches). Limiting these ensures normal internet browsing, streaming, or gaming remains unaffected during standard computer use.
• Foreground updates: These are downloads initiated directly by the user (for example, clicking “Check for updates” or downloading an app from the Microsoft Store). Setting a higher limit here allows manual updates to finish faster while still preventing complete network saturation.

All changes take effect immediately without requiring a system restart.