How to Check Data Usage in Windows 11

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How to Check Data Usage in Windows 11

If you use a phone hotspot, a mobile broadband plan or a capped home connection, it helps to know how much data your PC uses and which apps use it. Windows 11 can show usage per app, warn you before you hit a limit, and cut background downloads on a limited connection.

Check Data Usage per App

Open Settings (press Windows key + I).
Go to Network & internet > Advanced network settings > Data usage.
At the top, choose the network you want (for example, your Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection).
Windows shows the total for the last 30 days and a list of apps with the data each one used.

Big numbers usually come from Windows Update, cloud sync apps (OneDrive, Google Drive, Dropbox), browsers, games and streaming apps.

Some Windows versions also let you reset the usage statistics on this page, so you can start counting from a date that matches your billing cycle.

Set a Data Limit (Warning)

On the same Data usage page:

Select Enter limit.
Choose the limit type (monthly, one time, or unlimited), the date it resets, and the amount of data.
Select Save.

Windows then shows how much of the limit you've used and warns you as you get close. The limit is only a warning - it doesn't block the connection.

Turn On Metered Connection

Marking a connection as metered tells Windows to save data. According to Microsoft, Windows Update will only download priority updates, and Microsoft Store downloads may be paused. Some apps also sync less.

For Wi-Fi:

Go to Settings > Network & internet > Wi-Fi.
Select your connected network's properties.
Turn on Metered connection.

For Ethernet:

Go to Settings > Network & internet > Ethernet.
Select your connection.
Turn on Metered connection.

The setting applies only to that network, so your home Wi-Fi can stay unmetered while your phone hotspot is metered. If the switch is greyed out, your organization may manage it.

See What's Using the Internet Right Now

The Data usage page shows totals, not live use. To see which app is using the connection at this moment:

Type resmon in the Start search box and open Resource Monitor.
Go to the Network tab.
Under Processes with Network Activity, select the Total (B/sec) column to sort. The busiest apps rise to the top.

Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc) also has a Network column on the Processes tab, and the App history page shows network use for Store apps.

Ways to Use Less Data

Turn on Metered connection for any limited connection (above).
Pause OneDrive sync while on a hotspot: select the OneDrive cloud icon on the taskbar, then the settings (gear) icon, and choose Pause syncing.
Use Pause updates in Settings > Windows Update for a short time - see how to pause Windows 11 updates safely. Don't leave updates off for long; they include security fixes.
Lower video quality in streaming sites and turn off autoplay.
Stop apps you don't need from starting with Windows - see stop apps opening at startup.

Using a Phone Hotspot?

Your phone counts the data too, and its count is the one your mobile provider uses. Check it in the phone's own data usage settings. If the hotspot connects but doesn't load pages, see phone hotspot connected but no internet. If you're sharing the PC's connection instead, see mobile hotspot not working on Windows 11.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Where do I see data usage in Windows 11?

Go to Settings > Network & internet > Advanced network settings > Data usage. Choose the network at the top, and Windows lists how much data each app used in the last 30 days.

What does a metered connection do?

It tells Windows the connection has a data limit. Windows Update then downloads only priority updates, and some apps and Microsoft Store downloads may pause, so less data is used in the background.

Does the data limit in Windows stop my internet?

No. The data limit only warns you when you get close to or reach the limit you set. It does not cut the connection. Your mobile provider's own limit is separate.

How do I see which app is using the internet right now?

Open Resource Monitor (type resmon in Start), go to the Network tab, and look at Processes with Network Activity. The busiest apps are at the top when sorted by Total.