Windows · Network & Internet
Track network data consumption
Data usage shows how much network data your PC has consumed over Wi-Fi and ethernet in the past 30 days, broken down by app, helping you identify what's using bandwidth.
How to open Data Usage
- Open Settings → Network & internet → Data usage
- Review overall usage and the per-app breakdown
- Select Set limit to configure a warning threshold
- Reset usage statistics if starting a new billing period
What you should know
- View total data usage over the last 30 days by network
- See a per-app breakdown of data consumption
- Set a data limit to receive warnings as usage approaches the cap
- Reset usage statistics to start tracking from a specific date
Why it matters
For users on capped or metered internet plans, such as mobile hotspots, satellite internet, or limited home broadband, tracking data usage prevents unexpected overage charges or throttling. The per-app breakdown is especially useful for identifying an app quietly consuming large amounts of background data, such as cloud backup or update services. Setting a data limit provides proactive warnings before a cap is reached rather than discovering the problem only after service is throttled. This page is also a helpful diagnostic tool for understanding whether a specific app or one network is responsible for unusually high consumption.
Best practices
- Set a data limit slightly below your actual plan cap to leave a safety margin
- Check the per-app breakdown periodically to catch unexpected high-usage apps early
- Mark metered connections in the Wi-Fi or ethernet settings so apps reduce background usage automatically
- Reset the usage counter at the start of each billing cycle for accurate tracking
Common problems and fixes
- Usage numbers don't match my ISP's reported data
- Windows only tracks usage from this device, not the whole household or network, so totals will naturally differ.
- One app is using far more data than expected
- Check the per-app breakdown and consider limiting background data or updates for that specific app.
- Data limit warnings aren't appearing
- Confirm a data limit has been set for the correct network under this page's settings.
Tips and tricks
- Mark a mobile hotspot connection as metered immediately to reduce background data drain
- Check this page right after a large Windows Update to see how much data it consumed
Frequently asked questions
Does this track data used by other devices on my network?
No, it only measures data used by this specific PC, not your whole home network.
Can I set a hard cap that blocks internet access?
No, Windows will warn you as you approach a set limit, but it doesn't automatically block internet access.
Does marking a network as metered save data automatically?
Yes, many apps and Windows Update reduce background data usage automatically on networks marked as metered.
Related settings
- WiFi ConnectionWiFi Connection settings allow you to view, connect to, and manage wireless networks. You can configure automatic connections, set network priorities, and troubleshoot connectivity issues from this panel.
- Mobile HotspotMobile Hotspot lets you share your PC's internet connection (WiFi, Ethernet, or cellular) with other nearby devices over WiFi, Bluetooth, or a USB cable. It's useful for sharing a wired connection with a phone, or a cellular data plan with a laptop that lacks its own SIM.
- EthernetEthernet settings manage your PC's wired network adapter, including IP configuration, connection metering, and network profile type for a plugged-in cable connection.
More Network & Internet guides for Windows
- Bluetooth SettingsBluetooth settings allow you to connect wireless devices such as headphones, keyboards, mice, and smartphones to your PC. You can pair, remove, and manage connected devices easily.
- VPNVPN settings let you add, connect, and manage Virtual Private Network profiles for securely routing your traffic through a work, school, or personal VPN server. This is where you configure server details, sign-in info, and whether the VPN connects automatically.
- Remote DesktopRemote Desktop lets you connect to this PC from another Windows device, or from Mac, iOS, and Android using the Remote Desktop app, over your local network or the internet. Once enabled, you can control this PC's full desktop remotely, which is useful for accessing a work computer from home or troubleshooting a family member's PC.
- Nearby SharingNearby Sharing lets you send files, photos, and links wirelessly to another nearby Windows PC using Bluetooth and WiFi together, without needing a shared network drive, email, or a USB stick. Both the sending and receiving PC need Nearby Sharing turned on and Bluetooth enabled for it to work.
- Airplane ModeAirplane mode instantly turns off Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, cellular, and GPS radios all at once, which is required during flights and useful anytime you want to quickly disable wireless connectivity.
- Proxy SettingsProxy settings let you route your PC's internet traffic through a proxy server, either automatically detected or manually configured, which is often required on corporate or school networks.