Windows · System
Manage peer-to-peer update sharing
Configures Delivery Optimization, which lets your PC download Windows Update and app files from other PCs on your network or the internet in addition to Microsoft's servers, and optionally share your own downloaded updates with others.
How to open Delivery Optimization
- Open Settings → Windows Update → Advanced options
- Click 'Delivery Optimization'
- Toggle 'Allow downloads from other PCs' on or off
- Choose the sharing scope and adjust Advanced options for bandwidth limits
What you should know
- Enable or disable downloading updates from other PCs
- Choose between PCs on your local network only or PCs on the internet too
- Set upload and download bandwidth limits for optimization traffic
- View activity monitor showing data downloaded and uploaded
Why it matters
Delivery Optimization can significantly speed up update downloads and reduce internet bandwidth usage in households or offices with multiple Windows devices, since updates only need to be downloaded once from Microsoft and can then be shared locally. However, allowing uploads to PCs across the internet uses your upload bandwidth to help other users worldwide, which some users prefer to limit or disable, especially on metered or limited connections. Understanding and tuning these settings prevents unexpected bandwidth consumption while still benefiting from faster local update delivery when appropriate.
Best practices
- Restrict sharing to 'PCs on my local network' if you want faster updates without contributing bandwidth to strangers
- Set upload bandwidth limits if Delivery Optimization is affecting your internet performance
- Disable Delivery Optimization entirely on metered or limited data connections
- Check the activity monitor periodically to understand actual bandwidth impact
Common problems and fixes
- Internet feels slower during update downloads
- Set explicit bandwidth limits for Delivery Optimization or restrict it to local network sharing only.
- Unexpected upload data usage
- Disable 'PCs on the internet' sharing to stop uploading to devices outside your local network.
- Updates download slowly despite Delivery Optimization enabled
- Check that other PCs on the network have already downloaded the same update, since there's nothing to share otherwise.
Tips and tricks
- Enable local network sharing in offices or households with many Windows PCs to noticeably speed up rollout of large updates
- Use the Advanced options to fine-tune upload limits separately for foreground and background activity
Frequently asked questions
Is this the same as torrenting updates?
It uses a similar peer-to-peer concept, sharing update files between PCs instead of relying solely on Microsoft's servers.
Does this share my personal files?
No, only Windows Update and Microsoft Store app files are shared, never personal data.
Can I disable this completely?
Yes, you can turn off downloading from other PCs and rely solely on Microsoft's servers.
Related settings
- Windows UpdateWindows Update allows you to download and install the latest security patches, feature updates, and performance improvements. Keeping your system updated helps protect against vulnerabilities and ensures optimal performance.
- Windows Update Advanced OptionsCentralizes advanced Windows Update controls, including updating other Microsoft products alongside Windows, restart notifications, metered connection behavior, and download prioritization.
- Optional Updates & Driver UpdatesLists optional updates not automatically installed, including driver updates from hardware manufacturers, feature previews, and monthly non-security quality updates you can choose to install manually.
More System guides for Windows
- Power & SleepPower & Sleep settings let you control when your screen turns off and when your device goes to sleep while idle. Adjusting these settings can help balance battery life and performance.
- Default AppsDefault Apps settings let you choose which application opens specific file types and links by default, such as your browser, email client, photo viewer, or music player.
- Windows Insider ProgramLets you enroll this PC in the Windows Insider Program to receive pre-release Windows builds ahead of general availability, choosing a channel that matches your appetite for new features versus stability.
- Update HistoryShows a chronological list of every update installed on this PC, including quality updates, feature updates, and driver updates, with the ability to uninstall problematic recent updates.
- Active HoursLets you define a time window during which Windows will avoid automatically restarting the PC to install updates, ensuring you're not interrupted during typical working or usage hours.
- Pause UpdatesLets you temporarily halt the download and installation of Windows updates for a set period, useful when you need a stable, unchanged system for a presentation, event, or compatibility testing.