Windows 11 utilizes a peer-to-peer networking feature called “Delivery Optimization.” When Microsoft releases a massive gigabyte-sized cumulative update, Windows does not just download it from Microsoft’s servers. It downloads the update and then secretly turns your PC into a miniature server, uploading those update files to other computers on your local network (and sometimes the internet) to reduce Microsoft’s server load.
While this is theoretically helpful for large corporate offices trying to save internet bandwidth, it is terrible for home users. Delivery Optimization runs silently in the background, constantly consuming your hard drive read/write cycles and your local network bandwidth, which can cause frustrating lag spikes while gaming or streaming. You can permanently disable this hidden peer-to-peer sharing.
How to Stop Windows from Sharing Updates with Other PCs
You can completely disable Delivery Optimization from the Windows Update settings menu.
- Click the Start button and select the Settings gear icon (or press Windows Key + I on your keyboard).
- In the left-hand navigation pane, click on Windows Update.
- In the main window on the right, click on Advanced options.
- Scroll down to the “Additional options” section and click on Delivery Optimization.
- Look for the master toggle switch labelled Allow downloads from other PCs.
- Click the toggle switch to turn it completely Off.
By turning this off, Windows 11 will only ever download updates directly from secure Microsoft servers. More importantly, your PC will never attempt to upload gigabytes of update data to other computers in your house, ensuring your local network bandwidth remains entirely dedicated to the tasks you actually care about.