How to Configure Delivery Optimisation Bandwidth Limits in Windows 11 to Manage Background Network Usage

Windows 11 relies on the Delivery Optimisation service to download cumulative updates, driver updates, and large Microsoft Store applications. Additionally, Delivery Optimisation can upload previously downloaded update packages to other PCs on your local network or the internet via peer-to-peer sharing. On metered or shared broadband connections, this background traffic can cause severe network latency and bandwidth exhaustion. Configuring granular bandwidth caps restores total control over your connection.

What Is Delivery Optimisation in Windows 11?

Delivery Optimisation is a cloud-managed peer-to-peer distribution system built into Windows. While it speeds up update rollouts in office LANs, default consumer settings can monopolise upstream and downstream bandwidth during video calls, remote desktop sessions, or gaming.

Windows 11 provides native controls to throttle download throughput, restrict upload allowances, and specify monthly data caps.

Configuring Download and Upload Bandwidth via Settings

You can fine-tune Delivery Optimisation speeds directly within the Windows Settings app:

1. Press Win + I to launch Settings.
2. Navigate to Windows Update in the sidebar.
3. Click Advanced options.
4. Scroll down to the Additional options section and select Delivery Optimization.
5. Click Advanced options under the Delivery Optimisation page.
6. Under Download settings, choose between:
   • Absolute bandwidth: Specify exact transfer rates in megabits per second (Mbps) for background and foreground downloads.
   • Percentage of measured bandwidth: Dynamically allocate a maximum percentage (e.g., 20%) of your available network capacity.
7. Under Upload settings, check Limit how much bandwidth is used for uploading updates to other PCs on the Internet and set the slider to a conservative value (such as 10%).
8. Set the Monthly upload limit to prevent unexpected data overage fees from your internet service provider.

Restricting Delivery Optimisation to Local Network Only

If you have multiple Windows PCs at home or in an office, you can preserve fast local update sharing while completely preventing your PC from uploading to unknown internet peers:

1. In Settings > Windows Update > Advanced options > Delivery Optimization.
2. Ensure Allow downloads from other PCs is toggled ON.
3. Select Devices on my local network instead of Devices on the Internet and my local network.

Enforcing Bandwidth Limits via Group Policy (Pro & Enterprise)

For system administrators managing enterprise fleets:

1. Press Win + R, type gpedit.msc, and press Enter.
2. Navigate to:
   Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Delivery Optimization
3. Double-click Maximum Download Bandwidth (in KB/s) or Max Background Download Bandwidth (in KB/s).
4. Select Enabled and input your desired ceiling in kilobytes per second.
5. Click OK and apply policy updates across your domain.

Inspecting Real-Time Bandwidth Usage via Activity Monitor

To verify that your bandwidth limits are actively respected, return to Delivery Optimization in Settings and click Activity monitor. The built-in reporting dashboard breaks down exactly how many gigabytes were pulled from Microsoft HTTP servers versus local LAN peers, providing transparent verification of network efficiency.