Delivery Optimization can make Microsoft downloads faster, but it can also use bandwidth and upload parts of updates to other PCs. If your connection is capped, slow, or just too busy, Windows gives you clear controls for sharing, limits, activity, and cache files.
Start with the main sharing switch, then tighten bandwidth and data settings only where you need them.
1. Turn off sharing with other PCs
Use this first when you want Delivery Optimization to stop downloading from or uploading to other PCs.
- 1.Open Start > Settings > Windows Update > Advanced options > Delivery Optimization.
- 2.Under Allow downloads from other devices, switch the toggle Off.
That stops peer sharing. Windows can still download Microsoft updates without using other PCs.
If you see Some of these settings are managed by your organization, an admin policy controls the setting.
2. Choose local network sharing only
- Go to Start > Settings > Windows Update > Advanced options > Delivery Optimization.
- Turn Allow downloads from other devices On.
- Select Devices on my local network.
For several Windows PCs at home or in a small office, local sharing can reduce repeat downloads without sending update parts across the internet. Skip Devices on the internet and my local network when your goal is lower data use or tighter sharing.
3. Limit download bandwidth
Keep Delivery Optimization on, but stop automatic update downloads from taking over the connection.
- 1.Open Start > Settings > Windows Update > Advanced options > Delivery Optimization.
- 2.Under Download options, choose Absolute bandwidth limit or Percentage of measured bandwidth.
- 3.Set the background download limit.
- 4.Set the foreground download limit if you also want to control downloads you actively start.
Microsoft says these bandwidth limits apply to automatic update downloads. They do not apply to manual downloads such as selecting Windows Update in Settings or downloading an app from Microsoft Store.
4. Cap upload bandwidth and monthly data
- Open Start > Settings > Windows Update > Advanced options > Delivery Optimization.
- Under Upload options, limit how much bandwidth is used for uploading updates to other devices on the internet.
- Set a Monthly upload limit from 1 GB to 500 GB.
Uploads only matter when peer sharing is allowed. If Allow downloads from other devices is on, set upload limits before a capped connection gets hit too hard.
For a one-PC home setup, turning peer sharing Off is cleaner than tuning upload limits.
5. Mark capped networks as metered
A metered connection tells Windows the network has a data cap. Microsoft says Delivery Optimization will not automatically download or send parts of updates or apps to other PCs on the internet while you are using a metered or capped connection. Cellular is metered by default.
Use the path that matches your connection: Wi-Fi is under Settings > Network & internet > Wi-Fi > your connected Wi-Fi network > Metered connection. Ethernet is under Settings > Network & internet > Ethernet > your connected network > Metered connection. Cellular is under Settings > Network & internet > Cellular > Metered connection.
6. Check Delivery Optimization activity
- 1.Open Start > Settings > Windows Update > Advanced options > Delivery Optimization.
- 2.Select Activity monitor.
- 3.Review where downloads came from and how much data was uploaded during the current month.
Want proof of what happened this month? The Activity monitor shows download sources, average speed, and upload stats. This is the quickest way to confirm whether your PC used Microsoft servers, other PCs, or uploads.
7. Clear cached update files
Delivery Optimization stores cached files for a short time, and Windows also clears that cache automatically after a short time or when it uses too much disk space. If you want to clear it now, use Disk Cleanup.
- 1.In the taskbar search box, type Disk Cleanup, then select Disk Cleanup.
- 2.On the Disk Cleanup tab, select Delivery Optimization Files.
- 3.Select OK.
- 4.In the confirmation dialog, select Delete Files.
This removes cached Delivery Optimization files. It does not change your sharing or bandwidth settings.
8. Open the right page faster
Use a direct Settings command when you do not want to click through the Windows Update menus.
- ms-settings:delivery-optimization
- ms-settings:delivery-optimization-advanced
- ms-settings:delivery-optimization-activity
Open Run, a browser address bar, or an app link, then enter one of those commands. They open the normal Settings pages. They are shortcuts, not a separate control panel.
9. Ignore outdated Delivery Optimization fixes
Some older guides point to Windows 10 labels such as Choose how updates are delivered. Current Windows 11 uses Windows Update > Advanced options > Delivery Optimization. Windows 10 reached the end of normal consumer support on October 14, 2025.
Also skip advice that tells you to use Download Mode value 100, also called bypass. Microsoft marks that option deprecated starting in Windows 11 and says it can cause some content to fail to download.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Delivery Optimization do in Windows?
It helps deliver Microsoft content such as Windows updates, Microsoft Store apps, Office, Edge updates, Microsoft Defender definitions, Xbox Game Pass for PC, Windows Package Manager, Teams updates, and other Microsoft content.
Does turning off Allow downloads from other devices stop Windows Update?
No. It stops downloading from and uploading to other PCs. Windows can still get updates without peer sharing.
Why are my Delivery Optimization settings grayed out?
The device is controlled by an organization policy. That is common on work or school PCs, and the local Settings switch cannot override it.
Is there a separate Microsoft Store switch for Delivery Optimization?
No current Microsoft source verifies a consumer-facing app-level Delivery Optimization toggle in Microsoft Store. Use the Windows Settings controls instead.
