To set an Ethernet connection as metered in Windows, use Group Policy by opening gpedit.msc, navigating to Computer Configuration → Administrative Templates → Network → Network Connections → Metered Networks, enabling "Set metered connection state for Ethernet connections," selecting Metered or Always metered, then restarting the computer. 2. On Windows Home, use Registry Editor by opening regedit, going to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\NetCache, creating a DWORD named Enable and setting its value to 0, then navigating to InterfaceList, creating a key with your Ethernet interface’s GUID (found via Get-NetConnectionProfile in PowerShell), and inside it creating a DWORD named Cost set to 2 or 3 to enable metered behavior. 3. A metered Ethernet connection prevents automatic background tasks like Windows Update downloads, app sync, and OneDrive auto-sync, while still allowing normal manual internet use. 4. Note that there is no Settings toggle for Ethernet metered connections, Group Policy is unavailable on Home edition, some apps may ignore the setting, and browsing data usage remains unchanged; this method requires caution, especially when editing the registry, but effectively limits background data usage on Ethernet connections.

Windows allows you to set a network connection—like Wi-Fi or Ethernet—as "metered," which helps limit background data usage. This is especially useful if you're on a limited data plan. While Windows makes it easy to set Wi-Fi networks as metered, Ethernet metered connections aren't directly available through the standard Settings menu. However, you can configure it using the Group Policy Editor (on Pro, Enterprise, or Education editions) or the Registry Editor (available on all editions).

Here’s how to set up a metered connection for Ethernet:

1. Use Group Policy (Windows Pro and above)

This method is cleaner and reversible.

1. Press Win R, type gpedit.msc, and press Enter.
2. Navigate to:
   Computer Configuration → Administrative Templates → Network → Network Connections → Metered Networks
3. Double-click "Set metered connection state for Ethernet connections".
4. Select Enabled.
5. In the options below, choose:
   • Metered (to treat Ethernet as metered)
   • Or Always metered (if you want it always treated that way)
6. Click Apply, then OK.
7. Restart your computer or restart the network interface for changes to take effect.

? This setting will apply to all Ethernet connections on the device.

2. Use Registry Editor (All Windows versions, including Home)

If you're on Windows 10/11 Home, you’ll need to use the Registry.

?? Warning: Editing the registry can cause system issues if done incorrectly. Back up the registry before proceeding.

1. Press Win R, type regedit, and press Enter.
2. Navigate to:
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\NetCache
3. Look for a key called Enable under NetCache. If it doesn’t exist:
   • Right-click on NetCache → New → DWORD (32-bit) Value
   • Name it Enable
   • Set its value to 0 to enable metered behavior (yes, 0 = enabled for this specific setting — it's counterintuitive).
4. Next, go to:
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\NetCache\InterfaceList
   • This key should list your network interfaces. If it doesn’t exist, you may need to create it.
5. Under InterfaceList, create a new key for your Ethernet interface (use the GUID of the interface, which can be found via PowerShell — see below).
6. Inside that GUID key, create a DWORD named Cost and set it to:
   • 1 = Unrestricted (default)
   • 2 = Fixed (treated as metered)
   • 3 = Variable (also treated as metered)

To find your Ethernet interface GUID:

• Open PowerShell as admin
• Run: Get-NetConnectionProfile
• Note the InterfaceGuid for your Ethernet connection
• Use that GUID in the registry path (format: {xxxxxxxx-xxxx-xxxx-xxxx-xxxxxxxxxxxx})

3. What a Metered Connection Does

Once set, a metered Ethernet connection will:

• Prevent Windows from automatically downloading updates in the background
• Stop apps (like Store apps) from syncing data in the background
• Limit OneDrive auto-sync (on some versions)
• Reduce peer-to-peer update sharing (Delivery Optimization)

You can still manually update Windows and use the internet normally — it just blocks automatic data-heavy tasks.

4. Limitations and Notes

• No GUI toggle for Ethernet: Unlike Wi-Fi, there’s no simple toggle in Settings for Ethernet metered connections.
• Group Policy not in Home edition: Use Registry method if on Windows Home.
• May not affect all apps: Some third-party apps ignore metered settings.
• Doesn’t reduce browsing data: You still use the same amount of data when streaming or downloading — it just stops automatic background usage.

Setting a metered connection for Ethernet isn’t straightforward, but with Group Policy or careful registry edits, it’s doable. Choose the method that fits your Windows edition, and always double-check interface IDs if editing the registry.

Basically, it’s a workaround — but it works.

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