If you have a router with Quality of Service (QoS) features, you also can use your router to prioritize traffic. RELATED: How to Limit Windows Update's Download Bandwidth on Windows 10 There’s also a “Limit how much bandwidth is used for uploading updates to other PCs on the Internet” option here, but you can disable the uploading feature entirely if you’re concerned about its bandwidth usage. Toggle the “Limit how much bandwidth is used for downloading updates in the background” option here. To configure this, head to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > Advanced Options > Delivery Optimization > Advanced Options. Putting restrictions on those (particularly if you’re uploading lots of files at once) can be really helpful.Įven Windows 10 now lets you restrict how much bandwidth Windows Update uses in the background. Many other applications, including tools like Dropbox, Google Drive, and Microsoft OneDrive, have similar built-in options.

For example, if you want to manage the amount of bandwidth Steam uses to download games, you can head to Steam > Settings > Downloads, and then use the “Limit bandwidth to” box to restrict its bandwidth.

Look for options integrated into the programs you already use before you install any third-party software. Option One: Use Options Built Into the Programs You Use