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How to Increase Bandwidth via Delivery Optimization on Windows 11 or Windows 10

We show you how to limit or increase download speed in Windows 11/Windows 10 for update downloads,, the Microsoft Store and how this can help to increase bandwidth overall.

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If you want to learn how to increase bandwidth in or to increase download speed, you can restrict or turn off Delivery Optimization (WUDO). This is a feature that allows Windows 11 or Windows 10 devices to download updates and apps from sources other than servers to help speed up the update process and reduce bandwidth consumption, especially for devices with limited or unreliable internet connections.

How Windows Update Delivery Optimization Works

Windows Update Delivery Optimization works by creating a peer-to-peer network of Windows 11 or Windows 10 devices that share the same updates and apps. When a device needs to download an update or an app, it can request it from other devices on the local network or on the internet that have already downloaded it. This way, the device can get the update or app faster and more efficiently than downloading it from Microsoft servers.

Windows Update Delivery Optimization is enabled by default on Windows 10 devices, but users can customize its settings or turn it off completely. Users can choose whether to allow downloads from other PCs on the local network only or also from PCs on the internet. Users can also set bandwidth limits for WUDO uploads and downloads and monitor their activity.

Windows Update Delivery Optimization Affects All Types of Updates

Windows Update Delivery Optimization supports different types of downloads, including Windows updates, Microsoft Store apps, updates, and Microsoft Defender Antivirus definitions. WUDO also works with different update management solutions, such as Windows Update for Business (WUfB), Windows Server Update Services (WSUS), and Configuration Manager.

To ensure security and privacy, Windows Update Delivery Optimization uses to protect the data transferred between devices. Windows Update Delivery Optimization does not access personal files or folders on the devices that participate in it. WUDO also does not identify or contact individual devices directly; instead, it uses anonymous tokens to communicate with them.

It is designed to optimize Windows update delivery without compromising user experience or system performance and adapts to changing network conditions and device states dynamically. WUDO respects user preferences and policies regarding bandwidth usage and battery life and also respects metered connections or VPNs.

How to Limit Bandwidth for Windows Update Downloads via Delivery Optimization

  1. Open Windows Settings via the start menu or pressing “Windows +I”
     
    Windows 11 - Open Settings
  2. Move to “Windows Update” and click on “Advanced Options”
     
    Windows 11 - Settings - Windows Update - Advanced Options
  3. Click on “Delivery Optimization”
     
    Windows 11 - Settings - Windows Update - Advanced Options - Delivery Optimization
  4. Click on “Advanced options”
     
    In this screen, you can already restrict to only allow Windows Update downloads on your local network.
     
    Windows 11 - Settings - Windows Update - Advanced Options - Delivery Optimization - Advanced Options
  5. Choose download settings for Windows Delivery Optimization
     
    The difference between absolute bandwidth and the percentage of measured bandwidth is that the former allows you to specify a fixed amount of bandwidth (in megabits per second) to download updates in the background. In contrast, the latter allows you to specify a percentage of your available bandwidth that can be used for the same purpose. The advantage of using absolute bandwidth is that you can have more control over how much network resources are allocated for updates, regardless of your internet speed. The advantage of using a percentage of measured bandwidth is that you can adjust the bandwidth usage dynamically based on your current network conditions.
     
    Windows 11 - Settings - Windows Update - Advanced Options - Delivery Optimization - Advanced Options - Download Settings
  6. Choose upload settings for Windows Delivery Optimization
     

    The upload limit determines how much of your internet bandwidth can be used to upload updates to other PCs on the internet. You can set a monthly upload limit in gigabytes (GB) or a percentage of your total bandwidth. You can also set a specific upload limit for background and foreground downloads. The upload limit setting can help you balance between sharing updates with other PCs and preserving your bandwidth for other tasks.
     

    Windows 11 - Settings - Windows Update - Advanced Options - Delivery Optimization - Advanced Options - Upload Settings

FAQ / Frequently Asked Questions About Windows Update Delivery Optimization

Can delivery optimization be used with all types of internet connections?

Yes, Delivery Optimization is compatible with any internet connection, from high-speed broadband to slower mobile connections. It intelligently adjusts its data usage based on the type of connection detected. For instance, if a metered connection is identified, Delivery Optimization minimizes data usage to avoid extra charges. Users can also manually set connection properties in Windows Settings to ensure that Delivery Optimization respects these preferences.

How do I know if delivery optimization is currently active?

To verify if Delivery Optimization is active, navigate to Windows Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > Advanced Options > Delivery Optimization. If enabled, you'll see settings related to downloading from and uploading to other PCs. Active status means your device can share and receive updates from other devices using this feature, contributing to the peer-to-peer network that Delivery Optimization creates for distributing updates more efficiently.

Does delivery optimization affect gaming or streaming activities?

Delivery Optimization might use a portion of your network bandwidth, which could potentially affect bandwidth-intensive activities like gaming or streaming. However, Windows provides options to limit the bandwidth used by Delivery Optimization for both downloading and uploading updates, which can help mitigate any impact. It's recommended to adjust these settings based on your typical usage patterns to ensure that critical activities are not disrupted.

Can delivery optimization be scheduled to run only at specific times?

While Delivery Optimization itself doesn't offer scheduling options, you can indirectly control when updates are applied through Windows Update settings. By setting your ‘Active Hours' in Windows Update, you can minimize disruptions by ensuring that updates and associated Delivery Optimization activities occur during times when you're less likely to need full bandwidth for other tasks.

What are the privacy implications of using delivery optimization?

Microsoft has designed Delivery Optimization with user privacy in mind. It does not involve accessing or sharing personal files or folders. All communications and data transfers are encrypted, ensuring that the content shared across the network is secure. Additionally, the system uses a token-based approach to manage connections between devices, which means individual devices are not directly identifiable or accessible, further enhancing privacy.

How can delivery optimization benefit users with slow internet connections?

For users with slow or unreliable internet connections, Delivery Optimization can significantly improve the efficiency of downloading updates by sourcing parts of the required data from nearby devices instead of relying solely on Microsoft's servers. This can lead to faster download times and a reduction in the amount of data that needs to be transferred over potentially slow internet links.

Is it possible to exclude certain updates from being shared via delivery optimization?

Currently, users do not have the option to select specific updates for sharing via Delivery Optimization. The feature automatically manages the sharing of update data based on availability and need within the peer network. However, users can control the overall use of Delivery Optimization, including turning it off or limiting its use to local networks, which indirectly affects what is shared.

How does delivery optimization decide from which PC to download an update?

Delivery Optimization employs sophisticated algorithms to determine the most efficient source(s) for updates. These algorithms take into account various factors, such as the geographical proximity of devices, the quality of network connections, and the availability of the needed update parts on different devices within the peer network. This ensures optimal use of the network and faster update delivery.

Can delivery optimization cause security issues by connecting to other PCs?

Delivery Optimization is designed with security in mind and does not create direct connections between PCs that could be exploited for security breaches. The data shared between devices is limited to Windows Update and Microsoft Store files, which are verified for integrity and authenticity. Furthermore, all data transfers are encrypted, reducing the risk of any security issues.

Will disabling delivery optimization significantly slow down my update downloads?

Disabling Delivery Optimization could lead to slower download speeds for updates, especially in network environments where multiple devices might otherwise assist each other by sharing update files. The impact will vary based on your specific internet connection speed and the current load on Microsoft's servers. In some cases, the difference may be minimal, while in others, particularly in bandwidth-constrained environments, the impact could be more noticeable.

How do I troubleshoot delivery optimization if it's not working as expected?

If Delivery Optimization doesn't seem to be working as expected, start by ensuring your internet connection is stable and that Delivery Optimization is enabled in Windows Settings. Check for any relevant Windows Update policies that might be affecting its operation, especially in managed IT environments. Additionally, reviewing the Delivery Optimization logs through Event Viewer under Applications and Services Logs > Microsoft > Windows > DeliveryOptimization can provide insights into any issues or errors that might be occurring.

Does delivery optimization also upload files from my PC to others?

Yes, as part of its operation, Delivery Optimization can upload parts of updates and apps from your PC to assist other PCs in the peer network. This helps distribute updates more efficiently but can consume part of your upload bandwidth. Windows provides settings to limit the amount of bandwidth Delivery Optimization can use for uploads, as well as the option to disable uploading to Internet peers altogether, restricting it to your local network only.

Can I use delivery optimization over a VPN?

Delivery Optimization can function over VPN connections, but its efficiency might be reduced due to the nature of VPNs, which can obscure the physical locations of connected devices. This can prevent Delivery Optimization from making optimal decisions based on geographic proximity. Additionally, some VPN configurations may restrict peer-to-peer networking, further limiting the effectiveness of Delivery Optimization.

What is the impact of delivery optimization on battery life for laptops?

Using Delivery Optimization on battery-powered devices like laptops can impact battery life due to the additional network activity and data processing involved. However, Windows is designed to manage this impact by reducing the activity of Delivery Optimization when on battery power, prioritizing energy conservation.

How can I provide feedback to Microsoft about delivery optimization?

Microsoft encourages feedback on its features, including Delivery Optimization. You can provide feedback using the Feedback Hub app in Windows, accessible from the Start menu. Within the app, you can describe your experience, suggest improvements, or report issues, which can help Microsoft enhance the functionality and user experience of Delivery Optimization.

Markus Kasanmascheff
Markus Kasanmascheff
Markus is the founder of WinBuzzer and has been playing with Windows and technology for more than 25 years. He is holding a Master´s degree in International Economics and previously worked as Lead Windows Expert for Softonic.com.
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