Mark a Wi-Fi network as metered from the command line — via Microsoft Learn
The same as the Metered connection toggle in Settings, but scriptable and usable for a network you're not connected to right now. Metered networks make Windows and many apps hold back big downloads.
Takes effect right away
The easy way
- The easy way (current network): Settings → Network & internet → Wi-Fi → network properties → Metered connection on.
Command
Run in an administrator Command Prompt / Terminal window.
netsh wlan set profileparameter name="MyHotspot" cost=fixedUndo
netsh wlan set profileparameter name="MyHotspot" cost=defaultfixedmeans a metered network with a data limit;variableis metered with changing cost;defaulttreats Wi-Fi as unmetered unless set otherwise.
Sources
- netsh wlan — set profileparameter cost — by Microsoft Learn
- Metered connections in Windows — by Microsoft Support
- Source reviewed
- 2026-11-02
- Link checked
- Not yet
- Tested hands-on
- Not by Oddbyte.Me
Oddbyte.Me hasn't tried this on every Windows build, so keep the undo handy.