Windows 10

[felly]

Since installing Windows 10 my internet usage has more than doubled. Why is this happening and can I do anything about it?

[pinkyboyid]

The initial Windows 10 install would have required a large amount of download, perhaps it is that you are seeing as increased usage.

There is some useful info posted at the following website address siting 6GB (not sure how accurate but I do know the combined size of files on a physical Installation DVD is 2.4GB and if you were to download the .ISO files from Microsoft to create the DVD it would most likely be around 4GB in size):-

http://www.forbes.com/sites/gordonkelly/2015/07/28/windows-10-automatic-download/

[felly]

Thank you pinkyboyid. Yes the initial download did use about 6GB so increasing my usual usage of about 4GB to over 10 so I had to pay for an extra 5GB usage. However again this month my usage is almost at 10GB and I have a few days to go so will again have to pay for extra usage. I have never had to do this before in all the many years I have been using the Internet so am puzzled.

[pinkyboyid]

Ok, so it is possible that your computer is sharing previously downloaded Microsoft updates files to the rest of the Internet! It appears that Microsoft has incorporated this feature in Windows 10 as default with 'switched on' status.

To check this and make sure that the feature is disabled, perform the following:-

- Select 'Windows Start button'>'Settings'>'Update & Security'
- Select 'Windows Update'>'Advanced Options'
- Select 'Choose how updates are delivered'
- Select the option 'PCs on my local network'
- Click the Blue button icon with a White dot inside until it displays status as 'Off'

Doing this will ensure that any downloaded Microsoft updates stored on your computer are not shared to other Internet users via your computer.

Hope that helps.

More info is available here:-

http://www.techkhoji.com/stop-windows-10-from-using-your-upload-bandwidth/

[felly]

You're a star pinkyboyid :) I would never have discovered that myself. Thank you - I'm very grateful for your help.

[Jackdaw33]

Very useful advice, Pinky. I thought my usage was a bit high since updating to W10. I have followed your instructions and hope to see an improvement.

[pinkyboyid]

Just hope it does reduce internet traffic usage for you felly. If so, thanks to you also as I was not aware of this feature until investigating your AB request !

Hope it works for you as well Jackdaw33, I'm going to be checking my usage now!

[Jackdaw33]

I will need to check tomorrow when I log on to see if it is still switched off. One of the annoying things with W10 is that I have disabled the touchpad but every time I power down and power up again it is automatically re-enabled, so I have to repeat the operation each time.

[felly]

I feel sure the problem will be solved pinkyboyid as I can't think of any other reason for my usage to have increased so much. I shall also follow Jackdaw's lead and check that it isn't automatically reset tomorrow.

[pinkyboyid]

For info, just checked a restart of my Laptop and the 'Update' sharing settings have remained as 'Off' status.

Jackdaw, not sure why your Touchpad does not remain disabled through power off/on. I have tested on my HP Laptop and it does remain disabled for me.

Presume you disabled touchpad via:-

'Windows Start button'>'Settings'>'Devices'>'Mouse & Touchpad'>'Additional mouse options' where there is a 'Disable' option ?

[Jackdaw33]

Yes, and I click on Apply then OK, or should it be the other way round?

[pinkyboyid]

Jackdaw, either way should be the same result, but I used 'ok' only. I think it may also be down to how the mouse / touchpad driver software works and not windows 10 directly. e.g. my mouse / touchpad device driver is a Synaptics Luxpad V7.5 which may be different to your device.

[Jackdaw33]

Mine says Synaptics Touchpad V7.5

[pinkyboyid]

Some more info that may help in checking / tracking Windows 10 Network Data usage can be obtained as follows:-

- Select 'Windows Start Button'>'Settings'>'Network & Internet'
- Select 'Data Usage' to display the last 30 days usage total
- Select 'Usage details' to display a break-down list of each App / System usage

Also, there is a further option to switch-on Metered Network connections for Wireless Networks to help reduce network usage. Note that in doing this the following should be observed / considered:

* Any App that relies on an Internet connection to update or display info might be limited in the amount of data it can download or display.
* Some Windows Updates may not automatically download over a metered connection.
* Apps downloading from the Windows Store might be paused.
* Start screen and Start menu live tiles might stop updating.
* Offline files might not sync automatically.
* Ethernet network connections can't be set to metered.

To switch on Metered connection for wireless connections perform the following:-

- Select 'Windows Start Button'>'Settings'>'Network & Internet'
- Select 'Wifi'
- Scroll Down the 'Wireless Connections' page and select 'Advanced options'
- Click 'Set as metered connection' to set status as 'On'

More info on metered connections is available at: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-GB/windows-8/metered-internet-connections-frequently-asked-questions

[felly]

pinkyboyid I seem to have an ongoing problem with this. I have today received an email from my Internet provider to say I have gone over my 10gb allowance for this month so will have to pay an extra £5. When I look on my provider's website my usage is shown as 10.06gb but when I look under settings on my laptop my usage is shown as 3.54gb. Any ideas what is happening here?