Can to Fix Stuck Data Usage Counters in Windows 11? Complete Solution Guide

Why Won’t My Windows 11 Data Usage Reset Properly? Expert Troubleshooting Methods

Keeping track of your internet usage matters. A lot. Especially when you pay for every gigabyte or face speed limits after hitting your cap. Windows 11 comes with a built-in tracker that monitors your data consumption over 30 days. But sometimes these counters get stuck, show wrong numbers, or simply disappear.

This creates problems. Real problems. You can’t manage what you can’t measure. When your data tracking breaks, you lose control over your internet costs and usage patterns.

Solution 1: Reset Through Windows Settings

The easiest way works for most people. No technical skills needed.

Here’s what you do:

1. Press Windows + I together. This opens Settings instantly.
2. Click “Network & internet” on the left side.
3. Look for “Data usage” and click it. You’ll see how much data each app used.
4. Use the dropdown menu to choose Wi-Fi, Ethernet, or cellular.
5. Scroll down to find the “Reset” button. Click it and confirm.
6. Each network type needs its own reset. Repeat for all your connections.

This method clears the counter for one network at a time. Simple but effective.

Solution 2: Command Line Reset

Want to reset everything at once? Use Command Prompt. This method works faster for multiple networks.

Warning: This affects all users on your computer.

Steps to follow:

1. Right-click the Start button. Choose “Windows Terminal (Admin)” or “Command Prompt (Admin)“.
2. Type this exact command:

   net stop DPS & DEL /F /S /Q /A "%windir%\System32\sru\*" & net start DPS

3. The command stops a Windows service, deletes usage files, then restarts the service.

This resets data usage for every network and every user account. Your personal files stay safe.

Solution 3: Batch File Automation

Create a file that does the work for you. One click resets everything.

How to make it:

1. Open Notepad. Paste this code:

   powershell -windowstyle hidden -command "Start-Process cmd -ArgumentList '/s,/c,net stop DPS > NUL 2>&1 & DEL /F /S /Q /A \"%windir%\System32\sru\*\" & net start DPS > NUL 2>&1' -Verb runAs"

2. Save as “reset_data_usage.bat” (include the .bat part).
3. Right-click the file. Choose “Run as administrator.”

The file runs silently. No popup windows or messages.

When Data Usage Goes Missing

Sometimes the data usage page shows nothing. Blank. Empty. This happens when Windows services stop working or files get corrupted.

Check the Service First

Windows needs a specific service running to track data usage:

1. Search for “services” in the Start menu
2. Find “Diagnostic Policy Service“
3. Double-click it
4. Set startup to “Manual” or “Automatic“
5. Click “Start” if it’s not running

Fix Broken System Files

Corrupted files can break data tracking. Run these repair tools:

1. Open Command Prompt as admin
2. Run: sfc /scannow
3. Wait for it to finish
4. Run: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

These commands scan and fix damaged Windows files.

Restore Settings App

If the Settings app itself breaks, fix it with PowerShell:

Get-AppXPackage -AllUsers Windows.immersivecontrolpanel | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"}

Run this as administrator in PowerShell.

Set Smart Data Limits

Prevent bill shock by setting usage limits. Windows 11 can warn you before you go over.

Setting Up Limits:

1. Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Data usage
2. Click “Enter limit“
3. Choose your options:
   • Limit type: Daily, weekly, monthly, or one-time
   • Reset day: When the counter starts over
   • Data amount: How much you want to allow
4. Click “Save“

Removing Limits:

Click “Remove limit” on the same screen. Confirm your choice.

Windows warns you as you approach your limit. It can also reduce background activity on metered connections.

Advanced Data Management Tips

Make Connections Metered: This tells Windows to use less data automatically:

1. Go to your network properties
2. Turn on “Metered connection“
3. Apps will reduce their data usage

Monitor App Usage: Check which programs use the most data:

1. Settings > Network & Internet > Data usage
2. Review the app list
3. Limit or uninstall data-heavy programs

Control Windows Updates: Updates can consume gigabytes:

1. Settings > Windows Update > Advanced options
2. Choose “Metered connection” settings
3. Pause updates when needed

Why This Matters

Data overages cost money. Lots of money. Mobile carriers charge $10-15 per extra gigabyte. Home internet providers may slow your connection or add fees.

Accurate tracking helps you:

• Avoid surprise bills
• Identify data-hungry apps
• Plan your usage better
• Catch malware that uses data secretly

Windows 11 gives you the tools. But only if they work correctly. When counters break or disappear, you lose control.

Data usage problems in Windows 11 have solutions. Start with the simple Settings method. Try command line tricks if needed. Use batch files for automation. Fix missing counters with service repairs.

Set limits to stay within your budget. Make connections metered to save data automatically. Monitor which apps use the most bandwidth.

These methods work. They’re tested. They solve real problems that cost real money. Take control of your data usage before it controls your wallet.

Remember: Windows resets usage counters every 30 days automatically. But when you need control right now, these techniques deliver results immediately.