Can You Quickly Fix Windows 11’s Metered Connection Error for Bluetooth? Try These Simple Solutions!

Is Windows 11’s Metered Connection Blocking Your Device Setup? Discover Easy Fixes for a Hassle-Free Experience!

When you try to set up a Bluetooth device or printer in Windows 11 and see the message “Setup incomplete because of a metered connection,” the process stops until the system downloads needed drivers. This message comes up because Windows limits automatic downloads to help save data costs on networks marked as metered. Here’s how to solve this issue and connect your device without stress, using easy steps anyone can follow.

What Causes the Problem?

• Windows blocks big downloads on metered connections to prevent high data usage.
• Device setup needs drivers, which Windows skips to save your data.
• Bluetooth devices or printers won’t work right until these drivers are installed.

Steps to Fix the Metered Connection Error in Windows 11

Solution 1: Let Windows Download Drivers on Metered Connections

1. Open Settings. Press the Windows + I.
2. Click Bluetooth & devices, then choose Devices.
3. Scroll to Device settings. Find Download over metered connections and turn it on.
4. Try setting up your device again.

Solution 2: Turn Off the Metered Connection (Temporarily)

If driver downloads are still blocked, turn off metered for your network.

1. Open Settings (Windows + I).
2. Click Network & Internet. Pick your active connection (Wi-Fi or Ethernet).
3. Switch off Metered connection.
4. Set up your Bluetooth device or printer. Turn metered connection back on later if you want.

Solution 3: Remove and Add the Device Again

This refreshes the connection and can help trigger the right downloads.

1. Open Settings > Bluetooth & devices.
2. Find your device or printer, click the three dots, and choose Remove device.
3. Click Add device at the top of the page to pair it again.

Solution 4: Reset or Reconnect to Your Network

Sometimes outdated settings cause trouble.

1. Click the network icon in the taskbar.
2. Select the right arrow beside Wi-Fi, right-click your network, and choose Forget.
3. Reconnect with your password.

Solution 5: Use a Different Network

If you can, connect to another Wi-Fi or Ethernet network that isn’t set as metered. After the setup, switch back if needed.

Solution 6: Run Windows Troubleshooter

Built-in troubleshooters can catch common issues.

1. Open Settings > System > Troubleshoot.
2. Go to Other troubleshooters.
3. Run troubleshooters for Internet Connections, Bluetooth, and Network Adapter.

Solution 7: Update Windows and Your Drivers

Making sure Windows is up to date helps avoid setup problems.

1. Open Settings > Windows Update.
2. Click Check for updates and install what’s available.
3. In Windows Update settings, turn on Download updates over metered connections.

Solution 8: Reset Network Settings If All Else Fails

If nothing else works, try resetting all network settings.

1. Open Settings > Network & Internet > Advanced network settings.
2. Click Network reset and then Reset now.
3. Your PC will restart. Reconnect to your network and set up the device again.

Note: You might need to reinstall VPN or proxy tools after this reset.

Key Things to Remember

• Most fixes involve settings changes rather than advanced tools.
• Turning off data limits just for setup is usually safe and helps Windows fetch what it needs.
• Run updates and troubleshooters if settings don’t work right away.
• Removing and re-adding a device resets the process and helps Windows pull the proper files.

These steps are clear, beginner-friendly, and proven to help users resolve this frustrating issue, so your devices can connect and work on Windows 11, even if your connection is set to save data.