Why Is Windows 11 Data Usage Counter Broken and How Can You Clear It?

What Are the Easiest Ways to Reset Windows 11 Data Usage Without Losing Important Files?

Your computer tracks how much internet you use. Sometimes this tracker gets stuck or shows wrong numbers. When you get a new internet plan or want fresh numbers, you need to reset it. Windows 11 gives you several ways to do this.

Solution 1: Quick Reset Through Settings

This method works best for most people. It’s safe and easy.

Steps to follow:

1. Press Win + I keys together
2. Click Network & internet on the left side
3. Find Data usage at the top right
4. Pick your network from the dropdown menu (Wi-Fi or Ethernet)
5. Scroll to the bottom
6. Click Reset usage stats
7. Say yes when it asks if you’re sure

Each network needs its own reset. Wi-Fi and Ethernet are separate. You must do each one by itself.

Solution 2: Reset All Networks at Once

Some people have many networks. This method clears everything together. It saves time but needs more care.

What you need to do:

1. Right-click the Start button
2. Pick Windows Terminal (Admin)
3. Make sure you see Command Prompt
4. Type this exact command:

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

5. Press Enter and wait
6. Close the window when done

Warning: This clears data for everyone who uses your computer. All networks get reset to zero.

Solution 3: Make a One-Click File

Tech-savvy users can create a file that does the work automatically. This helps when you reset data often.

Creating the file:

1. Open Notepad
2. Copy 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"

3. Save as reset-data.bat
4. Right-click the file
5. Choose Run as administrator

The file runs quietly in the background. You won’t see any windows pop up.

Solution 4: Fix Blank Data Usage Pages

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

Check the service first

1. Type services in the search box
2. Find Diagnostic Policy Service
3. Double-click it
4. Set startup to Automatic
5. Click Start if it’s not running

Fix damaged files

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

Restore Settings app

If you removed Windows apps before, this PowerShell command might help:

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

Solution 5: Set Data Limits

Windows 11 lets you set caps on your internet use. This helps avoid going over your monthly limit.

Setting up limits

1. Go to Network & internet settings
2. Click Data usage
3. Choose Enter limit
4. Pick monthly, one-time, or no limit
5. Set your data amount
6. Choose when it resets
7. Save your changes

Removing limits

1. Go back to Data usage
2. Click Remove limit
3. Confirm your choice

Windows will warn you when you get close to your limit. It can also slow down background apps to save data.

Important Things to Remember

Resetting data usage doesn’t hurt your computer. It only clears the numbers Windows keeps track of. Your actual internet usage with your provider stays the same.

The Settings method is safest for beginners. Command Prompt works faster but affects all users. Batch files help power users who reset data regularly.

When your data counter gets stuck or shows wrong numbers, these methods will get it working again. Pick the one that fits your comfort level and needs.