How to Turn Off Windows Update Delivery Optimization P2P Sharing

What Causes This?

Windows Update Delivery Optimization is a built-in feature that can share parts of Windows updates and Microsoft Store app downloads with other PCs. By default, Windows may allow sharing with devices on your local network, and in some cases with PCs on the internet, to speed up downloads and reduce Microsoft’s server load. If this setting is enabled, your PC can use upload bandwidth in the background without making it obvious.

Common Symptoms

• Higher internet upload usage even when you are not actively sending files
• Windows updates seem to use more network activity than expected
• Metered or limited internet connections get used up faster
• Network privacy concerns about your PC sharing update data externally
• Delivery Optimization appears in Windows network or data usage settings

How to Fix It Manually

1. Open Windows Settings.

   • Press Windows + I on your keyboard.
   • Click Windows Update in the left sidebar on Windows 11.
   • On Windows 10, click Update & Security.

2. Open Delivery Optimization settings.

   • In Windows 11, click Advanced options under Windows Update, then click Delivery Optimization.
   • In Windows 10, click Delivery Optimization directly in the Update & Security section.

3. Turn off peer-to-peer sharing.

   • Find the setting called Allow downloads from other PCs.
   • Switch it Off to stop your PC from sharing update files with other devices.

4. If you do not want to fully disable it, limit it to your local network only.

   • If the option is currently enabled, select PCs on my local network instead of PCs on the internet and my local network.
   • This prevents internet-based sharing while still allowing update sharing inside your home or office network.

5. Review advanced bandwidth settings.

   • In the Delivery Optimization page, click Advanced options.
   • Check upload limits and make sure Windows is not allowed to use a large percentage of your upload bandwidth.
   • If needed, reduce the background and foreground bandwidth limits.

6. Check data usage to confirm the change.

   • Go back to Settings and open Network & internet.
   • Click Data usage or Advanced network settings depending on your Windows version.
   • Look for unusual background upload activity after turning Delivery Optimization off.

7. Restart your PC.

   • Click Start > Power > Restart.
   • This helps ensure the Delivery Optimization service reloads with the new settings.

8. Optional: Stop the service temporarily if activity continues.

   • Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
   • Find Delivery Optimization in the list.
   • Double-click it, click Stop, then set Startup type to Manual if you want to reduce background activity further.
   • Be aware this may affect how Windows handles update downloads.

Fix It Automatically with Kudu

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