Some of us have the privilege of internet access without restrictions, while others receive data usage limits and will need to pay more to extend these limits. There are limits on how much data you can upload or download. In this scenario, it is crucial to keep tabs on your data usage, so you won’t burn through the entire package quickly.
Both Windows 10 and Windows 11 come with built-in support to monitor internet consumption as a whole, and per-app usage. You can also configure a usage limit, so Windows automatically intimates you when you are close to reaching it.
Other than that, there are also third-party applications available for you to use that provide more control over your data plans. Let us now show you how to track your internet data usage in Windows.
Table of contents
Track Internet Data Usage In Windows
Track internet usage in Windows 11
You can monitor and track your data usage directly through the Settings app in Windows. It also gives the data used by each app, which can help know which application consumed what amount of data, and whether background applications are taking up your bandwidth.
Perform the steps below to monitor your internet usage on Windows 11:
- Navigate to the following:
Settings app >> Network & internet >> Advanced network settings >> Data usage - On this page, you can find the total data consumed for the selected network card in the last 30 days (default setting). To change the network card, simply click on the drop-down menu and select another one.
The data below in the “Data usage” page shows the amount of data consumed by individual apps in descending order. This information is provided for the last 30 days. By default, Windows only keeps the data for the last 30 days. However, this can be changed by setting a data usage limit and confirming another day to reset the statistics.
Track internet usage in Windows 10
Windows 10 stores the consumption of data for the last 30 days by default, as it does in Windows 11. However, due to a different UI design, we have given separate instructions for both operating systems.
- Navigate to the following to monitor your internet data consumption in Windows 10:
Settings app >> Network & Internet >> Status - Now click Data usage below the network card that you want to view the information for.
- You can now view the data for other network cards using the drop-down menu at the top of the “Data usage” page.
Windows 10 does not show the total data consumed, rather only gives statistical information for individual applications, unlike Windows 11.
Reset Internet Data Usage In Windows 11 and Windows 10
At any point in time, you can reset the information Windows has captured for your internet data consumption. This needs to be done manually, but you can have Windows monitor your data usage from here on forward. People usually prefer doing so if they just updated their internet plan and want to keep a keen eye on their usage.
Follow the steps below to reset the statistics for data usage in Windows:
- Open the respective “Data usage” page in the Settings app for either Windows version, then scroll down to the bottom of the page. From there, click on the Reset button.
- You will now be asked for confirmation; click Reset again.
You will then notice that all apps and their respective data have disappeared from the page. This is because Windows will now create new logs for the data consumed from this point forward.
Although the images above are for Windows 11, the process is the same for Windows 10, except that you will see the Reset usage stats button instead of the “Reset” button.
Set Data Limit in Windows 11 and Windows 10
Setting a limit on your data consumption won’t stop you from going over it, but it will definitely help you keep track, and warn you when you are nearing it.
Setting a data limit also allows you to reset the information on a dedicated date in a month, or you can set the number of days until your data plan expires (up to 60 days).
- To configure a limit, navigate to the respective “Data usage” page through the Settings app as given above, then click Enter limit.
- From the pop-up window, select the type of limit you want to set, and then select the date on which you would like the data to reset. Now enter the limit (in MBs or GBs from the drop-down menu) and click Save.
Once the configuration has been made, the data consumption will now display in percentage, informing how much has been consumed thus far.
If you are not satisfied with the built-in option in Windows to monitor and manage your internet usage, you can also resort to third-party applications that provide more detailed, and in some cases, live data consumption information.
Track Internet Usage with Third-Party Tools
GlassWire
GlassWire is a free tool that provides detailed information on different applications and services running on your computer. It gives a pie chart, along with incoming and outgoing traffic in real-time.
NetBalancer
NetBalancer is another network traffic and monitoring tool free to use. It provides real-time graphical statistics of your internet traffic and allows you to configure multiple rules and policies. Furthermore, you get a floating widget with a tool that you can place anywhere on your screen on top of other apps and programs.
NetTraffic
NetTraffic can search and perform searches for incoming and outgoing data consumption during dedicated time intervals. However, unlike others, this tool does not track application-specific Internet data consumption.
Closing Words
Network monitoring is crucial if you have limited resources. It lets you keep tabs on your internet plans while being informed of the apps and programs consuming your bandwidth.
Different third-party tools provide different advantages, as some offer over-app widgets suited for gaming and other internet-heavy tasks, while others offer a detailed statistical analysis of your usage.
