Microsoft’s Windows 11, just like the older Windows 10, has a cool feature called Delivery Optimization. This feature is meant to make downloading updates and apps easier and quicker. However, some folks have noticed it can make your internet use go way up. Let’s get into what “Service Host: Delivery Optimization” is, why it uses a lot of internet, and how you can fix that.
Also see: Can I Delete Delivery Optimization Files in Windows 11?
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What is Service Host Delivery Optimization?
Delivery Optimization is this cool cloud-based, peer-to-peer (P2P) tech from Microsoft that makes downloading Windows updates and apps from the Microsoft Store a breeze. Instead of getting updates from just one place, Delivery Optimization gets files from many places all at once.
This could be from Microsoft’s own servers, computers nearby on your network, or even PCs across the internet downloading the same stuff. This method is super efficient because it uses all these sources to speed up the download process.
But, this awesome feature comes with a catch. It can make your network use jump, especially if your internet isn’t the fastest to begin with. Let’s dig a bit deeper to see why this happens.
Linked issue: Service Host Local System High CPU, Disk or Memory Usage
Why Delivery Optimization causes high network usage
1. Peer-to-peer sharing
With Delivery Optimization turned on, your PC can share updates with other computers. This might be with computers in your place or, depending on your settings, with PCs over the internet.
This sharing method is groundbreaking but it means your internet can get busy. If lots of devices are getting updates from your computer, your network use will go up, especially if you’ve got a lot of tech at home.
Useful tip: How to Know Which Program is Using The Internet in Windows 11
2. Downloading from multiple sources
A big thing about Delivery Optimization is it grabs updates from different places at the same time. This is great for speed but means you’re using more internet at once, leading to higher network use.
3. Frequent updates
Another reason for high network use is just how often updates come out. Windows 11 needs regular updates for bug fixes, security patches, and new stuff. Apps from the Microsoft Store also get updated a lot to keep them fresh and safe. The more updates there are, the more your internet gets used.
Related concern: Why is My Memory Usage So High When Nothing is Running?
How to manage Delivery Optimization and network usage
Good news is, you can handle this high network use from Delivery Optimization. Windows lets you tweak some settings to help out. Here’s what to do:
- Hit the “Start” button, then go to “Settings”.
- In Settings, pick “Windows Update” on the left, then hit “Advanced options”.
- Find and click on “Delivery Optimization”.
- Next, click on “Advanced options”.
Here, you can set how much internet Delivery Optimization can use for downloading and uploading updates. You can also set a monthly limit for uploads.
- “Download settings”: This lets you control how much of your internet Delivery Optimization can use for downloads in the background. Lowering this can help reduce network use.
- “Upload settings”: This is for controlling how much internet is used for uploading updates to other PCs. If your network use is high because of this, you can lower this setting or even turn off the option to “Allow uploads to other PCs”.
- “Monthly upload limit”: If your internet plan has a data cap, you can set a limit on how much data your PC sends to others each month. This way, you won’t go over your data limit.
Adjusting these settings can help balance faster updates with keeping your network use in check.
Recommended resource: How to Enable Net Speed Monitor in Windows 11
How to disable Delivery Optimization in Windows 11
If adjusting settings doesn’t quite cut it for your network usage, you might think about turning off Delivery Optimization altogether. Here’s how to do it:
- Click on the “Start” button, then go for “Settings”.
- Inside Settings, choose “Windows Update” from the menu on the left, then hit “Advanced options”.
- Look for and select “Delivery Optimization”.
- Turn off the option that says “Allow downloads from other PCs”.
By turning off Delivery Optimization, you’re stopping the peer-to-peer sharing. But keep in mind, your updates and app downloads might slow down since they’ll only come from Microsoft’s servers now.
Here’s what I think
Delivery Optimization in Windows 11, brought over from Windows 10, is meant to speed up downloading updates and apps. But it can lead to higher internet use because of its peer-to-peer sharing, getting files from lots of places at once, and the frequent updates.
Windows 11 is all about giving you choices. If you need to, you can completely turn off Delivery Optimization. Just know that turning it off might slow down your downloads since everything will come straight from Microsoft. Try out different settings, see what your network can handle, and pick what works best for you.
