How to Fix “Setup Incomplete Because of a Metered Connection” in Windows 11/10

Usually a trivial issue that can be taken care of quickly

Do you keep running into a “Setup incomplete because of a metered connection” error while pairing a Bluetooth device on a Windows 11 or 10 PC? This tutorial will show how to fix that.

When youpair a Bluetooth device to your PC, Microsoft Windows automatically downloads any applicable drivers to make it run correctly. However, if you do that over ametered internet connection, data usage restrictions can interfere and create “Setup incomplete because of a metered connection” errors within the Bluetooth device manager. Read on to learn what you must do to fix the Bluetooth metered connection error in Windows 11 and 10.

Allow Driver Downloads

By default,metered connections prevent Windows from using up datawithout your permission. Suppose you see the “Setup incomplete because of a metered connection” message immediately after pairing a Bluetooth device. In that case, you must configure your computer and allow it to download drivers despite being on a metered network.

  1. Open theStart menuand selectSettings. Or, pressWindows Key+I.

  2. SelectBluetooth & deviceson the left pane of the Settings window to reveal a list of connected devices. In Windows 10, selectDevice>Bluetoothinstead and skip the next step.

  3. SelectView more devices.

  4. Scroll down the Bluetooth manager and turn on the switch next toDownload over metered connections.

  5. Exit the Settings app.

Re-add the Bluetooth Device

If the Bluetooth metered connection error persists, you must remove and re-add the problematic Bluetooth device to your PC. That will make your PC perform another shot at downloading the relevant drivers.

  1. SelectStart>Settings.

  2. SelectBluetooth & devices(Windows 11) orDevices>Bluetooth(Windows 10).

  3. SelectMore(three-dots) next to the Bluetooth device—or just click the device name in Windows 10—and selectRemove device.

  4. SelectYesto confirm.

  5. SelectAdd device.

  6. SelectBluetooth.

  7. Go through the pairing process for the Bluetooth device again and connect it to your PC again.

Disable Metered Connection

At times, Windows may fail to download device drivers over metered connections despite permitting it to. The best way to fix that is to unmark your internet connection as a metered network and attempt the pairing process again.

  1. Open theSettingsapp.

  2. SelectNetwork and interneton the sidebar.

  3. SelectPropertiesat the top of the screen.

  4. Turn off the switch next to theSet as metered connectionsetting.

  5. Disable and reconnect the Bluetooth device to your computer.

If that helps, feel free to go back and reactivate theSet as entered connectionoption in step4. If not, keep it disabled and move to the next fix.

Restart Your Computer

If you tried restarting your computer, check if that makes a difference. Open theStart menuand selectRestart. Once your computer reboots, remove and re-add the Bluetooth device.

Forget and Re-add the Network Connection

The next fix involves removing and reconnecting the Wi-Fi network that triggers the “Setup Incomplete Because of a Metered Connection” error. That should resolve any corrupt configurations causing your computer to keep remembering as a metered connection.

  1. Select theWi-Fistatus icon on the system tray.

  2. Select theExpand Wi-Fi connectionsbutton (right arrow) to reveal a list of wireless networks.

  3. Right-click the network you’re presently connected to and selectForget.

  4. Select the wireless network again and selectConnect.

  5. Enter the network security key (password).

  6. SelectNextto reconnect to the wireless network.

  7. Remove and re-add the Bluetooth device.

Use a Different Internet Connection

Another likely fix that can help involves repeating the pairing process for the Bluetooth device after connecting to a different Wi-Fi network if possible. Make sure it’s not set up as a metered connection before proceeding.

Run Network Troubleshooter

Both Windows 11 and 10 have automatic troubleshooters that can resolve persistent issues with internet connectivity and Bluetooth. Try running them now.

  1. Open theSettingsapp.

  2. Scroll down and selectTroubleshoot. In Windows 10, selectUpdate and Security>Troubleshootinstead.

  3. SelectOther troubleshooters(Windows 11) orAdditional troubleshooters(Windows 10).

  4. Run the troubleshooter forInternet Connections.

  5. Scroll down to the Other section and run the troubleshooters forBluetoothandNetwork Adapters.

  6. Remove and re-add the Bluetooth device.

Update Windows

Updating Windows can resolve known issues that occur while connecting Bluetooth devices. Make sure to unmark the internet connection as a metered network before you begin.

  1. Open theSettingsapp.

  2. SelectWindows Update.

  3. SelectCheck for updates. Then, selectDownload and installif you see any pending updates.

SelectAdvanced options>Optional updatesand download any device driver updates if available. In Windows 10, chooseView optional updatesinstead. You may follow that by pairing the Bluetooth device with your PC again.

Check for Support Software

Check for any support software or device drivers that you can download from the manufacturer’s website—e.g.,Logitech Optionsfor Logitech mice and keyboards. If available, install them and check if that makes the “Setup Incomplete Because of a Metered Connection” error go away.

Reset Network Settings

If none of the fixes above help, it’s time toreset the network settings on Windows. That could help rule out underlying issues preventing your PC from downloading the relevant drivers for the Bluetooth device.

  1. Open theSettingsapp.

  2. SelectNetwork & internet.

  3. SelectAdvanced network settings. Skip this step in Windows 10.

  4. SelectNetwork reset.

  5. SelectReset now.

Once your computer reboots, connect to a Wi-Fi network and pair the Bluetooth device with your computer again.

Note: You may have to reinstall network-related software (if Windows doesn’t do that for you automatically) from your PC manufacturer—Dell,HP,Lenovo, etc.—and set upanyVPNs or proxiesafter the reset procedure.

Setup Complete

The “Setup incomplete because of a metered connection” in Windows 11/10 is usually a trivial issue that you can take care of quickly but may require advanced troubleshooting in rare cases. Just make sure to allow driver downloads over metered connections before connecting any Bluetooth devices to minimize the chances of running into the same issue.

Dilum Senevirathne is a freelance tech writer and blogger with three years of experience writing for online technology publications. He specializes in topics related to iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and Google web apps. When he isn’t hammering away at his Magic Keyboard, you can catch him binge-watching productivity hacks on YouTube.Read Dilum’s Full Bio

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