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Windows 11 System Data Usage

Anonymous
2025-03-07T03:14:15+00:00

Recently I got a surface book 3, and so with it came the powerful speed and ram that I'd expect from such a laptop. I however did not expect the data usage to be off the charts, up to the point where the system uses 20 gb a day. I've tried to reduce this by turning off background apps, minimizing usage of other apps, as well as even bring down a metered connection setting into play, yet regardless of whatever I do, it's futile as it keeps using high amounts of data. Any idea how to reduce the usage, or even better stop it entirely from the System tab unless updates are needed?

Surface | Surface Book | Network

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  1. Anonymous
    2025-03-08T09:43:06+00:00

    Hi Vivan,

    Welcome to Microsoft Community.

    I understand your concern about the high data usage on your Surface Book 3. The "System" label in Windows 11’s data usage is a catch-all for various operating system processes, making it tricky to pinpoint the exact culprit. Here are some steps to diagnose and reduce it:

    Windows 11 collects usage info by default, and on a fast device like your Surface Book 3, this could ramp up with frequent reporting. Navigate to Settings > Privacy & security > Diagnostics & feedback, and set "Diagnostic data" to "Required" (not "Optional"), then turn off "Tailored experiences" and "Send optional diagnostic data." This minimizes data sent to Microsoft, though some basic telemetry will persist.

    Stop Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS):

    • Open Services (Win + R → type services.msc → Enter)
    • Find Background Intelligent Transfer Service → Right-click → Properties
    • Set Startup type to Manual, then click Stop.

    OneDrive syncing: Check this by clicking the OneDrive cloud icon in the system tray (near the clock), then select Settings > Sync and backup. Pause syncing temporarily to see if data usage drops, or adjust it to sync only specific folders manually. If you don’t need OneDrive, uninstalling it via Settings > Apps > Installed apps could cut that data drain entirely.

    Since "System" usage is vague, use Task Manager or a third-party tool to pinpoint what’s hogging data. In Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc), go to the "Processes" tab, sort by "Network," and watch for spikes.

    I hope this helps. If there is anything not clear, please do not hesitate to let me know.

    Your Sincerely

    Hahn. W - MSFT | Microsoft Community Support Specialist

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  2. Anonymous
    2025-03-09T23:01:54+00:00

    Hey Hahn.,

    I'd like to ask what exactly turning off BITS will do to my laptop before I turn it off. I did take a look at my procesesses tab under the taks manager, and as far as I can see, nothing as of now is using any signigicant amounts of data. As for the OneDrive sync setting, I have it turned off for 24 hours, but is there a way to permanently turn off the syncying for all non-essential thinhs like app data and images?

    Thanks,

    Vivan Patel

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