Windows 10: How to stop Windows "System" using high amounts of data

Over the past few months, I have noticed my internet data usage spiking. After looking into the programs I was using, I found that my PC's "System" was using extremely high amounts of data. After trying a clean boot and trying to solve the issue, I found no luck. Any help?


Data Usage:



Windows Version/Build:



:)

 

Windows 10 high system data usage

We appreciate the additional information. Windows update is one of the possible cause why the system data usage is high. If you prefer to disable automatic updates to avoid high data usage, follow the steps below:

• Type gpedit.msc in the search bar, then press Enter
  to open Local Group Policy Editor.
  
• Browse the following path:
  
  • Computer Configuration\Administrative Templates\Windows Components\Windows Update
    
• Locate Configure Automatic Updates, then double-click it.
  
• Check the Enabled option to enable the policy.
  
• Under Options, change it to option 2 (Notify for download and notify for install).
  
• Click Apply, then OK.

Let us know if you need anything else. We're here to help.

 

SYSTEM is consuming huge amount of data on internet

Good Afternoon!

Recently, I bought a second hand laptop with Windows 10 pre-installed to it. Here are some details regarding my OS:

Edition: Windows 10 Enterprise
Version: 1703
OS Build: 15063.11
System Type: 64-bit operating system, x64-based processor

I noticed however, that the laptop is consuming huge amount of bandwidth and data on our internet (Ethernet indicator blinks rapidly). Then I tried checking the data usage:





However, after a minute or two, I tried checking again the data usage (I closed the setting and re-opened it again)





Please note that I'm not running any application as of now (except Microsoft Edge). Then I tried turning off the internet connection (by enabling airplane mode). Then I checked for the data usage again. The "SYSTEM" already consumed 2 MB of data even if on airplane mode.

I tried checking if there are updates available:





I also tried checking for application updates from Microsoft Store. I paused all the download and updates:





I disabled background apps but still the "SYSTEM" consumes considerably large amount of bandwidth and data:





My friend does have a laptop with Windows 10 version 1803. Her laptop doesn't eat bandwidth like mine.

So my question is:
1. What is the "SYSTEM" process that eats my internet bandwidth and data?
2. How do you stop it from consuming my internet bandwidth?

 

SYSTEM is consuming huge amount of data on internet

Hi, my immediate thoughts are:
a. build 1703 is an old build - we're 3 major 6 monthly builds on from that now.
b. if you buy a second hand machine, unless the seller has already wiped and reinstalled the OS, best to do a clean install.
c. That no newer updates are available seems strange. But it is an Enterprise edition, so perhaps policies applied have something to do with that. "Some settings are...." = group policies are in place.
d. That is is an Enterprise edition, in private use, makes me wonder about the license validity- I just don't know enough about that (Home/Pro are usual).

Do you have an ethernet connection? You said:

Make sure this is off: (system using large amounts of data)




E.g. post #3
Windows 10 'System' using my internet Solved - Windows 10 Forums
(I searched the forum for
system high internet use
- if you look for solved threads, the forum can be a great resource sometimes)

More: from the extensive tutorial section:
Limit Bandwidth of Windows Update and Store App Updates in Windows 10 | Tutorials

For more detail of what System is doing - try this free program from MS: