What Is “Limit Reservable Bandwidth”, and Should You Change It on Windows?
Your ISP (internet service provider) controls your internet bandwidth. You have little control over the bandwidth your ISP gives you, bar changing which package you’re on. However, you can also use a built-in Windows setting that influences your internet speed.
In this guide, we explain what limit reservable bandwidth is, how it influences your internet connection speed, how to change it, and if changing it is a good idea.
What Is “Limit Reservable Bandwidth”?
Windows uses a Quality of Service (QoS) Packet Scheduler to regulate the network’s bandwidth. It reserves bandwidth for high-priority tasks such as Windows Update over other tasks that compete for internet bandwidth, like streaming a movie. By default, QoS reserves 20% of the total bandwidth for high-priority tasks, while the other 80% is always available.
It’s important to note that the 20% reserved bandwidth isn’t permanently unavailable for non-priority tasks. When no high-priority tasks are ongoing, this 20% chunk of your bandwidth remains available for all apps on your PC.
Contrary to how many on the internet claim that reducing this limit to 0% improves internet speed, your PC can always use 100% of the bandwidth, unless a high-priority task needs some of that bandwidth. If a high-priority task does need bandwidth, it’s in your best interest to allow those tasks to use the bandwidth and ensure your computer’s security and overall health.
However, should you still choose the change the reserved bandwidth, you’ll need to change a setting called Limit Reservable Bandwidth.
How to Change the Limit Reservable Bandwidth
You can change the bandwidth limit using the Local Group Policy Editor, Registry Editor, and Settings app.
You can use the Settings app when you want to only control the bandwidth reserved for Windows Update (and not other high-priority actions).
If you want to control the bandwidth for all high-priority actions, use either the Local Group Policy Editor or the Registry Editor.
How to Change the Limit Reservable Bandwidth With the Group Policy Editor
If you’re on Windows Home, you might want to choose the Registry Editor or firstget access to the Local Group Policy Editor.
Start by launching the Group Policy Editor. Search foredit group policyin the Start Menu and select theBest Match.
Use the left sidebar in the Group Policy Editor to navigate toComputer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Network > QoS Packet Scheduler.
Switch to the right-pane and search for a setting calledLimit reservable bandwidth. Double-click on the setting. You’ll see the option to switch the setting toEnabledby selecting the radio button next to it. Once you’ve enabled it, set the bandwidth limit to 100% (or a different number based on your preference).
ClickOKto save and exit.
If you change your mind later, just change the status of the setting toNot Configured.
How to Change the Limit Reservable Bandwidth With the Registry Editor
you may also use the Registry Editor instead of the Group Policy Editor. Search forregistry editorin the Start Menu to launch the Registry Editor.
Once you’re in the Registry Editor, paste the following into the navigation bar and pressEnter:
Look for a value namedPsched. If you don’t seePsched, just create it by right-clicking in the white space and selectingNew > DWORD (32-bit) Value.
Once you see the new value, double-click on the value and rename it toPsched.
The Value date field is set to 0 by default, which indicates that none of the bandwidth (0%) will be reserved for high-priority tasks. You can leave the Value data field as 0 if you always want the full bandwidth to be available for all apps.
Alternatively, you can change it to a different number that represents a percentage value. For example, if you set the value to 10, 10% of your total bandwidth will be reserved for high-priority tasks like Windows Update.
If you change your mind later and want to revert to the default, you can delete the value you just created. Alternatively, you can change the Value data to 20, which is the default setting.
How to Change the Limit Reservable Bandwidth With the Settings App
it’s possible to control the bandwidth reserved for Windows Update using the Settings app. Note that this change only applies to Windows Update and not other high-priority tasks initiated by the operating system such as OS license checks.
Start by pressingWin + Ito launch the Settings app. SelectWindows Updatefrom the left sidebar and navigate toAdvanced options > Delivery Optimization > Advanced options.
You have the following options to regulate the bandwidth for Windows Update in this section:
Should You Change the Limit Reservable Bandwidth?
If you want to change the reserved bandwidth to improve your internet speed, it’s best to rely on othermethods of improving the internet speed.
Also, remember that the reserved bandwidth isn’t permanently unavailable. When Windows isn’t performing any high-priority actions, you’ll be able to use all of your internet bandwidth.
If you have a different reason to change the reserved bandwidth, and you know what you’re doing, feel free to use one of the methods discussed above.
Manage Your Internet Bandwidth Better
You’re now ready to take control of your internet bandwidth. But remember, poor internet speeds typically aren’t caused by the default bandwidth limit. There are several other reasons that can result in reduced Wi-Fi speeds.
Need to download data fast, but have slow Wi-Fi? Why is this happening? Here’s how to fix a slow Wi-Fi connection and speed it up.
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