When you pair a Bluetooth device to your PC, Microsoft Windows automatically downloads any applicable drivers to make it run correctly. However, if you do that over a metered 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
Allow Driver Downloads
By default, metered connections prevent Windows from using up data without 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.
Re-add the Bluetooth Device
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.
Disable Metered Connection
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.
Restart Your Computer
Restart Your Computer
If you tried restarting your computer, check if that makes a difference. Open the Start menu and select Restart. Once your computer reboots, remove and re-add the Bluetooth device.
Forget and Re-add the Network Connection
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.
Use a Different Internet Connection
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
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.
Update Windows
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.
Check for Support Software
Check for Support Software
Check for any support software or device drivers that you can download from the manufacturer’s website—e.g., Logitech Options for 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
Reset Network Settings
If none of the fixes above help, it’s time to reset the network settings on Windows. That could help rule out underlying issues preventing your PC from downloading the relevant drivers for the Bluetooth device.
Setup Complete
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.
