Group Policy to Disable Windows Update Sharing (Delivery Optimization)

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Windows Delivery Optimization allows Windows to share update downloads between PCs on your local network and in some cases over the internet. In enterprise environments this can cause unexpected WAN traffic and compliance concerns. This guide covers how to disable Windows Update sharing via Group Policy, registry and PowerShell in 2026.

What is Windows Delivery Optimization?

Delivery Optimization is a peer-to-peer distribution technology built into Windows 10 and Windows 11. By default it allows your PC to download Windows updates from other PCs on your local network or the internet — and upload that content to other PCs in return. In enterprise environments managed by WSUS or SCCM this behaviour is unnecessary and potentially problematic.

Disable via Group Policy

Open Group Policy Management Console
Create or edit a GPO linked to your workstations OU
Navigate to Computer Configuration → Administrative Templates → Windows Components → Delivery Optimization
Open Download Mode and set to Enabled
Set the value to 0 — HTTP only to disable peer-to-peer completely
Click OK and run gpupdate /force on target machines

Download Mode Values

Value	Mode	Description
0	HTTP only	No peer sharing — recommended for enterprise
1	LAN	Local network only
2	Group	Same AD site or domain
3	Internet	Internet sharing — not recommended
99	Simple	No peering, simple download
100	Bypass	Use BITS instead

Disable via Registry

# Disable Delivery Optimization - set to HTTP only
reg add "HKLMSOFTWAREPoliciesMicrosoftWindowsDeliveryOptimization" /v "DODownloadMode" /t REG_DWORD /d 0 /f

Disable via PowerShell

# Disable Delivery Optimization via PowerShell
Set-ItemProperty -Path "HKLM:SOFTWAREPoliciesMicrosoftWindowsDeliveryOptimization" -Name "DODownloadMode" -Value 0 -Type DWord -Force

# Verify
Get-DeliveryOptimizationStatus

Verify the Setting is Applied

# Check current Download Mode
(Get-ItemProperty -Path "HKLM:SOFTWAREPoliciesMicrosoftWindowsDeliveryOptimization" -Name "DODownloadMode" -ErrorAction SilentlyContinue).DODownloadMode
# 0 = HTTP only (disabled)

Frequently Asked Questions

Will disabling Delivery Optimization slow down Windows Updates?

In enterprise environments managed by WSUS, disabling peer-to-peer sharing has minimal impact as all machines already download from the local WSUS server. For standalone machines it may slightly increase download times from Microsoft servers.

Is Delivery Optimization the same as Windows Update?

No — Delivery Optimization is the distribution method for updates, not the update service itself. Disabling DO does not disable Windows Update — it only changes how update files are downloaded.

Should I disable Delivery Optimization if I use WSUS?

Yes — set it to LAN mode (1) at minimum or HTTP only (0) to fully control update traffic. Running internet peer sharing alongside WSUS creates unnecessary WAN traffic and potential compliance issues.

Does disabling Delivery Optimization affect Microsoft Store apps?

Yes — Delivery Optimization is also used for Microsoft Store app downloads. Setting it to HTTP only means Store apps download directly from Microsoft rather than peer devices.

About The Author

Andrew Armstrong

Andrew Armstrong is a UK-based IT professional with 26+ years of hands-on experience in Windows, Windows Server, SCCM/ConfigMgr, Active Directory, PowerShell, and enterprise infrastructure. He founded TechyGeeksHome in 2010 and has published over 1,500 practical guides covering real-world IT problems and solutions. When not solving IT problems, Andrew develops free Windows utilities including Ultimate Settings Panel, which has been downloaded over 850,000 times.

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