Downloading Windows 8 over a metered Internet connection

A metered Internet connection is a type of data plan used by some Internet service providers. With this type of plan, providers charge you according to the amount of data used (the amount of data sent and received by your PC). These plans often have a data limit, and if you exceed the limit you might have to pay extra, or your connection speed might be reduced for a period of time.

Windows 8 is a large file: about 1.5 GB for the 32-bit version and about 2 GB for the 64-bit version. Before you start downloading it on a metered Internet connection, be sure to:

• Check your current usage, and then figure out if this download might result in additional charges.

• Allow enough time for the download to finish. In general, it will take about the same amount of time as downloading a movie from the Internet. Most people with a broadband Internet connection complete the download in an hour or two, but download times will vary based on your connection speed and other factors.

For more about metered connections, see Metered Internet connections: Frequently asked questions.