If you upgraded to Windows 10, Microsoft might be using your computer and Internet connection to send Windows updates and even applications to other computers on the Internet. The Windows Update Delivery Optimization (WUDO) feature is what makes this possible.

When WUDO is enabled, the following occurs:

  • Your computer will receive updates and applications from other computers besides getting them from Microsoft.
  • Your computer will send updates and parts of applications that it downloaded through WUDO to other computers.

To a limited degree, you can choose which computers are involved in sending and receiving updates and applications. You have two options. One option is to keep the exchange limited to computers in your local network. This can reduce the amount of bandwidth needed to keep those computers up-to-date, according to Microsoft. The other option is to let the exchange occur between computers in your local network and computers on the Internet. This option is designed to help people who have a limited or unreliable Internet connection, notes Microsoft.

WUDO is enabled by default. It is set to allow computers in your local network and on the Internet to send and receive updates and applications. If you are not okay with these settings, here is how to change them:

  1. Click the “Start” button and select “Settings”.
  2. Select “Update & Security”.
  3. Choose “Windows Update” in the left pane.
  4. Click “Advanced options” in the right pane.
  5. Select the “Choose how updates are delivered” option.
  6. If you want to disable WUDO, move the on/off slider to “Off”.
  7. If you do not mind the computers in your local network sharing updates and applications, keep the slider to “On” and select the “PCs on my local network” option.