Device Settings on Windows 10 need constant Internet Connection?

Jameson:

In this location I do not have a router. The only Internet connectivity is through a hot spot. That is the reason for a metered connection.

In order to duplicate the above recommendation, I tethered my hot spot via USB. When connecting to a new network, the connection defaults to an unmetered connection. At that point, the issues due to a metered connection disappear. Indeed, the issue disappeared until it comes back as it has over the last year(s?).

Based on the above test, I believe the fault steps are:

1. All hardware working fine with current drivers.
2. Attempt to c0nnect to new hardware while connected to a metered connection. I tried to receive a Bluetooth file from a friend's non-Windows device that had not been connected previously. The simple Bluetooth transfer never went through, had to use a thumb drive.
3. Windows gets lost connecting to a new device--even for a simple Bluetooth transfer--because it cannot download drivers (drivers, for a file transfer?) for the device.
4. Windows gets so confused, it sets all hardware to "setup incomplete because of metered connection" until it can set up the new device.
5. Once Windows sets up the new device over an unmetered connection, Windows goes back to its happy place and stops complaining until the next time new hardware is plugged in while connected to a metered connection.

The first message I received after making the unmetered connection on the tethered hot spot was that new hardware was now set up and configured. The ridiculous thing is that the file transfer likely would have gone through if the computer had not been connected to any Internet. As Rottweiler mentioned above, Bluetooth is a communication protocol that (to my limited knowledge) is a standard that shouldn't require specific drivers to work.

Hi Jameson:

Yes, the connection is metered. I have limited bandwidth in my current location.

Yes, the "Download over metered connection" option is unchecked as recommended in the You Tube videos.

No, this error message does not appear on unmetered connections.

Yes, it occurs on every metered connection I have used.

No, it has not just started. It has occurred for years (?), not sure how long but certainly more than a year. I have lost patience with it and hoped to find an answer from the experts who programmed this feature.

I'm not sure what hardwiring to a router fixes, as the only time this message occurs is when connected to a metered connection. The devices are all already set up and work fine when not connected to any network or when connected to an unmetered network. Windows just thinks it needs to run out and re-set up everything when on a metered connection. I guess that is the case based on the error message. Maybe it is not trying to set up every device again. Maybe the error message is an operational anomaly. Or, maybe Windows re-sets up every device every time it is on an unmetered connection. That is one question I have asked above.

Regards,

JimBo_B

Hi Rottie,

Thank you for the quick reply. Did you see the two screen shots I attached? The Bluetooth devices all say "Setup incomplete because of metered connection." Other devices (USB, printers, etc) all exhibit the same behavior. These are all devices that work and have been set up previously. Why does Windows 10 say it cannot set them up because full access Internet is no longer available? 10 seconds later, with the WiFi fully disconnected (no Internet connection, metered or otherwise), Windows 10 has no problem recognizing the devices. Screenshot below:

Hi Jim. I'm Greg, 10 years awarded Windows MVP, here to help you.

More here about managing Device Setup in Windows while on Metered Connection:

https://appuals.com/fix-setup-incomplete-becaus...

(Avoid ad links which intrude into editorial copy, especially avoid Restoro, PC Repair Tool and Reimage ads)

https://baswijdenes.com/fix-setup-incomplete-be...

https://www.thewindowsclub.com/setup-incomplete... (Avoid ad links which intrude into editorial copy, especially avoid Restoro, PC Repair Tool and Reimage ads)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j5k4dWLHmsE

Feel free to ask back any questions. Based on the results you post back I may have other suggestions if necessary.

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Why is it necessary for Windows 10 to constantly be connected to the Internet to set up Bluetooth or other devices?

It isn't necessary for Bluetooth. Don't know about "other devices."

For Bluetooth, install a driver if you need to. Then pair and connect. Bluetooth is its own network.