Detect Windows "metered" network setting to auto-pause sync of Drive client
Proton Drive client on Windows does not have a feature to disable sync when on a mobile tether, or network marked as "metered" in Windows settings.
OneDrive and Outlook Windows client software automatically detects and advises sync is "paused', with ability to manually connect sync.
A possible similar solution may be a simple code change for Proton Drive (and Mail) client's to check property value using UWP (Universal Windows Platform) NetworkHelper 'ConnectionCost'. A community toolkit knowledgebase article is:
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/communitytoolkit/helpers/networkhelper
Can sync auto-pause on 'metered' networks please be explored as a feature?
NOTE: Below is background explaining impact of this feature lacking to 'roaming' users, like myself. I would like request high priority consideration and swift implementation if solution is simple.
Background example use case...
Connectivity and Sync:
- I currently have no fixed address with fixed unlimited data.
- I tether phone pre-paid annual data (170GB/yr) sufficient for basic use.
- I schedule times at uncapped wi-fi sites to sync large data changes.
- I am working on ~1.5TB of legal case files and email PST's.
- PD syncs mostly PST's only, due to mailbox size and 500GB cap.
- MS OneDrive/Sharepoint subscriptions hold syncs of all other files.
Windows clients:
- MS OneDrive/Outlook clients auto-pause sync on "metered' networks.
- Proton Windows clients have no settings for "metered" networks.
- Manual pause of Proton Drive client does not persist after PC restart.
- PST's 'lock' when opened in MS Outlook client, which PD client detects as an error and queues for re-sync sync once unlocked.
Impact
- Today, an accidental PST>Drive sync used 30% of annual SIM data.
- 3mths ago, an unplanned Files>Drive sync consumed all SIM data.
- If I do not notice PD client icon in tray (on another display monitor) changes from grey-purple, data plan burn will reoccur, costing $'00's in SIM costs each time.
- I would pay an add-on for Proton Drive storage increase if offered.
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warped_window_2242 commented
Upvoted ^^^ I travel a lot while using my mobile hotspot and only have 5GB of data per month. It'd be a huge pain for me if I left Proton Drive on and it synced large files and ate up my whole plan for the month. I'd gain a lot of peace of mind from having metered network detection in Proton Drive.