Cellular Data

If your PC supports cellular data services provided by a mobile operator, you can use this connection to access the Internet, just as you do with your smartphone.
Most Windows PCs do not provide this capability today, but that doesn't mean you can't take advantage of the cellular data plan you're already paying for: smartphones can typically be used as a hotspot that lets them share their data connection with other devices. Those shared connections will appear as normal Wi-Fi networks to your Windows PC.
While cellular networks are more broadly available than Wi-Fi, they are also typically more expensive. And most cellular data plans are limited by a monthly data cap (and perhaps an even smaller hotspot data cap), so customers are charged even more if that amount is exceeded. For this reason, Windows 11 treats cellular data networks differently from Wi-Fi or Ethernet networks. Most notably, it will not sync with OneDrive or download Windows Updates over such a network by default. Even critical security updates are deferred for as long as possible.

Windows also helps you keep track of your data usage on this type of network---which it calls a metered network---so it can proactively warn you if you're in danger of exceeding your monthly data cap.
Cellular data connections are always private and cannot be configured with a public network profile.
Connect to a data plan
Depending on your PC, you may have one or two different ways to connect it to a data plan:

eSIM. Those with an internal (embedded) SIM---called an eSIM---can purchase plans online via Windows 11.

Physical SIM. Those with only a SIM card tray will need to buy a physical SIM card first, either directly from a mobile operator or from a retailer that offers such a thing.

A> Most PCs that support cellular data offer both eSIM and (physical) SIM options. The latter is less convenient and less versatile since you can only connect to that one mobile operator: you can configure an eSIM with multiple plans, though you can only use one at a time, of course.
Connect an eSIM to a data plan
If your PC offers cellular data via an eSIM, you can purchase cellular Internet access from third-parties through Windows for temporary or even long-term usage. This is an interesting option for those who don't have a permanent cellular data connection through work or personally.

To get started, launch the Mobile Plans app that comes with Windows 11. (The easiest way to find this, as always, is with Search.)

Ironically, you need to be connected to the Internet to use this app, so be sure to set this up before you're on a trip and offline.
Mobile Plans provides you with a list of mobile operators, specific to your locale, that you can sign up with to purchase a cellular data plan. Whichever mobile operator you choose, Mobile Plans will display that company's website, where you can create an account if needed, peruse the various options, and make the purchase that makes the most s...

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