Does your Windows laptop support eSIM?
Some do, some do not, and it comes down to whether the laptop was built with cellular hardware, often labeled WWAN, LTE, or 5G. The quickest way to check is to open Settings, then Network and internet, and look for a Cellular section. If it is there, your laptop can install an eSIM directly. If there is no Cellular option, the hardware is not present and no update can add it, so you tether instead.
Cellular is most common on business and premium lines. If you have a Microsoft Surface, Lenovo ThinkPad, Dell Latitude, or HP EliteBook ordered with mobile broadband, there is a good chance it supports a native eSIM. Most budget and mainstream consumer laptops do not.
Install an eSIM directly in Windows
If your laptop has cellular, this is the cleanest setup. Your laptop gets its own connection with no phone involved.
- 1
Open cellular settings
Go to Settings, then Network and internet, then Cellular. If this section exists, your laptop has the mobile hardware.
- 2
Add an eSIM profile
Choose Manage eSIM profiles, then Add a new profile, and scan or enter your Citrus Mobile activation details.
- 3
Turn cellular on
Enable the profile and let Windows connect. Your laptop now has its own mobile data, no phone required.
- 4
Top up and travel
Manage your balance from your Citrus Mobile account. Pay as you go across 200+ countries, with carrier switching handled for you.
Windows 10 and 11
Both support eSIM on capable hardware. The menu path is nearly identical. If you do not see Manage eSIM profiles, your laptop likely does not have a cellular modem.
No cellular? Tether instead
If there is no Cellular section, you can still get the same result by sharing a phone connection. This works on any Windows laptop.
- 1
Put a Citrus Mobile eSIM on your phone
Top up from $4 and install the eSIM by QR code or direct install. See how it works.
- 2
Turn on the hotspot
iPhone: Settings then Personal Hotspot. Android: Settings then Network and internet then Hotspot and tethering.
- 3
Connect the laptop
Open the Wi-Fi menu, pick your phone, enter the password. A USB cable is steadier for heavy work.
Why one Citrus Mobile eSIM works worldwide
Whether installed natively or tethered, a Citrus Mobile eSIM is not locked to one carrier. It connects to a strong local network wherever you are and switches as you travel, so your laptop stays online across 200+ countries on one balance. No new SIM at each border, no roaming bill surprises.
How much data does a Windows laptop use?
| Activity | Rough data use |
|---|---|
| Email, docs, and messaging | 5 to 15 MB per hour |
| Web browsing and research | 30 to 70 MB per hour |
| Video call on Teams, Zoom, or Meet | 500 to 900 MB per hour |
| Music streaming | 50 to 100 MB per hour |
| Standard video streaming | 0.7 to 1.5 GB per hour |
| Large file upload | Roughly 1 GB per GB sent |
| Windows or app update | 1 to 5 GB or more, one time |
A normal remote work day lands around 1 to 2 GB. Defer Windows updates to free Wi-Fi to keep it predictable.
What it costs
Pay as you go from a $4 top up, with bonus credit on larger top ups and rates that vary by country. Check the rates page and the pricing page. The biggest data saver on Windows is to set your connection as metered, which pauses most automatic Windows updates and background syncing until you are back on free Wi-Fi.
Set a metered connection to control usage
In Settings, under Network and internet, open your active connection and turn on Metered connection. Windows then holds back large updates and limits background data. This one toggle prevents the most common cause of a surprise data spike on a Windows laptop.
Related guides
See the brand specific guides for Surface, ThinkPad, Dell, and HP, the broader eSIM for laptop overview, and how to tether a laptop to your phone.