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13 Quick Fixes for Steam Slow Download Problem

Worried about steam slow download? This post will show you 13 solutions to fix the problem of steam slow download. When it comes to the digital distribution of games nowadays, Steam is without a doubt the leader. When looking for games or just playing in general, many users find the platform to be simple and convenient to use. In comparison to its competitors, the Steam platform is also more dependable, but it is not faultless. In no way. Users occasionally run into frustrating glitches and problems with Steam, and a prevalent issue is a slow download.

We’ll share some tips with you in this troubleshooting guide that you can use if you’re having difficulties with your connection speed when downloading games or updates from Steam.

Why is the download speed on Steam so slow?

Numerous variables can cause the download of any Steam game or update to become agonizingly slow. Some people may have a slow download because of a straightforward issue in the Steam client or in their modem/router. Others can notice a slow Steam download because of network issues or bad Steam settings. Players may also experience this issue if their computer is not set up to download through Steam or if other programs are using bandwidth while a Steam download is in progress.

We will provide you with the helpful advice on how to speed up your Steam download in this troubleshooting guide.

13 Quick Fixes for Steam Slow Download Problem

Fix #1.Start the Steam client again

A short refresh of the Steam client is required before beginning any advanced troubleshooting. Sometimes, this is sufficient to eliminate momentary or minor issues that may have arisen while operating your computer.

2. Check the status of the Steam servers.

Additionally, you want to confirm that the Steam server is stable. Avoid wasting your time troubleshooting a problem that can only be resolved by Valve.

We advise you to follow the official Steam Twitter account (@Steam) at https://twitter.com/Steam if you want to receive updates more frequently.

Fix #3: Confirm that Steam is the sole downloader.

While Steam downloads your game or updates, there may be other applications that download very large files. Download careful to check your system to see if any other programs that might be downloading large files are running, such as:

  • Torrent software,
  • Apps for cloud storage (such as Google Drive, Microsoft OneDrive, Dropbox, etc.)
  • Apps that fight malware or adware
  • GPU applications like AMD Radeon or NVIDIA GeForce

Close any similar apps that you see operating in the background before rechecking the Steam slow download issue.

Fix #4: Unplug extra gadgets from your network.

Whether Steam is not being competed for bandwidth by any other PC applications, the next thing you want to do is see if any other devices connected to your home network are streaming or downloading large files. Simply unplug any other devices from your network to be safe, then try downloading on Steam once more.

Try downloading during off-peak times, when everyone else in your home is either at work or has stopped using their gadgets. You can presume that your network simply gets too busy when you download if you don’t experience slow download speeds at certain times.

Fix #5.Restarting your network hardware

Your modem or router’s quick reboot or power cycle may also be able to resolve small network issues that are preventing Steam from downloading quickly. If left operating for a quite extended period of time, network equipment occasionally stops working properly or develops bugs. They can rapidly resume their usual function with a periodic refresh.

Change the bandwidth cap and download region for Steam.

If you select a download server that is quite far away from where you are physically, slow Steam downloads may result. The good news is that this is readily fixable by switching the download location and turning off any previously established bandwidth limits.

Take the following actions to learn how to perform both:

Launch the Steam client first.

  1. In the upper left corner, click Steam.
  2. Choose Settings.
  3. Click on Downloads.
  4. Select a download region that is near to where you are located. If you’re experiencing trouble with that area, try utilizing the server that is closest to you.
  5. Select the Limit bandwidth to option under Download Restrictions and adjust it to No Limit.
  6. Ensure that the box labeled “Allow downloads while playing” is unchecked. This is crucial if your internet is slow and you need all available bandwidth for gaming.

Fix #7: Change the priority of Steam.exe and SteamService.ex to Realtime.

  1. Press CTRL + SHIFT + ESC to launch the Task Manager while Steam is running.
  2. Select the tab labeled Details.
  3. Locate Steam.exe under the Processes tab and use the right-click menu to select it.
  4. Select Realtime under Set priority by clicking on it.
  5. To modify SteamService.exe’s priority, repeat steps (1-4).

Fix #8.Change to a wired connection

Another quick cure for Steam’s sluggish download speed is to connect your computer with an Ethernet wire to your router. This clearly only applies if you’re playing PC games on your laptop or desktop while connected to WiFi.

If your game downloads or Steam updates are taking a long time to complete, a cable connection can be the simple solution because it is more stable and trustworthy than a wireless connection.

Fix #9: Temporarily disable the Windows Firewall

The security software you’re using, especially the firewall, may also slow down the connection speed on a PC and cause Steam to download its games and updates slowly.

Try momentarily turning off Windows Defender Firewall to check. This is how to accomplish it:

  1. To access the settings menu, right-click on the Windows symbol in the taskbar.
  2. Look for Settings and select it.
  3. Locate Privacy & security in the left sidebar and click on it.
  4. Select Windows Security from the Security subsection.
  5. Find Firewall & network protection and click on it.
  6. Click Public network to access your computer’s network protection options when a new window appears.
  7. To turn off Microsoft Defender Firewall, click the toggle switch directly below it.

Fix#10: Enable QoS on your router

To reduce network lag when playing games, certain routers have the ability to prioritize gaming packets. Quality of Service is the name of this characteristic (QoS). If your router offers this feature, Google the process to establish QoS for Steam because each device has different specific instructions.

As an alternative, you can find out by consulting the router’s documentation or manual. To receive assistance with setting QoS if your Internet service provider delivered your router, get in touch with their technical support team.

Fix#11.Clear the Steam Download cache to fix issue

It might help to speed up game and update downloads to refresh the download cache within the Steam client.

  1. Launch Steam.
  2. Access Settings.
  3. Select Downloads on the left panel.
  4. Select the Clear Download Cache button in the right side.
  5. A fresh window ought to open. Press OK, then wait for that procedure to complete.
  6. Restart Steam and look for the issue once more.

Fix#12.Upgrade your download speed to fix issue

Your subscription internet speed may be the cause of your Steam download problem if the problem hasn’t already vanished. Try comparing the results of a brief speed test you run on your PC to the download speed displayed on Steam. You should think about increasing your internet connection by calling your Internet Service Provider if the results are largely the same.

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