Steam Download Slow [RESOLVED]

As most of us know, Steam is a video game digital distribution service by a valve. It is indeed one of the popular ultimate online game platforms that allow you to download game content. However, Steam estimates it’s downloaded in the multiples of “bytes” per second instead of “bits” per second. A byte is a group of 8 bits.

In case you have recently noticed that your steam download speed has decreased, make sure to compare your steam download speed with your network download speed on the same scale. Now consider, if you are receiving 768KB/s (kilobytes per second) on your steam client, this means that your network speed is 6144kb/s (kilobits per second).

In simpler words, six megabits per second. It is because a network provider mostly uses bits per second as a measure to endorse their internet connection. Many users get confused and treat both these measures as the same. Given below is the list of conversions that will help you in understanding this concept much better.

How to Fix Steam Download Slow in Windows 10

Spending money on the latest games on Steam expecting it to be worthy of the thrill is a common yearning in the PC gaming world. Steam is not a game itself, so the users cannot change any of the 3D settings to increase the speed or get its maximum performance; however, if you are sure that the speed client isn’t downloading at the speed it should. Then in this article, we have listed a number of methods to acquire the best solution for your problem. Follow the methods in a sequential manner to resolve this issue.

Method 1 – Disconnect All Other Connected Devices From Your Network

Usually, a WiFi router is used for Internet connection and when there is more than one device connected to it. There are chances that you will not be able to enjoy the maximum internet speed for your Download. There is a common myth that the user who connects to the Wi-Fi first gets maximum speed. But in turn, the speed depends upon several factors like:

1. Distance from your access point: It is known that the PCs/devices which are nearer to the access point, get the better signal, and better latency when compared to the devices that are further away. In case your computer is located far from the access point, we recommend you to move the device closer to the access point.
2. Protocol: As data is passed as packets across the web, packets are generally prioritized by routers themselves on the grounds of protocols. For example, assume that you are playing a video online while your friend is on a video call. By default, your friend’s packets will be given the first preference as VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) is a demanding protocol rather than HTTP (HyperText Transfer Protocol). It is because it requires less ping and higher bandwidth. This feature is predefined in most of the router. One solution could be asking your friend to pursue these activities later.
3. Torrents: In your system, if Steam is clashing with applications like a torrent, speed will be drastically reduced, slowing down the Download. It is advised that you turn off the other downloads while Steam is open and ensure that no other programs are running meanwhile. Utilities like torrent draw all of the bandwidth resulting in poor connection for the rest of the applications.
4. Geographical factors: It is in the best will that your device stays away from the host server. Try experimenting with the servers closer to your location. Furthermore, consider changing the location of Download by following the methods given below.

Method 2 – Change Your Download Location

One of the most relevant methods to fix the steam download issue is by changing the download region. You can improve the download speed by altering the server location. Steam servers are distributed all over the world to assure users with the best quality download speeds. The steam content system is divided into various regions.

The client machine detects your area through your network and sets it as the primary region by default. However, servers in a distinct region may be burdened with lots of work, overloaded, or facing a hardware failure. Hence changing the download region can be a significant impact on solving this issue.

Step 1: Open steam and press view option from the menu that is present at the top of the steam window. Now select settings from the drop-down list that is available in the upper left corner of the window.

Step 2: Now, in settings, a number of options are listed select downloads and navigate to download region.

Step 3: An enormous list of different regions’ locations is available for you. From the obtained select a region that is different from yours. Then click, OK.

Step 4: Finally, restart the Steam to apply changes.

Method 3 – Clear Your Download Cache

Clearing your steam download cache can fix countless issues—for example, corrupted files. Do not worry, as this process doesn’t affect your current games. Clearing the cache will only result in smooth downloads, and the system will ask you to re-login. Follow the instructions below to clear the download cache of Steam.

Step 1: Open your steam client. Click on “view,” which is found in the menu located at the top of your steam window.

Step 2: select “settings” from the given drop-down menu.

Step 3: Then locate “Downloads” from the settings panel and click on it.

Step 4: Now scroll down and find a button named Clear Download Cache in the center panel. Click OK to confirm your choice.

Step 5: Since you have cleared the download cache, Steam asks you to login again.

Step 6: Finally, log in with your steam credentials and continue the Download with maximum speed.

Method 4 – Check Your Antivirus

Nowadays, every user uses antivirus to protect their system from malware/virus. A commendable amount of antivirus software scan the files you download onto your system to make sure there isn’t any malware. It significantly affects your download speed. We recommend you to list Steam as an exception in your antivirus list so that Steam and its actions can be ignored. It will result in finding an efficient solution for download speed issues.

In the steps listed below, we have explained how to add Steam as an exception in the most frequently used antivirus.

Here we will elaborate on how to add an exception if you are currently using windows defender.

Step 1: Go to start. Either by pressing windows key found in your keyboard or click on the windows icon, which is found at the bottom left corner of your computer screen.

Step 2: Now type “Windows Defender” in the search bar. A list of options is available to you. Select an application named “Windows Defender Security Center” click on it.

Step 3: A new window is available for you with a list of options. Locate “virus and threat protection.” Press it.

Step 4: As you enter into the menu, click on the option named “Virus and Threat Protection Settings.” Now the windows may prompt you to allow the administrator access for further protection. If asked, choose yes.

Step 5: Now, in the given window, search for “Add or remove exclusions.” Click on it, and you can steer to the menu where you can add exclusions. This option will help you to add files, folders, and extensions. In this scenario, we are excluding the steam folder, which is found in the directory you downloaded it.

Step 6: From the listed options, select “Exclude a folder” and navigate to your steam directory. For most of the systems, the default location for your steam folder is “C:\Program Files(x86)\Steam”. As soon as you found the location, select the steam folder, and apply the changes by saving.

Step 7: In the end, Restart your system and open Steam with administrator authority. It should hopefully resolve the issue.

Method 5 – Changing the Download Limit

One of the reasons you might be facing obstacles while downloading games using Steam is because of no limit to the bandwidth. Adding to that, if you have an unstable connection, you are at more disadvantage. It is because unstable connections always lead to slower download speeds in Steam. Follow each step of this method thoroughly and achieve higher download speeds.

Step 1: start your steam client with the “Run as Administrator” option.

Step 2: Then select the option steam from the horizontal menu, which is found at the top of the steam screen. As soon as you choose Steam, a drop-down list is available for you – Select settings from the list.

Step 3: Now move to Downloads option and press it. Here you will see a drop-down list, which allows you to limit your bandwidth. Choose accordingly from the list and proceed with your Download.

Method 6 – Refreshing Steam

If the methods listed above weren’t fruitful to you, and if you are entirely sure that your internet connection is stable and excellent. Then the only fault might be with your steam application. This problem can be resolved upon downloading additional files in Steam. Follow the steps below to download the data, and you are good to go.

Step 1: As discussed before, the default location for your steam folder in your system should be “C:\Program Files(x86)\Steam”.  Now, press Windows key + R to open the run dialog box.

Step 2: In the dialog box write the pathname “C:\Program Files(x86)\Steam”. In case you have voluntarily installed Steam in another directory of your choice, then browse to that directory and follow the next steps.

Step 3: In the directory, locate the following folders:

Steam.exe (application)

SteamApps (Folder)

Step 4: In this folder, remove all the other files/folder/application except the ones listed in Step 3.

Step 5: Finally, Go to Steam and download the missing files/folders and launch it. It is advised that you restart your computer and then start the Steam application with administrator privileges.

Conclusion

Hopefully, at the end of the article, your error has been fixed by following some of these methods, which are proven to be useful in obtaining solutions to resolve the download issues.