13 Ways to Turbocharge Your Steam Game Downloads

It can be incredibly frustrating. You've just purchased a game on Steam, and you're itching to jump right in and start playing. But there's one problem: the download speed is unbearably slow. Don't worry, though. We've got you covered. In this article, we'll explore 13 effective solutions to boost your download speed on Steam and get you into the game faster.

Check Your Internet Connection

Before we dive into the specifics, let's start with the basics. Even if you have a good internet connection, there are a few things you can check to ensure that everything is in order.

Switch to the 5 GHz Band

If you're using a Wi-Fi connection, try switching to the 5 GHz bandwidth. While the 2.4 GHz frequency offers better coverage, the 5 GHz frequency provides faster internet speed. See if switching to the 5 GHz band improves your download speed on Steam.

Switch to Ethernet Connection

If switching to the 5 GHz band doesn't help, try connecting your device directly to the router using an Ethernet cable. Sometimes, Wi-Fi connections can cause speed reductions. Switching to an Ethernet connection might solve the problem.

Measure Download Speed Correctly

Make sure you're measuring your download speed correctly. Most internet service providers (ISPs) display speed in bits, while Steam shows download speed in bytes. To avoid confusion, change the download speed from MB/s to Mbps in Steam settings.

Switch to a Better Steam Server

Steam has set up multiple servers worldwide to ensure faster downloads. By default, Steam selects the nearest server to your location. However, sometimes the server you're connected to might be overloaded with traffic. Check the Steam Download Stats webpage to find the nearest server to your location with the best downloading speed. Switching to a different server might improve your download speed.

Clear Steam's Download Cache

Steam stores some downloaded files as a cache to minimize the need for repeated downloads. However, if these cache files become corrupted or clogged, they can slow down the download process. Clear Steam cache to help resolve this issue.

Close All Resource-Hogging Apps or Programs

Other applications or programs running in the background can consume significant bandwidth and slow down your Steam game downloads. Pause all other downloads and check the Task Manager to identify any resource-hogging apps. Close them to free up bandwidth for Steam.

Disable Auto-Update Games

Steam may be updating games in the background, causing slow download speeds. You can disable auto-updates or schedule updates to prevent interruptions while downloading new games. To disable auto-updates for a specific game, go to the game's Library page, click on the Settings icon, and select Properties. In the Updates section, choose the “Only update this game when I launch it” option.

Disable Steam's Bandwidth Limit

Steam allows you to set a bandwidth limit to ensure other programs can access the internet smoothly. However, if you want to maximize your download speed on Steam, disable this feature. Go to Steam's Settings > Downloads and uncheck the “Limit Bandwidth” option.

Disable Your VPN

Using a VPN while downloading Steam games can slow down your download speed due to added encryption and the distance between the VPN server and your location. Temporarily disabling your VPN can help accelerate your game downloads on Steam.

Disable Metered Connection on Windows

If you have a data cap on your internet connection, you might have set a metered connection on your Windows PC. To download games at maximum speed, disable the metered connection in your Windows settings.

Disable Throttle Downloads While Streaming

Steam has a feature that limits your download speed while you're actively streaming gameplay to prioritize network resources. Disable this feature until your download is complete to increase your Steam game download speed.

Whitelist the Steam App

Sometimes, anti-virus software may block Steam from accessing the internet. Check your anti-virus software's firewall settings to ensure that Steam is not blocked.

Flush DNS

Flushing the DNS cache can help resolve network issues and improve Steam's download speed. Open the Command Prompt or PowerShell as an administrator and enter the command “ipconfig /flushdns” to flush your DNS cache.

Stop Using Custom DNS

If you're using custom DNS settings, occasional downtime or DNS resolution issues can affect Steam's download speed. Switching back to your ISP's default DNS settings might improve your download speed on Steam.

Reinstall the Steam App

If all else fails, reinstalling the Steam app might resolve any issues affecting your download speed.

Transform Your Steam Download Speed Into a Fast and Furious Experience

Experiencing slow download speeds on Steam can be frustrating, but with these 13 solutions, you can turbocharge your game downloads. Say goodbye to long waiting times and get into the action faster.

Before you go, don't forget to check out our comprehensive guide on Microsoft Store vs Steam for more gaming insights.