Slow Download Speed on Steam: Learn why the issue occursFix Steam Download Slow EasilyMethod 1. Clear Download cacheMethod 2. Choose a different Steam download server locationMethod 3. Close programs causing high CPU usageMethod 4. Set Steam download process as high priority oneMethod 5. Check network connection issuesMethod 6. Disable Steam’s bandwidth limitMethod 7. Disable download throttlingMethod 8. Temporarily disable VPNMethod 9. Allocate more bandwidth to SteamMethod 10. Check for hidden malwareMethod 10. Try disabling FirewallMethod 11. Update network driverMethod 12. Uninstall and reinstall Steam
Many gamers complain about slow download speeds even if the Internet connection is fast. In the majority of cases, the problem arises if the user is connected to a download server that’s distant from user’s location. Other factors possibly causing Steam downloads slow issue can be related to:
Outdated network drivers;Firewall blocking;Caching issues;Network connection issues;Resource-consuming programs;Download cache.
In order to fix the issue, we suggest trying the suggested methods one at a time to identify and resolve the problem in no time.
Fix Steam Download Slow Easily
Slow Steam download speed issues should be fixed by now. If you have discovered another smart way to solve the problem, please share it with us in the comments section.
Method 1. Clear Download cache
If you’re wondering why does Steam download so slow, you should try clearing download cache first. It is an easy and quick way to resolve this issue.
Method 2. Choose a different Steam download server location
Choosing a different download server location can solve the issue causing download lags and delays. However, if you’re wondering what is the fastest Steam download server, there is no single and correct answer to this question. To find this out, you’ll have to play around and test several servers until you find the fastest one. To choose a different download location, follow the steps given below.
Method 3. Close programs causing high CPU usage
One of the reasons why Steam download is slow but Internet fast could be resource-consuming programs currently running on your PC. To check whether there are active programs causing high CPU usage (for example, Microsoft Compatibility Telemetry), follow the steps given below. TIP: Only end programs that you recognize. If you don’t know what the process or program does, we suggest you search for information about it online.
Method 4. Set Steam download process as high priority one
A good hack to fix Steam download slow issue is to set Steam’s process as high priority via Task Manager on Windows. This way, the computer will prioritize Steam’s process over other tasks and this might result in better speeds of your downloads. However, you should try the effectiveness of this method via trial and error. As you know, your game interacts with keyboard and mouse during the gameplay. By setting the game as higher priority, it may or may not decrease performance of other processes, such as those of mouse and keyboard, and this can result in lower gaming experience due to sluggish or lagging mouse or keyboard. Therefore, the idea is to try different priority settings for your game and see which one works. On top of that, you should know that these process priority settings are reset after a computer reboot, so you might have to modify the priority after each system restart. Here’s how to change Steam Client Service priority:
Method 5. Check network connection issues
One of the most important steps in fixing Steam download slow and stopping problem is checking if Network Connection is working properly. You need to ensure you’re connected to Internet (cable or wireless). If you’re using wireless network, your Wi-Fi signal should be strong. Here’s what you need to do: You can also try restarting your router. Simply turn it off, then wait a minute or two and turn it back on. Check if the issue with slow download speed issue persists.
Method 6. Disable Steam’s bandwidth limit
If you still can’t find the reason why is Steam downloading slowly, you might want to inspect its Downloads settings and see if the bandwidth limit isn’t turned on. While this option can be enabled to provide more bandwidth resources for other apps using the Internet, it can significantly reduce the resources needed for Steam. Here’s what you need to do:
Method 7. Disable download throttling
Another setting you can modify to achieve better Steam downloader speeds is Throttle downloads while streaming. This means that during streaming, the app enhances streaming quality while diminishing download speeds. Therefore, you may want to disable this setting for quicker downloads.
Method 8. Temporarily disable VPN
Although VPNs can be extremely useful when protecting your identity online, sometimes it can slightly hinder the connection speed. This is caused by encryption type and protocol, or VPN’s server chosen and its location. We recommend you to disable the VPN when you do not want slow Steam download speeds, and re-enable the VPN afterward. Depending on the VPN you use, you can create exclusion rules for specific apps – and exclude Steam from VPN protection. One of the VPNs that we like that has many, many server locations and doesn’t slow down the Internet speed significantly is Private Internet Access. You may want to see its review.
Method 9. Allocate more bandwidth to Steam
If you’re still wondering why does Steam download so slow, it might be that you’re locking the app out of bandwidth resources because you have many other apps, browser tabs, or downloads active. Therefore, we highly recommend to close unnecessary programs and browsers that might be hard on network resources. For example, closing streaming or music apps and browser tabs, torrenting or any other download manager application is a good idea. Once these are closed, you will ensure that more bandwidth resources are allocated to Steam, which will help to increase Steam download speeds.
Method 10. Check for hidden malware
Often times, slow computer performance occurs due to malware or spyware processes acting silently in the background. It could be a Trojan, cryptocurrency miner or another virus variant causing damage to your computer and possibly communicating with its server all the time. Therefore, we recommend scanning the system with an up-to-date and reputable antivirus such as INTEGO Antivirus.
Method 10. Try disabling Firewall
Windows Defender Firewall or the firewall used by your antivirus could be blocking your downloads. If you are positive that your download is secure, you can try to temporarily disable Firewall to increase Steam download speed. Award-winning antivirus solution for your PC. Robust security software that provides robust 24/7 real-time protection, Web Shield that stops online threats/malicious downloads, and Prevention engine that wards off Zero-Day threats. Keep your PC safe and protected against ransomware, Trojans, viruses, spyware and other forms of dangerous programs. To disable it on your antivirus, navigate to its settings and look for Firewall settings. We’ll describe how to disable Windows Defender Firewall: TIP: Do not forget to enable the Firewall back on once you’ve downloaded your game.
Method 11. Update network driver
Faulty drivers is one of the main causes of various Windows 10 errors, including Kernel Security Check Failure or Steam won’t open. To make Steam download faster, consider updating network drivers. Here’s how to do it: If your drivers are up-to-date, you should try the last option.
Method 12. Uninstall and reinstall Steam
If none of the above listed methods helped you to solve the issue, then the solution for you is to fix Steam download slow by reinstalling Steam. See instructions on how to do it below.
