How To Speed Up Downloads On Steam Fixing Slow Update Times

Slow download speeds on Steam can be frustrating—especially when you're eager to jump into a new release or return to a favorite title after an update. While Steam is generally reliable, many users experience sluggish download rates due to misconfigured settings, network bottlenecks, or ISP limitations. The good news is that most slowdowns are fixable with the right adjustments. This guide walks through practical, tested strategies to optimize your Steam downloads, reduce update times, and get back to gaming faster.

Understanding Why Steam Downloads Are Slow

Before diving into fixes, it helps to understand what causes slow Steam downloads. Steam relies on Content Delivery Networks (CDNs) to distribute game files globally. Your download speed depends not just on your internet plan but also on server proximity, bandwidth allocation, background processes, and even time of day.

Common culprits include:

• Suboptimal download region selection
• Background applications consuming bandwidth
• Router congestion or outdated firmware
• ISP throttling during peak hours
• Antivirus software scanning large game files in real-time
• DNS latency affecting connection routing

Steam's built-in downloader is efficient, but it doesn’t automatically resolve all network inefficiencies. Manual optimization is often required to unlock full speed potential.

Tip: Restart your router every few weeks to clear cache and reset connection stability.

Step-by-Step Guide to Maximize Steam Download Speed

Follow this structured approach to systematically eliminate performance barriers and accelerate your Steam downloads.

1. Check Your Internet Speed
   Use a tool like speedtest.net or fast.com to verify your actual download speed. If it’s significantly lower than your ISP promises, contact them before adjusting Steam settings.
2. Set the Optimal Download Region
   Steam selects a download server based on your region. An incorrect setting can route you to distant, overloaded servers.
   
   To change your download region:
   • Open Steam > Settings > Downloads
   • Under “Download Region,” select the closest geographic location with low ping
   • Test different regions if speeds remain poor
3. Limit Bandwidth Usage by Other Devices
   Pause updates on consoles, phones, or smart TVs. Streaming services like Netflix or YouTube can consume significant bandwidth. Disconnect unused devices from Wi-Fi to free up capacity.
4. Close Background Applications
   Programs like OneDrive, Dropbox, Discord, or web browsers with multiple tabs may silently use bandwidth. Use Task Manager (Windows) or Activity Monitor (Mac) to identify high-usage apps and close them during downloads.
5. Adjust Steam’s Download Rate Limit
   By default, Steam may cap download speeds to avoid network disruption.
   
   To remove or increase the limit:
   • Go to Steam > Settings > Downloads
   • Uncheck “Limit bandwidth to” or set it to a higher value (e.g., 100 MB/s)
   • Ensure “Allow downloads during gameplay” is enabled if you play while updating
6. Enable HTTP/HTTPS Port Optimization
   Some networks block or throttle non-standard ports. Steam uses various ports for peer-to-peer sharing and CDN access.
   
   Ensure these ports are open:
   • TCP: 80, 443, 27015–27030
   • UDP: 27000–27031, 27036
   Configure port forwarding in your router settings if needed, especially if using a wired connection.

Optimizing Network and Hardware Settings

Your local network setup plays a major role in download performance. Even with a fast internet plan, internal bottlenecks can cripple throughput.

Use Ethernet Over Wi-Fi When Possible

Wired connections provide more stable latency and higher throughput than wireless. If you’re on Wi-Fi and experiencing inconsistent speeds, switch to Ethernet. This alone can double download rates in interference-prone environments.

Upgrade Router Firmware

Older routers may struggle with modern traffic loads. Check your manufacturer’s website for firmware updates. Updated firmware often improves QoS (Quality of Service), DNS handling, and connection prioritization.

Change DNS Servers

Default ISP DNS servers can be slow or unreliable. Switching to faster public DNS services reduces lookup delays and improves server resolution for Steam.

“Switching from ISP-provided DNS to Cloudflare or Google DNS reduced my Steam download initialization time by over 40%.” — Jordan Lee, Network Engineer

Recommended DNS options:

• Google DNS: 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4
• Cloudflare: 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1
• OpenDNS: 208.67.222.222 and 208.67.220.220

To change DNS on Windows:
Settings > Network & Internet > Change adapter options > Right-click your connection > Properties > IPv4 > Enter preferred DNS.

Clear Steam Download Cache

A corrupted or bloated download cache can cause stuttering updates. Clearing it forces Steam to re-establish clean connections to CDNs.

1. Exit Steam completely
2. Navigate to: C:\\Program Files (x86)\\Steam\\appcache
3. Delete all files in the appcache folder
4. Restart Steam — it will rebuild the cache automatically

Tip: Perform cache cleanup monthly if you frequently install or update large games.

Advanced Tweaks for Maximum Performance

For users comfortable with system-level changes, these advanced methods can squeeze out extra speed.

Modify Hosts File to Bypass Redirect Delays

Some ISPs intercept domain requests and redirect them inefficiently. Editing the hosts file allows you to point Steam directly to optimal CDN IPs.

Warning: Only modify the hosts file if you understand the risks. Incorrect entries can break connectivity.

1. Open Notepad as Administrator
2. Open C:\\Windows\\System32\\drivers\\etc\\hosts
3. Add lines like:

   # Steam CDN Optimization
   127.0.0.1       client-download.steampowered.com
   127.0.0.1       media.steampowered.com

4. Save and restart Steam

This method is less effective now due to HTTPS encryption, but some users report improved handshake times.

Disable Peer-to-Peer Sharing (If It Slows You Down)

Steam uses P2P to offload some downloads from central servers. While this helps distribute load, it can sometimes degrade performance on congested networks.

To disable:
Steam > Settings > Downloads > Uncheck “Allow downloads during gameplay” and “Participate in community testing.”

Use a Gaming VPN (With Caution)

Some gamers report faster Steam downloads via gaming-focused VPNs like ExitLag or WTFast. These services route traffic through optimized paths to Steam servers, reducing hops and latency.

However, most standard VPNs add overhead and slow down speeds. Only consider specialized gaming networks—and test thoroughly before committing.

Do’s and Don’ts of Steam Download Optimization

Do	Don't
Choose the nearest download region in Steam settings	Select a distant region “just to test”
Use wired Ethernet for consistent throughput	Rely on crowded 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi bands
Update router firmware regularly	Ignore firmware updates for years
Clear Steam cache monthly	Delete random Steam folders manually
Temporarily disable antivirus real-time scanning	Disable firewall or security entirely

Mini Case Study: Fixing a Persistent 2 Mbps Bottleneck

Mark, a PC gamer in Toronto, was frustrated with Steam downloads stuck at 2–3 Mbps despite having a 100 Mbps fiber connection. He ran speed tests that confirmed full speed outside Steam. After trying several fixes, he discovered his issue stemmed from two factors:

• His Steam download region was mistakenly set to Australia.
• His antivirus software was scanning every chunk of data during installation.

He changed the region to “United States – East Coast” and added Steam’s installation folder to his antivirus exclusion list. His download speed jumped to 12–15 Mbps immediately and later reached 20+ Mbps during off-peak hours. Combined with a wired Ethernet connection, he cut a 20-hour update down to under 6 hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Steam download slowly at night but faster in the morning?

Evening hours often see increased network congestion from streaming, video calls, and other online activities. Your ISP or local network may become saturated. Try downloading during off-peak hours (early morning or midday) for better speeds.

Can I prioritize Steam traffic on my router?

Yes. Many modern routers support Quality of Service (QoS) settings. You can assign higher priority to your PC’s IP address or Steam’s ports. Look for “Bandwidth Control” or “Traffic Prioritization” in your router’s admin panel.

Does restarting Steam help improve download speed?

Often, yes. Restarting Steam clears temporary glitches, resets connection states, and prompts a fresh handshake with CDNs. If speeds drop mid-download, try closing and reopening Steam before troubleshooting further.

Final Checklist: How to Speed Up Steam Downloads

1. ✅ Confirm your internet speed meets expectations
2. ✅ Set Steam download region to the nearest location
3. ✅ Connect via Ethernet instead of Wi-Fi
4. ✅ Close bandwidth-heavy apps (Discord, Chrome, cloud sync)
5. ✅ Disable bandwidth limits in Steam settings
6. ✅ Update router firmware and reboot monthly
7. ✅ Switch to faster DNS (Google or Cloudflare)
8. ✅ Clear Steam appcache folder periodically
9. ✅ Exclude Steam folders from real-time antivirus scans
10. ✅ Test during off-peak hours for best results

Conclusion

Slow Steam downloads don’t have to be a permanent annoyance. With targeted tweaks to your network, Steam settings, and system configuration, you can dramatically reduce update times and get back into your games faster. The key is systematic troubleshooting—start with the basics like region selection and connection type, then move to advanced steps if needed. Most users see improvements within minutes of adjusting their settings.

🚀 Ready to reclaim your download speed? Apply one tip today—like switching to Ethernet or changing your DNS—and watch your next Steam update fly. Share your success story in the comments!