Insanely Slow Download Speeds

[Quiggie]

Hi, so my internet is usually decently fast, and I have seen it download at a solid 20 MB/s. However, it never actually works correctly when downloading things, including on steam. When I do manage to download at my maximum speed, it often shuts off my internet and takes minutes to reconnect. After I tried many of the methods to stop this, I finally fixed the issue, only to be met with a terrible download pace of around a steady 700 KB/s. I recently got a new computer so the issue shouldn't be around my laptop, and my internet is capable of high speeds, yet I still have these super annoying problems. Does anybody know a solution?

[The Giving One]

Originally posted by Quaggers:

I recently got a new computer so the issue shouldn't be around my laptop, and my internet is capable of high speeds, yet I still have these super annoying problems. Does anybody know a solution?

That is actually quite the opposite, as the new computer could need much updating, or problematic software disabled or uninstalled, for example only.

https://support.steampowered.com/kb_article.php?ref=9828-SFLZ-9289

How many different download regions have you tried and have you tried some very, very far away from you ? Lots of people are home playing games probably, due to the global crisis now, so consider that also.

Change to more regions and keep trying that, too.

Slow Downloads and Connection to Content Servers

https://support.steampowered.com/kb_article.php?ref=9498-WPDF-3220

[Quiggie]

I've tried a couple regions including multiple others in my country (United States) as well as a few in most likely less jammed servers like West Africa, nothing seems to work. As for the software listed on the link, I've tried messing with and disabling my firewall and things like that. Not much change from there either.

[The Giving One]

Boot the PC into safe mode with networking, and log into your Steam account. Do nothing but use Steam in this boot.

Try changing download regions over and over again, while in safe mode with networking. Try them all if you have to.

I have seen cases, and have proof, where all of them needed to be tried until finally, the user got a stable and speedy download.

Also, what exactly are you trying to download ? Games like ARK and Payday 2 are notorious for this problem, and in those cases, it is apparently not the download itself, but the way the files are unpacked and written to the drive.

[Quiggie]

Ah. I'm trying to download Assassin's Creed Odyssey right now, I'm about halfway through. Also I don't know very much at all about computers; what exactly do you mean by booting into safe mode with networking?

[The Giving One]

What is your operating system ?

You can read up on safe mode with networking more easily than I can explain it, but basically, you put your computer into a state where any antivirus or other software that might be an issue, can't be an issue.

The "with networking" part just allows your computer to load the drivers needed for network connection to take place. Just basic Windows drivers and network drivers are used, so it's a much more limited state to place your computer in for the purpose of troubleshooting problems.

The idea is, if you see much improvement in safe mode with networking, then there surely must be something in a normal boot of Windows that is causing the issue.

Antivirus, CCleaner, other security programs...etc., etc. That list that I linked is not all inclusive, as there are some that can cause issues not mentioned there.

But new computers can often come with these types of programs already installed. McAfee is one example, as it come on a trial basis on new computers often, and it is a very bad antivirus to use with Steam.

And it will be ignored in safe mode with networking, if you have it. Just as an example.

[Quiggie]

Ah okay. I have a Windows 10, I'm looking up the way to get safe mode right now.

[The Giving One]

Originally posted by Quaggers:

Ah okay. I have a Windows 10, I'm looking up the way to get safe mode right now.

Make sure you also enable "with networking" in the boot options. Safe mode and safe mode with networking are actually two very different states to boot into.

Without networking, you won't be able to even use the internet at all while in that boot.

This is just a test method that I usually suggest users try, when they have new computers and slow downloads, among other instances. It can just help find the issue. It's not a permanent solution if it works. Just so you understand.

Feel free to post if you need further help on this.

[Quiggie]

I think I just did everything right to get into safe mode with networking, but I still couldn't connect to wifi while there. I'll try again to make sure I wasn't in normal safe mode, but I'm pretty certain I was.

[Quiggie]

Yeah... Tried it again, made sure to pick Safe Mode With Networking. No opportunity to connect to Wifi. Not sure what's wrong.

[The Giving One]

Don't use wifi while troubleshooting connection issues on Steam. Use ethernet only.

https://support.steampowered.com/kb_article.php?ref=1456-EUDN-2493

It does not matter if you can use the internet fine while on wifi, if so. This is process of elimination.

Also, your reply does not state how many different download regions you also tried in safe mode with networking. Considering the quick reply, I have to guess that was not many, if any at all.

And if you cannot connect at all while in safe mode with networking, then as I said before about updating, that suggests that your computer has an issue with the wireless network controller.

Make sure Windows and all device drivers are fully up to date.

[Quiggie]

Yeah sorry about that, the reason I didn't try any regions was because I couldn't open steam because I had no internet.

[The Giving One]

Originally posted by Quaggers:

Yeah sorry about that, the reason I didn't try any regions was because I couldn't open steam because I had no internet.

Sorry, of course you are right. I missed that point due to two posts at once, but it's my fault.

If there is an issue in safe mode with networking with any connection at all, then you have to consider at that point the other hardware and drivers as relevant.

Router, modem, network drivers, etc. There should be no issue using safe mode with networking, as long as all drivers are installed and up to date, unless it is the router or modem, or other hardware maybe.

EDIT..........

Far as I know, you have to run Windows Update for Windows 10 to update your drivers, which I personally dislike. I don't have Windows 10.

What I prefer to do is go to the manufacturer's website for the computer and search there for the drivers, and download and install them.

Since you said you might not know much about computers, these sites have tools that you can run that will automatically check them as installed and up to date for you.

EDIT.. previous comment deleted. Merging this post with my last.

[Quiggie]

Originally posted by The Giving One:

Router, modem, network drivers, etc. There should be no issue using safe mode with networking, as long as all drivers are installed and up to date, unless it is the router or modem, or other hardware maybe.

Are the hardware and drivers you mentioned to be updated through my computer? If so, how would I go about updating them?

[Quiggie]

Originally posted by The Giving One:

Far as I know, you have to run Windows Update for Windows 10 to update your drivers, which I personally dislike. I don't have Windows 10.

What I prefer to do is go to the manufacturer's website for the computer and search there for the drivers, and download and install them.

Since you said you might not know much about computers, these sites have tools that you can run that will automatically check them as installed and up to date for you.

Oh alright. I'll try and figure these methods out to get my drivers updated.

[The Giving One]

It's a new computer, so I have to include the possibility that drivers not being up to date is the problem. When you get a computer, even though it is brand new, there is no telling how many new driver updates might have been released before you got it. It could have sat in the store for months, and new drivers were released while so, before you buy it.

Just as an example. Drivers is what I would do first, from what we have just now discussed. Then, you can go back to the safe boot option if you wish.