Troubleshooting Steam Downloads

This guide was created to outline common issues which may arise when downloading a game on Steam.

Checking Internet Speed

Steam Download Speed vs Internet Speed

Sometimes, your internet speed may seem normal while the Steam download speed is less. Internet speed is measured in Megabits per second (Mbps), while Steam downloads are measured in Megabytes per second (MBps). 1 Megabyte (MB) is equal to 8 Megabits (Mb).

Tip: You can set Steam to display downloads in Megabits rather than Megabytes if you wish.
Steam (located in top left corner) > Settings > Downloads > check the box next to Display download rates in bits per second.

Here is a conversion table from a support page regrading the topic.

Connection Speed	Est. Max Steam Download Speed
3 Mb/s	384 KB/s
5 Mb/s	640 KB/s
15 Mb/s	1.9 MB/s
20 Mb/s	2.5 MB/s

Notice how the Steam download speed is is multiplied by eight compared to the connection speed, as there are eight megabits in one megabyte. However these numbers are not strict rules,
as a number of other factors will influence your internet speed.

Stop Programs Or Other Devices From Taking Up Bandwidth

In order to isolate the problem, begin by making sure other devices or programs are not taking up the bandwidth. When downloading, be sure to close other programs that are working in background, such as internet browsers or other programs that are updating. It can be useful to scan your computer for malware and viruses, as these can run in the background and slow down various processes. Check that other devices (computers, phones, consoles) are not using the internet.

Broadband Speed Test

To check your internet speed use a site such as SpeedTest, and if your internet speed is slow contact your service provider. To ensure the accuracy of the test:

• Restart both your computer and modem/router prior to testing
  
• Clear the internet browser cache
  
• Make sure other devices are not taking up bandwidth (see above)

Basic Troubleshooting

• Connect Using Ethernet
  If you are currently using a wireless connection, connect you computer to the router via an Ethernet cable for a more stable connection.
  
  
• Restart Hardware
  One of the first steps should be restarting your router/modem and computer. This can fix problems with software and slow connection speeds.
  
  
• Check for Updates
  Check you computer for any updates for the operating system or drivers and make sure everything is up to date. Windows 10 often checks and automatically installs updates, however it is best to double check for any updates. Go to:
  

  Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update, click Check for updates

  Tip: To make sure you have the latest drivers, download then directly from the official manufacturers website. Also remember that any drivers on CD's that came in the box with a computer or part are mostly likely outdated. Lastly, Windows 10 checks for drivers automatically, but it is best to download them manually.

  
  
• Programs or Software That Could Interfere With Steam
  In particular be sure to check firewalls, anti-virus and VPN software. These programs may prevent Steam from functioning properly and communicating with the servers. You should review the settings in these programs and if possible make exceptions for Steam, disable these programs or boot Windows into safe mode with networking (see below) in order to help determine the issue.
  For a list of potential programs please refer to this support article.
  
  

Safe Mode With Networking

In order to test for any interfering programs you can boot your computer into safe mode with networking. Safe mode with networking is a boot used to diagnose issues, and will only load up necessary processes and services (including networking support), and hence is why it is used to diagnose for issues with other programs. In this boot, third party programs and processes are not loaded. If the problem disappears in safe mode with networking, then there is a software conflict in a normal boot of Windows. The next step would be using process of elimination to find out what is the of cause the issue.
Usually users think that just because they have not installed anything new or made any changes on their own, it cannot be an issue, however it is best to check.

How to boot into Safe Mode With Networking, Windows 10:

1. Navigate to:

Settings > Update & security > Recovery >Advanced startup > select Restart now

2. Select: Troubleshoot > Advanced options

3. Select: Startup Settings > Restart

4. Press: 5

Tip: Most of the time, restarting will exit safe mode.

Steam Settings

• Changing Download Speed
  The amount of bandwidth Steam can use is able to be adjusted, and can slow down the speed of a download. Make sure the speed is not limited. To check and adjust this:
  

  Steam (located in top left corner) > Settings > Downloads > Limit bandwidth to > No limit

  
  
• Changing Download Region
  Steam has data servers across the world, and when downloading, it will select the nearest one to provide the best connection. However sometimes, a download may be slow or not even start, and changing the download region may prove to be a solution.
  This can be due to servers being busy at the current time being or are unavailable.
  To change a download region:
  

  Steam (located in top left corner) > Settings > Downloads > Download Region

  Tip: Try as many as download regions as possible. Begin by changing to other regions near your location. Sometimes, you may have to change to ones that are a considerable distance away from you.

  
  
• Clearing Download Cache
  Clearing the download cache may solve problems related to downloads. To clear the cache:
  

  Steam (located in top left corner) > Settings > Downloads > click Clear Download Cache

  
  

Final Notes

Thank you for reading this guide and hopefully it has assisted you!

This guide was created to help explain issues that surround slow downloads, and possibly solve them. In case of any questions or feedback, please post a comment below!

Useful Support Pages Related To Network/Connection Issues
Support Page Regarding Update & Installation Issues



Edit history
25 Oct 18

• Updated branding image and guide title
  
• Fixed grammatical errors

[Vova2k]

+1
Good guide, really helpful

[RoboCop]

Very helpful

[Sojournercntl]

Nice tutorial! :D +rep by a network technician ;)