Ever settled in for a gaming session, only to find your Steam™ download jerking back and forth between starting and stopping? It's frustrating when all you want to do is dive into your new game, but instead, you're watching the download bar stutter. This common issue can disrupt your plans, but with a few tweaks, we can get your Steam downloads running smoothly again.
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Why did my Steam downloads start and stop?
Downloads on Steam might intermittently pause due to several factors, ranging from simple issues like network problems and software glitches to a lack of storage space or a corrupted file. The good news is that you can troubleshoot these hiccups easily.
How to troubleshoot Steam download issues
Facing a verification loop on your Steam Deck™ can be frustrating, but you can take some troubleshooting steps to resolve the issue.
Restart your computer or Steam Deck
Restarting the Steam program and your computer is a great first step in troubleshooting. This process clears various system states and caches, resets programs, and releases locks on files and resources that could be causing issues.
To restart your Steam Deck, press the Steam button > Power, then select Restart.
Check your internet connection
Whether you’re downloading on your computer or your console, a stable internet connection is important for uninterrupted downloads. Start by examining your network and restarting your router to refresh your connection and improve download consistency. Then, test your internet speed using an online speed test tool to ensure it's stable and fast enough for downloading games.
Clear Steam download cache
Over time, Steam's download cache can become cluttered, potentially causing download disruptions.
- Press Steam > Settings.
- Select Downloads > Clear Download Cache > OK.
- Restart your download.
Manage bandwidth settings
Steam allows you to control bandwidth usage during downloads, which can help if your internet connection is shared or limited.
- Press Steam > Settings.
- Select Downloads.
- Adjust the “Limit bandwidth to” option to a setting that suits your current internet speed. Setting it to “No Limit” is the best option for downloading a large amount of content quickly.
Prioritize Steam traffic on your network
Ensuring Steam has priority on your network can prevent other devices or applications from hogging all the bandwidth. This could mean accessing your router’s admin panel (refer to your router’s manual for instructions) and setting your Steam as a high-priority device. Alternatively, you can disconnect other devices connected to Wi-Fi, like your laptop, phone, or tablet, while your content downloads.
Update Steam and your games
Running the latest version of Steam and your games can prevent many issues related to bugs in older versions. Typically, Steam will automatically download updates for your games based on the download settings in the Steam Client on your computer.
- Press Steam > Settings.
- Under the System tab, select Check for Updates. If there are any pending updates, select Apply. Then Restart the console after the update has been installed.
- After the console powers back on, right-click on any game in your library and select Properties > Updates to ensure that all games are up to date.
Temporarily disable your firewall or antivirus
Sometimes, security software can mistakenly block or restrict the program’s ability to download content. If you added security software, temporarily disable your antivirus or firewall and try to download again. If the download proceeds smoothly, consider adding an exception for Steam in your firewall or antivirus settings.
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FAQs
The failed downloads can be a result of bandwidth settings. This can be easily rectified by clicking on Steam then Settings. Select 'Downloads' then 'Limit Bandwidth'. This will allow you to adjust your bandwidth settings depending on your internet connection speeds then click OK.
Why does my Steam say stopping downloading? ›
The failed downloads can be a result of bandwidth settings. This can be easily rectified by clicking on Steam then Settings. Select 'Downloads' then 'Limit Bandwidth'. This will allow you to adjust your bandwidth settings depending on your internet connection speeds then click OK.
Why is my Steam download stuck? ›
Sometimes, servers in a specific region may be slow, overloaded or have a hardware failure causing download issues. It is advisable to temporarily switch to a different download region to use another set of content servers. Steam -> Settings -> Downloads -> Download Region.
Why does my Steam download keep dropping? ›
So, why does Steam download drop to 0? This issue may derive from an unstable network connection, corrupted download cache data, misconfigured Steam settings, and more. Next, let's have a look at the solutions to fix this annoying issue so that you can download and enjoy your favorite games on Steam once more.
Why does my download keep stopping? ›
One of the most common culprits behind interrupted downloads is an unstable or fluctuating internet connection. Download speeds are heavily dependent on your internet bandwidth and connectivity strength.
How to clear Steam download cache? ›
Click on the “Steam” menu in the top left corner. In the drop-down menu, select the “Settings” option if you're using a Windows PC or “Preferences…” if you're using a Mac. Select “Downloads” from the left sidebar. In the “Clear download cache” section, find the “Clear cache” button and click on it.
How do I force Steam to download faster? ›
How to Speed Up Steam Downloads
- 1 Close out of other programs.
- 2 Use an ethernet cable instead of WiFi.
- 3 Allocate more bandwidth to Steam.
- 4 Remove Steam's own bandwidth limit.
- 5 Clear Steam's download cache.
- 6 Select a different download server location.
- 7 Disable Windows' metered connection.
- 8 Turn off your VPN.
The Steam client is removed: You won't be able to access your library, launch games, or use Steam features. Game files remain: Your installed games remain on your computer, but you can't play them without Steam.
Does Steam limit download speed? ›
Steam offers an option that lets you throttle your download speeds when you're streaming. This option may be enabled, causing your Steam files to download at a slow speed. In this case, turn off that option, and your issue is resolved.
Why is Steam download so unstable? ›
Some third-party applications can cause Steam to use incorrect content servers. Any sort of Internet security and/or packet filtering software may have a similar affect. This can also lead to connection issues. Please see the Programs Which Interfere with Steam guide to test the issue.
This can happen due to dynamic adjustments in Steam's network usage, fluctuations in internet connectivity, or ISP throttling. To troubleshoot, restart your modem/router, try downloading at a different time of day, or change your Steam download region to see if a more consistent download speed can be achieved.
Why does Steam install more than download? ›
Because you're downloading compressed files rather than the raw files. Once on the local machine, the client decompresses the files, so they end up using more disk space than the download.
How to fix Steam stopping downloading? ›
Top 6 Methods: How to Fix Steam Download Stopping
- Fix 1: Make Changes for Steam Download Settings.
- Fix 2: Turn Off Other Running Programs.
- Fix 3: Sync Your System Clock with A Time Server.
- Fix 4: Update Your Network Driver.
- Fix 5: Stop DiagTrack Service.
- Fix 6: Update or Reinstall Steam.
there can be a number of causes. Things like outdated hardware, distance from the router, or interference from neighbouring devices can all contribute to sluggish internet speeds. Improve your internet speed and enhance your online experience by troubleshooting these issues.
Why is Steam stuck on installing? ›
When your Steam is updating, the required update package might get corrupted, causing Steam update stuck and hanging on the “installing update” or “updating Steam” window. You can make your Steam download update properly again by deleting the package folder.
Why does Steam stop downloading when I play? ›
Why do downloads in Steam stop when I begin playing a game? Steam automatically pauses your downloads when a game is launched in order to prioritize the network activity for the game itself.
Why is my Steam not responding when downloading? ›
The download cache is used to save temporary files associated with games or programs in your Steam library. If the cache files get corrupted for odd reasons, your Steam might stop responding. To fix the problem in this case, you can try clearing your Steam download cache.
Why does my download keep stopping in Chrome? ›
Cached data might interfere with download behavior. Go to "Settings > Privacy and security > Clear browsing data" and select "Cookies and other site data" and "Cached images and files." Click "Clear data." Conflicting extensions might cause download issues.
