How To Fix Slow Download Speed on Steam (2023 Guide)
Learn How To Fix Slow Download Speed on Steam (2023 Guide).In this troubleshooting guide, you will learn how to fix slow download speeds on Steam. Follow these steps to improve your download speed:
Check your internet connection: Ensure that your internet connection is stable and running at its expected speed. You can perform a speed test using online tools to check your current download and upload speeds. If your internet connection is slower than usual, contact your internet service provider (ISP) to address any connectivity issues.
Select the appropriate download region: Steam allows you to choose a specific download region. Sometimes, certain regions may have better download speeds than others. To change your download region, open Steam and go to "Steam" in the top-left corner, then select "Settings." In the Settings window, navigate to the "Downloads" tab and click on the "Download Region" dropdown menu. Choose a different region that is geographically closer to your location or has a reputation for better download speeds.
Limit bandwidth usage: Steam allows you to limit the bandwidth used for downloads. If you have other devices or applications consuming a significant portion of your internet bandwidth, it can affect your download speed. To limit Steam's bandwidth usage, go to the Steam settings, select the "Downloads" tab, and adjust the "Limit bandwidth to" option to a lower value. This will ensure that Steam doesn't use all available bandwidth, leaving room for other activities on your network.
Clear the download cache: Sometimes, the download cache in Steam can become corrupted, leading to slower download speeds. To clear the download cache, open Steam and go to "Steam" in the top-left corner, then select "Settings." In the Settings window, navigate to the "Downloads" tab and click on the "Clear Download Cache" button. Confirm the action and restart Steam.
Disable background applications: Other applications running in the background can consume system resources and affect download speeds. Close any unnecessary applications or processes that may be using your network or system resources. This includes torrent clients, file-sharing programs, and software that performs automatic updates.
Check your antivirus/firewall settings: Antivirus or firewall software may interfere with Steam's download speed. Temporarily disable or configure your antivirus/firewall to allow Steam and its associated processes to communicate freely. Consult the documentation or support resources for your antivirus/firewall software for specific instructions.
Use a wired connection: If you are using a Wi-Fi connection, consider switching to a wired connection for faster and more stable download speeds. Ethernet connections generally offer better performance than wireless connections, especially if you are far away from your router or experiencing interference.
Change your DNS settings: Your DNS (Domain Name System) settings can impact your internet connection and download speeds. Switching to a faster and more reliable DNS server can improve your overall internet performance. You can change your DNS settings in your network adapter properties or router settings. Public DNS servers like Google DNS (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4) or Cloudflare DNS (1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1) are popular options.
By following these steps, you should be able to improve the download speed on Steam. Remember to monitor your download speeds and make adjustments as necessary to optimize your gaming experience.