How To Speed Up Steam Downloads in Windows 10

Steam is still one of the most popular gaming platforms on PC, with millions of active users. The app offers many games that can be purchased at affordable prices and played almost instantly. You just need to download your game, which can occasionally be challenging. Modern game storage requirements increase yearly because of all the graphics and customization improvements. AAA titles can take as much as 100 GB from your system, which is enormous compared to older games.

Downloads take a lot longer than they used to, primarily because of the larger file sizes. However, your download speed also plays a significant role. Other gamers would tell you to get a better connection or get off the McDonald’s Wi-Fi, but sometimes, it feels like game downloads take forever, even if you have ultrafast fiber-optic internet. This problem is not usually due to your bandwidth connection but the download servers. The problem could also be in-app issues or even your computer.

Read on to find out how to speed up your steam downloads.

Top 5 Ways to Download Steam Games Faster

Don’t lose hope if your Steam download speed remains the same after trying just one of these methods. Go through all of them, and you will surely see some degree of improvement.

Terminate Unnecessary Processes

Sometimes, too many applications and services use up computer resources. Eliminating unused processes opens up the RAM and CPU for other tasks, including downloads and any input/output processing needed to get those desired Steam Games. Here’s what to do to disable unnecessary processes in Windows 10.

1. Open up Task Manager by pressing Ctrl + Alt + Delete and selecting it or by simply pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc.
   
2. Right-click on unnecessary processes and select End Task. Be sure to close all browsers and other selective programs that can affect your download speed.
   
3. At the bottom of the Task Manager window, click on Open Resource Monitor, then select the Network tab in Resource Monitor to see if something is hogging your bandwidth.
   
4. If you find an app consuming all your bandwidth, you may want to end the task there as well. Right-click the process, then select End Process Tree. Be patient as it often takes time to remove it from the list.
   
   

Give Priority to Steam Downloads

You can also use the Task Manager to assure maximum download speed on Steam.

1. Make sure Steam is running, and then open Task Manager.
2. Find the Steam Client on the list of processes, right-click it, and click Go to details.
3. Now, in the Details window, you need to right-click the SteamService.exe process and set its priority to High. This method might not do wonders for your Steam download speed, but at least it will prioritize it over other processes.
   

Note: Windows 10 does not save the setting after shutting down. You’ll need to switch the priority level after every bootup unless you use a third-party app like Prio or Process Hacker.

Check Your Download Region and Bandwidth Limit

Did you know that Steam uses your location for downloads? Your download speed gets affected by your region, but Steam can sometimes detect the wrong area. For optimal results, you should always select your location or the one closest to you.

You can choose your region by performing the following steps:

1. Open the Steam app, then click on Steam in the top-left corner, and then select Settings.
   
2. Now, click on the Downloads section.
   
3. From here, click on the Download Region dropdown menu, where you can select the region closest to you.
   
4. Also, ensure that the Limit bandwidth to box us unchecked.
   

Sometimes, the area closest to you is not the most suitable option. This scenario is due to high traffic in that region, so selecting a different location can sometimes increase your download speed, even if it is further away.

Disable Your Antivirus and Firewall

Sometimes your firewall or antivirus programs interfere with your download speeds. Try to disable each of them to see if there is any change. Check out the manual or website of your antivirus provider to see how to disable it.

1. Type firewall in the Cortana search box, then select Windows Defender Firewall.
2. Then, select Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off.”
3. Finally, you need to confirm this by checking the box for Turn off Windows Defender Firewall, then select OK.
   

Optimize Your Internet Connection

Not everyone can afford the best internet connection speeds, but at least you can optimize it to its full potential. First of all, try to use an Ethernet connection when downloading anything, including games on Steam. Wi-Fi does not always provide optimal download speeds.

Ensure your LAN drivers are up to date to reap the full benefits of this type of connection. Many programs easily update all your drivers, but most are expensive. DriverEasy comes in free and premium versions, suitable for downloading all the latest drivers.

In closing, slow internet speeds are one of the most frustrating things in modern society. Hopefully, the above suggestions (at least one, if not more) help speed up your Steam downloads, just in time for the next big Steam sale.