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Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Steam’s download limits, update scheduling, download region and game storage locations are managed in the client. Open Steam > Settings > Downloads to control download behavior, and Settings > Storage to add a library or move installed games.
How to manage Steam download speed and updates
Open Steam > Settings > Downloads. From here you can limit bandwidth, control when automatic updates run and choose whether downloads may continue while you play. To see queued downloads and updates, open the Download Manager from the bottom of the Steam client, or from the View or Library menus.
Set a bandwidth limit
In Downloads settings, choose a bandwidth limit appropriate for your connection and for other people or activities sharing it. Compare the Steam rate with your internet plan carefully: Steam may show download rates in kilobytes or megabytes per second, while internet plans are commonly advertised in bits per second. A byte is eight bits, so a rate expressed in bytes per second is not directly comparable to the same-looking number in bits per second. Check the client’s download display setting and convert the units before deciding that the limit is too low. Steam Support’s client-rate guidance explains the rate display.
Choose how and when games update
Steam lets you constrain automatic game updates to a daily time window in Downloads settings. This controls when automatic updates download; it does not prevent you from starting one sooner. Use the Download Manager to manually start or reorder queued updates. Launching a game that needs an update also prompts an immediate update.
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For a per-game policy, open the game’s Library page and select Manage > Properties > Updates. Available choices include always keeping the game updated, updating only when you launch it, or giving that game high priority. Steam also has a Downloads setting for whether other updates may download while you are playing.
Allow or pause downloads during gameplay
Downloads pause automatically when a game launches by default. To let downloads continue, enable Allow Downloads During Gameplay under Steam > Settings > Downloads. If downloads affect your online gameplay, set a bandwidth limit instead of allowing them to use the connection without restriction. Steam Support’s download and gameplay guidance describes this control.
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How to add a Steam library location
To install a new game on another drive, first add a Steam library there. Go to Steam > Settings > Storage, review the default installation drive, and use the add-location control to create a library path on the intended drive. When installing a game, select that library as its destination.
On Windows, Steam gives C:Program Files (x86)Steamsteamappscommon as an example of the default game folder. The path is specific to that platform and may not match a customized installation. For current steps, see Steam Support’s installation-location instructions.
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How to move an installed Steam game
Create the destination library before moving a game. Steam’s built-in move tool transfers the selected game files rather than requiring you to uninstall and download the entire game again.
- Open Steam > Settings > Storage and add a library on the destination drive if one does not already exist.
- Select the drive containing the game, choose the game or games to move, and select Move.
You can also move one game from its Library page: open Manage > Properties > Installed Files > Move Install Folder… Steam documents this option in its installation-location instructions and download-management guidance.
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Consider the drive and what you are moving
Adding a library on another drive is different from moving the Steam client itself. Steam Support does not recommend installing the client on an external hard drive because of possible performance issues; external drives can also disconnect or cause games to perform poorly or go unrecognized. An internal drive is one possible choice if you need more space, but buying one is not required. Check your computer’s compatibility and available capacity before choosing any new drive.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What to check when Steam downloads are slow
A low-looking rate does not necessarily mean Steam’s bandwidth limit is restricting the download. First confirm whether the displayed rate is in bytes or bits per second, then check the selected content-server region under Steam > Settings > Downloads > Download Region. Steam automatically selects a region based on your location, but a local server can be slow or overloaded. Steam recommends testing your local region or nearby alternatives; changing to a distant region is not guaranteed to help. See Steam’s rate guidance and download troubleshooting steps.
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Escalate only if the relevant setting does not fix it
If a download or installation still fails, begin with the remedy that fits the problem. Steam’s troubleshooting guidance includes restarting Steam or the computer, clearing the download cache, repairing the library folder from Storage, verifying local game files, and trying another download region when appropriate. These are separate options, not steps every user needs to perform in sequence.
Save repeat downloads with local network transfers
If another PC or Steam Deck on your home network already has the game, Steam may be able to copy its existing installation or update files locally instead of downloading them again from the internet. Steam Support describes the feature this way: “Local network game transfers allow for Steam users to copy existing Steam game installation and update files from one PC to another over a local area network, without having to download and install from a Steam content server on the internet.”
Steam checks for eligible files on other clients on the local network, transfers available content and downloads missing content from public servers. This can reduce repeated internet downloads—for example, where an internet transfer cap matters—but requires another suitable device on the same network. See Steam Local Network Game Transfers.
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