Open Steam > Settings > Downloads, then choose the limit you want from the bandwidth-limit control. To check the selected limit, open the Download Manager: Steam displays it in the manager’s upper-right corner and in the update dialog shown when you launch a game.
Change the bandwidth limit in Steam
- Open the Steam client.
- Select Steam > Settings > Downloads.
- Find the bandwidth-limit control and select the limit you want. The setting controls how much bandwidth Steam can use for game downloads and updates, according to Steam Support’s download and update instructions.
To open the Download Manager, select Downloads at the bottom of the client, choose View > Downloads, or use the Downloads entry in the Library tab. The selected limit appears in the manager’s upper-right corner.
Check the displayed limit and understand its units
Steam’s rate display can use bytes or bits per second, depending on its display preference. Internet plans are typically advertised in bits per second, while Steam download rates are commonly shown in bytes per second. Steam Support notes that one byte equals eight bits; multiply a bytes-per-second rate by eight to compare it with a bits-per-second plan. For example, 5 MB/s is 40 Mb/s. Keep the units in view when judging whether Steam is using the available connection speed. See Steam Support’s slow-download and content-server guidance.
If Steam downloads are still slow
Try a nearby Download region
In Steam > Settings > Downloads, check the selected Download region. Steam recommends choosing your own or nearest region; if performance remains poor, try nearby regions. A content server in one region may be slow, overloaded, or experiencing a hardware failure, according to Steam Support.
#1 Best Overall
- International (UK) Version
- 7.4” diagonal, HDR OLED, 1280 x 800 x RGB, up to 90Hz Refresh rate, High performance touch, <0.1 ms Response time, 1,000 nits peak brightness (HDR), 600 nits (SDR)
- SteamOS 3.0 (Arch-based)
- 512GB NVMe SSD, 16GB LPDDR5 on-board RAM (5500 MT/s quad 32-bit channels), microSD UHS-I supports SD, SDXC and SDHC
- 6 nm AMD APU, CPU: Zen 2 4c/8t, 2.4-3.5GHz (up to 448 GFlops FP32
Distinguish a bandwidth cap from gameplay behavior
Steam pauses downloads by default when you launch a game. If you want downloads to continue during gameplay, enable the option to allow downloads during gameplay in Steam > Settings > Downloads. If downloads affect gameplay network performance, Steam suggests setting a bandwidth limit. Details are in Steam’s guidance on downloads pausing when a game launches.
Clear the download cache only when troubleshooting calls for it
Clearing Steam’s download cache is a separate troubleshooting step, not another way to change the bandwidth limit. Steam says clearing the cache refreshes locally cached configuration data and does not affect installed games. You will need to log into Steam again afterward. Follow Steam’s clear-download-cache instructions and consult its update and installation troubleshooting guidance if relevant.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Valve is entering the gaming console marketplace with the new Steam Deck, a console geared towards PC gamers. The Steam Deck can be docked to a monitor, and used as a PC, or docked to a TV.
- Players can play a huge variety of games at any time with the comfort of a console and the freedom of a PC. Not anti-glare screen.
- Like the name suggests, the Steam Deck will include upgraded 1TB storage, and will include a carrying case. A micro SD slot will also enable expanded storage.
- Valve partnered with AMD to create a specialized APU optimized for handheld gaming, and Valve says the chip will deliver performance to run AAA gaming titles.
- The Steam Deck is outfitted with a 7-inch touchscreen, and two trackpads under the control sticks that allow gamers to operate games never designed outside of mouse and keyboard capabilities.
Rank #4
- 512 GB NVMe SSD: Fast storage for quicker game load times and space for larger game libraries.
- OLED Display: 1200x800 resolution with deep contrasts and vibrant colors for a captivating visual experience.
- Custom AMD APU: Power-efficient Zen 2 CPU and RDNA 2 GPU for desktop-level gaming performance.
- Expandable Storage: Add more space with a microSD card slot, ensuring you can bring even more games with you.
- Versatile Controls: With built-in thumbsticks, trackpads, and touchscreen controls, you have full control over your gaming experience.
Rank #3
- 【Upgraded】We sells product with professionally upgraded to 2TB SSD. Original Seal is opened for upgrade ONLY.
- 【Stunning 7.4" HDR OLED & 90Hz Motion】 Experience striking contrast and brilliant clarity with the all-new 7.4-inch HDR OLED display. Designed from the ground up for gaming, it features a 90Hz refresh rate for smooth motion and pure blacks. This handheld is capable of delivering an immersive visual experience, ensuring your Steam library looks better than ever with vibrant colors and amazing motion rendition.
- 【30-50% More Battery & Efficient Performance】 Play your favorites longer with up to 50% more battery life. By fitting a larger battery and a power-efficient OLED panel, this device provides extended gameplay sessions. It’s the perfect travel companion for long flights or commutes. The updated AMD APU ensures high-speed performance for AAA titles while maintaining incredible energy efficiency.
- 【3X Faster Downloads with Wi-Fi 6E】 Never wait for a game again. Equipped with Wi-Fi 6E, this Steam Deck OLED offers increased bandwidth and lower latency, delivering downloads up to 3 times faster than previous models. This ensures stable online play and rapid updates, making it the most reliable wireless gaming handheld for modern high-speed home networks.
- 【Responsive Touch & Enhanced Connectivity】 Enjoy a vastly improved touchscreen with higher fidelity and faster haptics. We’ve added a dedicated Bluetooth antenna to improve connections for multiple controllers. Whether using the built-in trackpads or the included external controller, this allows for precision play in everything from FPS to complex strategy games.
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