Before you start
- Steam on Windows, Mac, Linux or Steam Deck
Method 1 Fix Steam settings
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Step 1: Clear download cache
In Steam, open Steam > Settings > Downloads and click Clear Download Cache. You’ll need to log in again.
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Step 2: Change download region
In the same menu, try a different Download Region near you; the default server may be busy.
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Step 3: Remove limits
Untick Limit download speed, and turn off Throttle downloads while streaming. Allow downloads during gameplay if you want them to continue.
Method 2 Check your PC
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Step 1: Disk usage
Open Task Manager. If Disk is at 100% while Steam downloads, your drive can’t keep up with unpacking (common with hard disks). Install games to an SSD.
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Step 2: Antivirus
Real-time scanning of Steam’s folder can slow downloads. Add the Steam library folder as an exclusion if you trust it.
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Step 3: Other downloads
Pause other downloads, cloud backups and streaming in the house.
Method 3 Check your network
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Step 1: Use Ethernet
Wi-Fi often limits Steam speeds. Plug in if you can.
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Step 2: Compare with a speed test
Steam shows speed in MB/s (bytes): multiply by 8 to compare with Mbps. 12.5 MB/s = 100 Mbps.
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Step 3: Flush DNS
Run ipconfig /flushdns and try a public DNS server.
Troubleshooting
Downloads stuck at 0 bytes
Restart Steam, clear the download cache, change region, and check the drive has enough free space.
Only Steam is slow
Your provider’s route to Steam servers may be congested. Try another region or test later.
Frequently asked questions
Does a VPN speed up Steam?
Rarely. It may help only if your provider throttles or routes Steam traffic badly.
Why does Steam show MB/s?
It shows megabytes per second; internet plans use megabits per second.
Summary
Clear Steam’s download cache, change the download region, remove bandwidth limits, and check disk usage. Use Ethernet and pause other downloads for the best speed.
