• Why Is Steam Download So Slow 2018
• Why Is Steam Download So Slow
• Why Is Steam Download Rate So Slow
• Steam Games Download Slow

Change Download Region The Steam content system is divided into geographical regions. The Steam client automatically detects its current region and uses content servers located in that region for best performance. Sometimes, servers in a specific region may be slow, overloaded or have a hardware failure causing download issues. How to Fix Slow Download/Upload Speed on Windows 10: I have mentioned the usual culprits behind the Internet slowdown. Perform these steps until your problem gets resolved. Also run a Speedtest each time you perform a step. [box type=”info” ]The Internet Guru once said, “Restarting the WiFi Router fixes 99% of your Internet issues.

Your ISP advertises a 40 megabit per second connection, but that doesn’t look anything like the download speed you see when you’re grabbing a big file. What’s the deal? Are you not getting all the bandwidth you’re paying for?

Dear How-To Geek,

The package deal I have through my local ISP is for a 40Mb connection (that’s the wording they use). When I download files I get around 4.5-5 (and definitely not 40!) Now… this doesn’t seem to be a big deal, because I can download everything I want pretty quickly, YouTube doesn’t stutter or anything, I never have to wait to load my email or web page, etc. But if I’m paying for a 40Mb connection why am I not getting a 40Mb connection?

Sincerely,

Bandwidth Confused

This is a fun question because it allows us to discuss and clear up a common misconception, and learn a little bit about computer history along the way.

Let’s start by delving back into the history of computer networks. Data transfer over networks has always been measured in bits. A bit is the smallest and most basic unit of measurement in computing and digital communications. Bits are most commonly represented in the binary system, via 0 and 1. Bit, in fact, is a contraction of the the longer phrase “Binary Digit”.

RELATED:How to Find the Fastest ISP in Your Area

The speed of a network is denoted using a bit-per-second notation. Originally, networks were so slow that their speed was measured in just bits, but as network speeds increased, we started measuring internet speed in kilobits per second (remember 56k modems? That meant 56 kilobits per second), and now, megabits per second.

Now, here’s where things get confusing for the average non-geeky-Joe. Computer storage is not measured in bits, it’s measured in bytes. A bit, as we’ve established, is the tiniest unit of measurement in the digital kingdom, that primordial 1 or 0. A byte, however, is a unit of digital information that (in many operating systems, including Windows) is eight bits long. Another term, used by computer scientists to avoid confusion over the different size byte structures out there in the world, is octet. In other words, the byte system that your operating system uses is a bunch of bits strung together in groups of eight.

RELATED:Why You Probably Aren’t Getting the Internet Speeds You’re Paying For (and How to Tell)

This difference is where, on the surface, it all seems to fall apart. You see, you have a broadband connection that is capable of 40 megabits per second (under ideal conditions, 40,000,000 bits come down the line). But your operating system and all the apps on it (web browsers, download helpers, torrent clients, etc.) all measure data in megabytes, not megabits. So when you see that download chugging along at 5MB/s, that means megabytes per second–as opposed to your 40Mb/s, or megabits per second, internet package. (Note the MB vs Mb notation.)

If we divide the speed of your connection (measured in megabits) by 8, we arrive at something resembling the download speed you’re seeing in your speed tests: 40 megabits divided by 8 becomes 5 megabytes. So yes–if you’re seeing closer to 5 megabytes per second on a 40 megabit plan, you are indeed getting what you pay for (and can even pat yourself on the back because you’re getting downloads speeds consistently at the edge of what your internet package supports).

Keep in mind that not all downloads will max out your connection. Some may be much slower, not because your internet is slow, but because the server you’re downloading the file from is busy or slow.

You can back this up by heading to a site like speedtest.net, which measures your internet speed in megabits, just like your internet provider does. If Speedtest’s results match up with the internet package on your bill, you’re golden. If not, it’s probably time to contact your internet provider and see why you aren’t getting the speeds you pay for.

Have a pressing tech question? Shoot us an email at ask@howtogeek.com and we’ll do our best to answer it.

Every now and then Steam releases games for peanuts, like during their annual summer sales. A Steam purchase, however, is only half the battle. You’ll have to download these games too, which can be a herculean task after a buying binge. Moreover, if you have a poor internet connection you can find yourself downloading for days on end.

That is, until now. There are ways to speed up Steam downloads.

Declutter Your Connection

Seriously, close your browser. As much as internet speeds are something of a mysterious force, there are a few obvious ways to cut down on your extraneous data use. The easiest method is hiding in plain sight: your Taskbar. Right-click on your Taskbar and select the Task Manager.

Next, click on the Network category. If you see any pesky programs hogging up your network connection, particularly currently running games, right-click on the program and select End task.

Optimize Steam’s Software

Another little trick to optimize Steam’s download speeds also lies within your Task Manager. First, open Steam and locate the software in your Task Manager. Right-click on Steam Client entry and select Go to details.

Next, from your Detail panel, right-click on SteamService.exe and select Set priority, then High.

While this won’t radically alter download speeds, it will inform your PC that Steam deserves a higher priority than the rest of your programs, background or otherwise.

Optimize Your Data Connection

While Steam does do its best to provide users with the most optimal speeds available — thanks, GabeWho Is Gabe Newell And Why Do Gamers Care?Who Is Gabe Newell And Why Do Gamers Care?In every area of technology, we have figureheads. For the desktop, laptop, and now even smartphones, Bill Gates and Steve Jobs should both be names that ring bells. For our internet and social networking, someone...Read More! — Steam’s download speeds will largely depend on the speed of your own internet connectionStart Testing Your Internet Speed Right From the DesktopStart Testing Your Internet Speed Right From the DesktopWe all know about Speedtest's online interface, but now you can test your internet even more conveniently.Read More. Though it’s understandable that not everyone has access to a powerhouse internet connection, there are a few things you can immediately do to better your overall online connection.

My topmost recommendation would be to download games using a physical Ethernet connectionNetworking 101: Ethernet, LANs, and How They WorkNetworking 101: Ethernet, LANs, and How They WorkEven for modern users, the language surrounding home networking can be a little confusing. What's a LAN? Why do I need an Ethernet cable? Isn't it all the same?Read More. This also means tracking down your LAN drivers and installing the latest ones. To do so, you’ll have to locate your motherboard’s make and model.

Click on your Start Menu, type cmd, and click on the Command Prompt option. Enter the following into your prompt and hit Enter on your keyboard.

Google your motherboard’s make and model to locate its Support page. From this page, you’ll be able to locate and download the latest LAN drivers. Finally, connect your modem to your PC via an Ethernet cable. That’s it!

Why Is Steam Download So Slow 2018

Server Proximity

Steam downloads are regional5 Secrets Of The Steam Client That You Should Be Using5 Secrets Of The Steam Client That You Should Be UsingAre you sure that you're getting the most out of your Steam client? If you aren't careful, there are some really useful features and tools that you could be looking over.Read More, rather than centered in one global location. At times, Steam will incorrectly read your location. This means you could be located in Los Angeles, while your downloads are centered in Philadelphia, which could dramatically affect download speeds.

To change your download region, open Steam and head to Steam, and then Settings in the upper left-hand corner.

From the Settings window, click on the Downloads category. Next, click on the drop-down menu below Download Region.

Set this option to the closest server available in your area. For added measure, set the Limit bandwidth to option in this window to No limit.

Server Relocation

While choosing your closest server is typically your best bet, it isn’t always. For example, I live in an area with high download rates and high levels of trafficCheck Website Traffic With These 7 Top ToolsCheck Website Traffic With These 7 Top ToolsChecking your website's traffic isn't hard with the right tools. This article summarizes seven of the best traffic analysis sites.Read More.

This affects the overall speed of your download: the higher the traffic, the more clogged your connection. You can, however, relocate the server in order to find the right balance of traffic and download rates.

First, head to Steam’s Download Stats. From this interactive map, you will be able to check the average download rate and percentage of global traffic.

Click on a country to see the download rates and traffic. To provide an example, let’s take the United States and China.

Although the U.S. has a slightly larger average download rate, it also has almost twice the global Steam traffic. While your download rate results may not radically change (as proximity is also a factor in download speeds) changing your current server to one with a greater download rate or less traffic will certainly help download speeds.

Don’t Be Down About Downloading

Why Is Steam Download So Slow

There’s nothing sadder than slow download speeds. That’s why we’re here to help. If you’re experiencing slow download speeds on Steam, take a few minutes to enact these tips. After all, those MBs add up!

And if you’re wondering how Steam account security worksThe Steam Account Security Guide for NewbiesThe Steam Account Security Guide for NewbiesWhether you're new to Steam or a veteran, it's easy to protect your games and other data using Steam Guard. Here's how to do it.Read More or how to stream your games to TV from PC5 Ways to Stream Video Games From PC to TV5 Ways to Stream Video Games From PC to TVThere are a handful of ways to stream video games from your PC to your TV. In this article, we take a quick look at them all.Read More, check out our helpful guides.

Why Is Steam Download Rate So Slow

Explore more about: Computer Maintenance, Download Management, Steam, Windows 10.

Steam Games Download Slow

1. Mr Bonilla, thank you for your advice, but your article does not live up to its premise.

   If I go to the Windows 'Task Manager' and change the Priority of 'SteamService.exe,' does that 'Optimize Steam's Software?' It is neither changing any Steam software setting (it is changing a Windows setting), nor optimizing anything at all.

   Does the process of updating my network adapter's drivers (a process you call 'updating LAN drivers') qualify as 'Optimizing My Data Connection?' Updating drivers can perhaps contribute, in a minor way, to the optimization of a data connection. But the two things are not synonymous (in Windows, if any of a network adapter's Advanced Properties have been adjusted, updating the driver will return them to their default settings, so any performance gains which had resulted from those adjustments will be lost, therefore resulting in a relative decrease in performance; your article should have at least pointed out that such adjustments would have to be remade, after the completion of your recommended driver update).

   Your intentions are good, in that you are ostensibly trying to share tips on how to optimize Steam's performance. Yet you misrepresent your advice, because you label it as something it isn't, and you even offer a tip which could easily lead to worse performance, if precautions aren't taken.

   Please revise your headlines, headings, and information, so that your work no longer resembles the mass of bad-faith deceptive clickbait garbage that chokes the world wide web today.

   Thank you.