RaceMyNetCloudflare edge test

Performance, not guesswork

How to fix slow Steam downloads

Steam download speed can move up and down because the client alternates between receiving, unpacking and writing game data.

DownloadUploadPingJitterLoss
Download—Mbps
Upload—Mbps
Ping—ms
Jitter—ms
Packet loss—%
STEAM DOWNLOAD FIX

A fast internet line can still be limited by Steam, storage or patching.

Use RaceMyNet to confirm available bandwidth, then compare Steam's MB/s, active disk usage and selected download region.

Check the download region

Steam can use a nearby content region automatically, but another nearby region can sometimes perform better during congestion.

Remove accidental limits

Check Steam Download settings for bandwidth limits and scheduling.

Watch the disk graph

Steam often stops network transfer while unpacking or patching. High disk activity with low network usage points toward storage processing.

Clear download cache carefully

Steam includes a download-cache reset option that can help with stuck downloads, but it may sign you back in.

Compare units

Steam can display MB/s while broadband speed tests use Mbps. This difference alone can make the number look eight times smaller.

Test without a VPN

A VPN can alter the route to Steam's content network. Compare performance with it disabled.