Introduction
Slow Steam game downloads can be a real drag, and there are few things worse than getting excited for a new game or update, only to find yourself waiting hours for it to download. And while the common culprits for slow Steam downloads are often things you don’t have a lot of control over, there are a few simple things you can do to help ensure your Steam downloads are running at the top speeds. The easiest thing you can do is check to see where Steam is downloading your content from, and if it’s possible, change that to a location that’s closer to you.
Some of the images associated with the steps are included inline below. All images associated with these steps can be seen in the embedded YouTube video. Also, please note that you’re not able to leave a comment directly on this article. If you have a question or feedback, please leave it on the YouTube video.
Steps to Change Steam Download Server Location
- Launch the Steam app on your computer. You’ll land on your Steam account home screen.
- Click “Steam” in the menu at the top of the screen to open a drop-down menu, and then click “Settings.” The Steam Settings window opens.
- Click “Downloads” in the menu on the left side of the screen. Downloads options are displayed on the right side of the screen.
- Find the Download Region section at the top of this window. The city that’s currently shown in this section is where all of your Steam downloads are downloaded from.
- Click the drop-down arrow next to this city. It will expand into a list of cities you can choose your Steam downloads to come from. Find and select the city that’s the closest to you, and then click “OK.” Going forward your Steam content will be downloaded from your newly-selected location.
Reasons to Change Steam Download Server Location
1. Improving Download Speeds
Efficiency is key in the gaming world. Changing your Steam download server location can enhance your gaming experience through faster downloads. Some servers might provide quicker speeds due to their geographical closeness. A server nearby could mean less data travel and hence faster downloads. On the other hand, a server farther away might result in slower speeds. In essence, the goal is to ensure you get your games quickly and smoothly.
2. Avoiding Network Congestion
When too many users connect to the same server, it can become congested. This can slow download speeds significantly. By selecting a different server location, you can avoid this congestion. Servers that are less busy often provide more consistent download rates. This makes your game downloads more predictable and less prone to interruptions.
3. Relocating or Travelling
Physical relocation or travel can affect your download speeds. If you move to a different part of the world, adjusting your download location to match your new one is beneficial. This ensures that your connection isn’t trying to reach a server that’s now on the other side of the planet. It’s about aligning your gaming with your geographical location for optimal performance.
4. VPN Use
VPN use can necessitate a change in your Steam download server location. If your VPN routes your connection through a different country, it could slow down your downloads. By matching your server location with your VPN’s location, you can maintain better download speeds. This ensures a more seamless gaming experience. However, remember to comply with Steam’s terms of service when using a VPN.
5. Troubleshooting
If you’re facing issues with your Steam downloads, a server change might be the solution. Download failures, disconnections, or slow speeds could all be server-related issues. Trying a different server could resolve these problems. Think of it as a fresh start, allowing you to bypass whatever was causing the issue on the previous server. But always remember, each change should respect the rules of the platform.
