Opening Steam’s settings and adjusting the “Download Restrictions” slider lets you cap bandwidth usage during active downloads. If you have ever wondered how to throttle the download speed in steam, the process is simpler than you might think. This guide will walk you through every step, from basic settings to advanced tweaks, so you can keep your games updating without choking your entire network.
Steam downloads can eat up your internet connection. When you are trying to work, stream video, or play online games, a massive download can slow everything to a crawl. Throttling your download speed gives you control over how much bandwidth Steam uses. This way, you can keep downloads running in the background without ruining your online experience.
Many people think you need third-party software to limit download speeds. That is not true. Steam has built-in tools that let you set a speed cap. You can also use Windows settings or your router to enforce limits. This article covers all these methods, with step-by-step instructions for each.
Why Throttle Steam Downloads
Throttling your download speed is not about slowing things down for no reason. It is about managing your network resources. When Steam downloads at full speed, it can saturate your connection. This causes lag in online games, buffering in video streams, and slow loading for web pages.
Here are the main reasons to throttle:
- Keep online games playable while updates download
- Allow other people in your house to use the internet
- Prevent your connection from timing out on large downloads
- Reduce wear on your hard drive from constant high-speed writes
- Save bandwidth if you have a data cap
Throttling also helps if you have a slow connection. If your internet speed is below 10 Mbps, a full-speed Steam download can make your connection unusable. Setting a cap at 50% or 75% of your total bandwidth keeps things balanced.
How To Throttle The Download Speed In Steam
This is the core method. Steam’s built-in bandwidth limiter is easy to find and use. Follow these steps exactly to set a download speed cap.
Step 1: Open Steam Settings
- Launch the Steam client on your computer
- Click on “Steam” in the top-left corner of the window
- Select “Settings” from the dropdown menu
On a Mac, the process is the same. Click “Steam” in the menu bar, then choose “Preferences.” The layout is identical to the Windows version.
Step 2: Navigate To Downloads Section
- In the Settings window, look for the “Downloads” tab on the left side
- Click on it to open the download settings panel
You will see several options here. The most important one is the “Download Restrictions” area near the bottom.
Step 3: Adjust The Bandwidth Limiter
- Find the dropdown menu labeled “Limit bandwidth to”
- Click the dropdown to see a list of speed options
- Select a speed cap that fits your needs
The options range from “No limit” (default) down to 16 KB/s. Common choices are 1 MB/s, 2 MB/s, or 5 MB/s. If you are unsure, start with 5 MB/s. This is slow enough to leave room for other activities but fast enough to finish downloads in reasonable time.
Once you select a limit, Steam will enforce it immediately. You do not need to restart the client or your computer. The change takes effect on the next download you start.
Step 4: Confirm The Setting
- Click “OK” at the bottom of the Settings window
- Start a download to test the new limit
- Check the download speed in the Steam download manager
You should see the speed hover around your chosen cap. It might spike slightly above at the start, but it will settle down quickly. If you want to change the limit later, just repeat these steps.
Advanced Throttling Methods
Steam’s built-in limiter works well, but it has limits. You can only choose from preset speeds. If you want a custom value, you need other methods. These advanced techniques give you finer control over bandwidth usage.
Using Windows Network Settings
Windows has a built-in tool called “Data Usage” that can limit bandwidth for specific apps. This method works for Steam and any other program.
- Press Windows Key + I to open Settings
- Go to “Network & internet” then “Data usage”
- Click “Enter limit” under “Data limit”
- Set a limit for background data
This method is not perfect. It limits total data usage over time, not instant speed. For real-time throttling, you need a more direct approach.
Third-Party Bandwidth Limiters
Programs like NetLimiter or GlassWire let you set exact speed caps for any application. They are more powerful than Steam’s built-in tool.
- NetLimiter: Allows per-app speed limits and traffic shaping
- GlassWire: Monitors bandwidth and can block apps from using data
- cFosSpeed: Optimizes traffic and sets priority for applications
These tools cost money but offer trial versions. If you frequently need to throttle Steam downloads, they are worth the investment.
Router-Based Throttling
If you want to limit Steam downloads for all devices on your network, use your router. Most modern routers have Quality of Service (QoS) settings.
- Log into your router’s admin panel (usually 192.168.1.1)
- Find the QoS or Traffic Control section
- Add Steam as a service or application
- Set a bandwidth limit for it
This method works even if you are not at your computer. It also prevents Steam from bypassing software limits. However, it requires router knowledge and may not work on older models.
When To Throttle And When Not To
Throttling is useful, but it is not always the best choice. Sometimes you want Steam to download as fast as possible. Here is when to throttle and when to let it run free.
Throttle When:
- You are playing online games
- Someone else is streaming video
- You are on a video call
- Your internet connection is slow
- You have a data cap and need to manage usage
Do Not Throttle When:
- You are away from your computer
- No one else is using the internet
- You need the download finished quickly
- You have unlimited fast internet
You can also schedule downloads. Steam lets you set download times in the settings. Go to Settings > Downloads and enable “Only auto-update games between.” This lets you download during off-peak hours when no one is using the network.
Common Throttling Mistakes
Even with the right settings, things can go wrong. Here are common mistakes people make when trying to throttle Steam downloads.
Setting The Limit Too Low
If you set the cap to 100 KB/s, a 50 GB game will take days to download. This is not practical. Choose a limit that balances speed and bandwidth usage. For most people, 2-5 MB/s is a good range.
Forgetting To Remove The Limit
After you finish your online game or video call, you might forget to remove the limit. Then Steam will download slowly for days. Set a reminder to check your settings when your needs change.
Using The Wrong Unit
Steam shows speeds in MB/s (megabytes per second). Internet plans are often advertised in Mbps (megabits per second). There are 8 bits in a byte, so 10 Mbps equals about 1.25 MB/s. Make sure you convert correctly when setting limits.
Ignoring Background Downloads
Steam might start downloads automatically for updates. If you have throttling set, these updates will also be slow. Check your download queue regularly to avoid surprises.
Testing Your Throttle Settings
After you set a throttle, test it to make sure it works. Here is a simple test method.
- Start a download in Steam
- Open your task manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc)
- Go to the Performance tab
- Watch the network usage graph
You should see the network usage stay near your set limit. If it goes above, the throttle might not be working. Check your settings again.
You can also use online speed test tools. Run a speed test while Steam is downloading. The results should show available bandwidth that matches your throttle setting.
Throttling On Different Operating Systems
Steam works on Windows, Mac, and Linux. The throttling process is similar on all platforms, but there are small differences.
Windows
Windows users have the most options. You can use Steam’s built-in limiter, Windows network settings, or third-party tools. The steps above work perfectly on Windows 10 and 11.
Mac
On Mac, Steam’s settings are identical to Windows. Go to Preferences > Downloads and set the limit. Mac does not have built-in bandwidth limiting tools, so you might need third-party apps like TripMode or Little Snitch.
Linux
Linux users can use Steam’s built-in limiter as well. For more control, use command-line tools like “tc” (traffic control) or “wondershaper.” These are advanced but give precise control over bandwidth.
Throttling For Specific Games
Sometimes you only want to throttle downloads for certain games. Steam does not support per-game throttling natively. However, you can work around this.
- Pause downloads for games you do not need right now
- Set download priority in Steam (right-click a game > Properties > Updates)
- Use third-party tools to limit Steam’s total bandwidth, then prioritize games manually
If you need to download a small update quickly while throttling a large game, pause the large game first. Download the small update at full speed, then resume the large game with throttling.
Network Management Beyond Steam
Throttling Steam is part of a larger network management strategy. Here are other tips to keep your internet running smoothly.
Prioritize Traffic With QoS
Quality of Service settings on your router let you prioritize certain types of traffic. For example, you can give online gaming or video calls higher priority than downloads. This way, Steam downloads never interfere with important activities.
Use Ethernet Instead Of Wi-Fi
Ethernet connections are more stable and faster than Wi-Fi. If you are throttling because of network congestion, switching to Ethernet can help. It also reduces latency for online games.
Schedule Large Downloads
Set Steam to download updates during off-peak hours. Most internet connections are faster late at night or early morning. Schedule your downloads for these times to avoid congestion.
Troubleshooting Throttling Issues
Sometimes throttling does not work as expected. Here are common problems and solutions.
Throttle Not Applying
If Steam ignores your limit, restart the client. Sometimes settings do not apply until you restart. Also check that you clicked “OK” and not “Cancel” in the settings window.
Speed Fluctuating Above Limit
Steam might spike above your limit at the start of a download. This is normal. If it stays above, your limit might be too high. Try a lower value.
Other Apps Still Slow
Throttling Steam only affects Steam. If other apps are slow, your internet connection might be the issue. Run a speed test to check your overall bandwidth.
Router Override
Some routers have built-in bandwidth limits that override Steam’s settings. Check your router’s QoS settings to make sure they are not interfering.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I throttle Steam downloads without opening settings?
Yes. You can use third-party tools like NetLimiter to set limits from the system tray. These tools let you change limits without opening Steam.
Does throttling affect download speed for all games?
Yes. The throttle applies to all downloads in Steam. You cannot set different limits for different games without third-party tools.
Will throttling stop Steam from updating games?
No. Throttling only slows the download speed. Games will still update, just at a slower pace.
Is there a way to throttle Steam on mobile?
Steam Link app does not support throttling. For remote downloads, use Steam’s built-in settings on your PC before starting the download.
Does throttling save data on my internet plan?
No. Throttling does not reduce the amount of data downloaded. It only slows the speed. To save data, pause downloads or set a data cap in Windows.
Final Thoughts On Throttling Steam
Throttling your Steam download speed is a simple way to manage your network. The built-in tool in Steam works for most people. If you need more control, third-party tools or router settings can help.
Remember to check your throttle settings regularly. What works for one situation might not work for another. Adjust your limits based on what you are doing online.
With these steps, you can keep your games updating without ruining your internet experience. Whether you are gaming, streaming, or working, throttling gives you the control you need.
Now you know how to throttle the download speed in steam. Go ahead and set your limit. Your network will thank you.