If you’re an avid PC gamer who enjoys new online game releases, be they single-player or multiplayer, you’ve likely already encountered Steam. As one of the most popular and well-regarded PC gaming platforms, Steam offers an ideal place to purchase and play games through its client. However, like any other software, the platform and its client can experience errors or bugs that may hinder your gaming experience. Some users have reported issues with the Steam client not downloading games, which can be incredibly frustrating. If you’re facing this issue, this troubleshooting guide is here to help.
The ability to download games through the Steam client is a critical aspect of the PC gaming experience. Accessing games via an online storefront and game launcher provides gamers with reasonably priced titles, many of which may be exclusive to the Steam platform. Additionally, PC gamers often prefer downloading and playing games on the Steam client due to its user-friendly interface and various other useful features.
Fix: Steam Not Downloading Games Error
The primary problem for the affected Steam users is that they can’t play Steam games until they’re updated to the latest version. Whenever a new update appears for the installed games on your Steam library, Steam automatically downloads the game patch update. Now, if the client cannot download the game update, you won’t be able to play it, which is quite pathetic.
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Meanwhile, this particular error or bug doesn’t notify the users, which is another mess. Eventually, the download queue of the game doesn’t progress at all and shows the ‘Starting’ text. So, without wasting any more time, let’s get into the steps below.
1. Change Download Region
It’s highly recommended to change the download region server at first. This should help most of the affected Steam users. Make sure to choose the nearest server according to your location. To do that:
- Launch the Steam client > Click on Steam from the top-left corner.
- Go to Settings > A new smaller window will appear.
- Click on the Downloads section from the left pane.
- Now, click on the Download Region drop-down box.
- Select your preferred region according to your nearest location.
- Once done, click on OK from the bottom of the window.
- Finally, try downloading the game or updating again.
If this method doesn’t help you, follow the next method.
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2. Remove Steam Config Files
Try clearing Steam configuration files that may get corrupted or missing due to some unfortunate reasons. To do that:
- Press Windows + R keys to open up the Run dialog box.
- Now, type the following command and hit Enter to execute it:
steam://flushconfig
- It’ll refresh or delete Steam’s core config files which can cause several issues with the game downloading or installing.
- Once done, you’ll get a successful message.
- Finally, try running the Steam client and check whether it’s not downloading games.
3. Cross-check the Internet Connection
Still, the problem persists. It seems that there is some issue with your internet connection. You should check your network connection before following any further methods. Try running any other game downloads from another gaming launcher, such as Origin or Epic Games Launcher (if possible). This will ensure that whether there is any problem occurring at your end or server end.
Meanwhile, if you’re not sure whether your internet connection can download games or join online matches from the client, make sure to switch to the Wi-Fi from the Wired (ethernet) connection or vice-versa. You can also try temporarily using a mobile hotspot to check if the problem has been fixed. If there is an issue with your internet, contact your ISP for further assistance.
4. Disable Defender or Third-Party Antivirus
Well, it’s needless to say that even if you’re necessarily not using any antivirus program on your Windows 10 system, the Windows Defender Firewall protection is always running in the background & trying to protect your PC/Laptop from getting affected by any suspicious virus or malware. Therefore, you must turn off Windows Security from the Windows Settings menu.
Meanwhile, if you’re already using any third-party antivirus program on your Windows 10 computer, that can prevent your Steam client or the game files from running from the server. In both scenarios, you have to disable the real-time protection from the respective program settings.
Now, if you’re not using any third-party antivirus, then follow the below steps:
- Click on the Start Menu > Choose the Settings menu (gear icon).
- Select Update & Security > Click on Windows Security from the left pane.
- Next, select Virus & threat protection from the right pane window.
- Go to Manage settings under the Virus & threat protection settings.
- Now, click on the Real-time protection toggle to disable it.
- If prompted by UAC (User Account Control), click on Yes to confirm the task.
- Finally, launch the Steam client and check whether it’s not able to download games or not.
In conclusion, while Steam remains a highly favored platform for PC gaming, it is not immune to occasional issues and glitches. As a passionate gamer, it’s crucial to equip yourself with the knowledge and tools to address and resolve any problems that may arise, such as the Steam client not downloading games. By staying informed and following troubleshooting guides like this one, you can ensure a seamless gaming experience and continue to enjoy the vast library of titles available on Steam. Remember, patience, persistence, and a proactive approach are key to overcoming such challenges. Happy gaming!