Is there anything more frustrating than having your Steam download stop and then get stuck in a seemingly unending start-and-stop loop? Many gamers share this frustrating experience on Steam, the world's largest digital distribution platform for video games. While the exact cause of these issues isn't always clear, troubleshooting and experimenting with various solutions can often resolve the problem.
This article delves into the common reasons behind Steam download stalls and offers effective solutions to help you complete your download and get back to enjoying your favorite games without interruption.
Part1: Why is My Steam Download Stuck?
Part2: How to Fix Steam Stuck on Starting Download?
Part 1: Why is My Steam Download Stuck?
Steam downloads can get stuck due to various reasons:
- Network Issues: Poor internet connection or network congestion can interrupt downloads.
- Server Issues: Steam servers might be overloaded or experiencing maintenance.
- Firewall/Antivirus: Security software can sometimes block Steam from downloading.
- Corrupted Files: Existing files or downloads may be corrupted, causing issues.
- Background Applications: Other programs using internet bandwidth can slow down Steam downloads.
Part 2: How to Fix Steam Stuck on Starting Download?
When your Steam download is stuck, try these solutions:
Solution 1: LagoFast VPN: Stable Network, Optimizing Steam Experience
Using a VPN like LagoFast can stabilize your internet connection and optimize your Steam download experience. LagoFast Game Booster optimizes internet connections, reducing lag and ensuring stable data transfer. This optimization directly addresses issues with Steam downloads by improving connectivity to Steam servers. By selecting optimal server routes, LagoFast lowers ping rates, crucial for faster response times in online gaming. Its user-friendly interface simplifies optimization with one click, adjusting settings for peak performance. Compatible across PCs, consoles, and mobile devices, LagoFast offers consistent performance. Affordable subscription plans make it accessible, providing a cost-effective solution to improve Steam download reliability.
Here’s how to use it effectively:
Step 1: Install LagoFast
Step 2: Input “Steam” and click the result.
Step 3:Choose the server and node you need.
Step 4: Click “start game”, and it will show you real-time ping & packet loss rate.
Solution 2: Reconnect the Steam Client to the Internet
Instead of investing in a new gaming PC right away, consider reconnecting your client to the internet first. Sometimes, the issue could simply be a poor connection.
To do this:
- On your dashboard, click on "Steam" at the upper left corner of the screen.
- Select 'Go Offline.'
- Click 'Restart in Offline Mode' when prompted.
- Wait a few seconds for the settings to update.
- Click on "Steam" again and select 'Go Online.'
- Choose 'Restart and GO Online' on the pop-up screen.
- Retry your download to see if this resolves the problem. If not, there are more fixes to try.
Solution 3: Change Your Download Region
Another potential solution to the Steam download stopping problem is changing your download region. Here’s how:
- Open your Steam Client.
- Click on "Steam" at the upper left.
- Choose 'Settings' > 'Downloads.'
- Under 'Download Region,' select a different region that is not too far from your location but is in a foreign country.
Solution 4: Close Apps That Are Hogging Bandwidth
Third-party applications can sometimes conflict with Steam downloads, especially those that use a lot of bandwidth like CCleaner and Skype. Here’s how to resolve this:
- Press Win + R to open the Run Application.
- Type "taskmgr" and hit Enter to open the Task Manager.
- End processes for applications like Skype, browsers, and updaters.
- Restart Steam using Steam.exe.
Solution 5: Match Your Time and Time Zone
Mismatched time and time zone settings can cause unexpected errors in Steam. Here’s how to synchronize them:
- Open the Control Panel and go to 'Time and Date.'
- Select 'Internet Time' and click on 'Change Settings.'
- Check 'Synchronize with Internet Server,' then click 'Update Now' and OK.
- Restart Steam to apply the changes.
Solution 6: Update Your Drivers
Outdated drivers can cause Steam to malfunction. Ensure all drivers, especially network drivers, are up to date:
- Use third-party apps or update drivers manually.
- Restart Steam after updating drivers to check if the issue is resolved.
If none of these fixes work, consider uninstalling and reinstalling Steam. Remember to back up the Steamapps subfolder to avoid losing game data during the reinstall process.
Conclusion
By following this guide, you can implement quick and straightforward fixes to successfully complete your Steam downloads as intended, putting an end to frustrations. For optimal solutions, we recommend using LagoFast.
