Steam repeatedly pauses downloads
The problem: when I am downloading anything with Steam, no matter where I am or what I am connected to, it pauses the download after a few seconds.
Behavior:
- Select item to download
- Navigate to library -> downloads
- [probz] Game is displayed "downloading", network speed listed, etc (normal behavior)
- [see Picture 1 below]
- After a few seconds, game stops downloading
- Game is now listed as "update required (not queued)"
- [see Picture 2 below]
- Click "move to top of queue"
- goto [probz]
Picture 1
Picture 2
I can workaround this by babysitting the "move to top of queue" button but for large games this isn't practical.
Things I have tried:
- Wired connection
- Using a different network (many, many different networks)
- Changing Steam download server/location
- Reinstalling Steam
- Deleting tons of Steam files and redownloading them
- Freeing up disk space
- Changing download speed/limit on Steam
- Stopping background programs/other internet accessors
- Adding "-tcp" flag to Steam launch options
- Running as administrator
- Crying
This is a problem I've been having for some time and have tried many solutions (see above). I'd love to see a definitive solution to it, especially since I pretty much can't play any game > 1 gb.
OS: Windows 7 Professional, 64-bit
System: Lenovo T420 (laptop), Intel i7-2620M, 8gb ram, NVIDIA NVS 4200M
Connection: Up to 45 mpbs AT&T UVerse (usually clocks in at around 30-something)
EDIT: I would like to note that I used to work in CS (see my Stack Overflow profile), so I do know how to do things like "make sure your internet connection works", "don't let other programs hog bandwidth", and "disable background processes". Because my internet connection works perfectly for everything else I do, including high-bandwith activities (gaming, netflix, other downloading) I would guess that it is not the problem. Especially since I can workaround through queue babysitting (see above). The ONLY problem I have is with Steam, and ONLY when downloading new games.
Thanks for the suggestions so far.
Best Answer
Have you tried changing the download restrictions Steam asks you for when changing the download region?
You can get there by clicking Steam --> Settings --> Downloads
When you change your region, you should be prompted to change your download speed (Modem towards faster speed, Dial-Up towards slower.
Could be the issue you're having. I have had this issue previously, but by changing my download speed to No limit (despite having an average 2mb/s), it helped fix it.
I would daresay this though; it seems plenty of others are having the same issues as you have as well, albeit for different reasons.
Pictures about "Steam repeatedly pauses downloads"
Why does Steam download keep pausing?
One of the most efficient solutions to try is clearing Steam's download cache. You should also try to update your related network drivers. If Steam download is stopping, make sure you adjust Steam Bandwidth Settings.Why is my download keeps pausing?
Restart your phone and try downloading a file. If the issue continues, tap on Clear data or Clear storage depending on the option available on your phone instead of Clear cache. On Samsung phones, you might find this option inside Manage storage. Then, restart your phone.STEAM download randomly pausing *EASY FIX*
Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
Images: Cristian Salinas Cisternas, Gabriela Palai, Pixabay, Lisa Fotios