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Control Steam downloads from Downloads, set speed and update rules in Steam > Settings > Downloads, and manage game-library locations in Steam > Settings > Storage. These controls let you prioritize a queue, keep downloads from monopolizing your connection, schedule updates, and move installed games to another drive without downloading them again. Menu labels can vary by Steam client version or operating system; look for the equivalent Downloads or Storage control if yours differs.
Manage what downloads next
Open the Download Manager by selecting Downloads in Steam or choosing View > Downloads. It shows active downloads, progress, and completed updates, and lets you pause or resume items and change the order of queued downloads. Use it first when you need to see what is using bandwidth or decide which queued game should download next. Steam Support: Steam Downloads
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Limit Steam download speed
To leave bandwidth for video calls, streaming, or other devices, open Steam > Settings > Downloads and set a download speed limit. The limit applies to Steam downloads; it is separate from scheduling when automatic updates may run. Steam’s setting may describe rates in bytes or bits per second, so compare like units when choosing a cap.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsBits versus bytes: Internet plans are generally advertised in bits per second, while Steam may show download rates in bytes per second. There are eight bits in one byte. Steam Support’s conversion example equates 768 KB/s with 6,144 Kb/s, or about 6 Mbps; that is a unit conversion, not a promise of actual download performance. Steam Support: Slow Downloads and Connections
#1 Best Overall
- Customize your drive’s RGB lighting with the downloadable WD_BLACK Dashboard (Windows only) to show off your style and make every play personal.
- Kick loading into overdrive with a USB 3.2 Gen2x2 interface and speeds up to 2,000MB/s. (Based on read speed. 1 MB/s = 1 million bytes per second. Based on internal testing; performance may vary depending upon host device, usage conditions, drive capacity, and other factors.)
- Compatible with PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S consoles. {Compatible with PlayStation 4 Pro or PS4 with system software version 4.50 or higher, PlayStation 5 (Play and store PS4 games; archive PS5 games), Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S (Play and store Xbox One games; archive Xbox Series X|S games).}
- Keep more of the latest and largest titles installed and ready to launch with capacities of up to 2TB. (1TB = 1 trillion bytes. Actual user capacity may be less depending on operating environment.)
- Built with WD_BLACK toughness thanks to a shock-resistant structure, this durable drive can survive a drop of up to two-meters.
Control when games update
In Steam > Settings > Downloads, set a time window for automatic updates if you prefer them to run when you are less likely to need your connection. Queue order and the global update window are separate from a game’s own update behavior.
Choose an update rule for an individual game
From the game’s Library page, open Manage or Properties, then select the Updates tab. Depending on the options shown in your client, you can keep the game updated automatically, update it only when launched, or give it high priority for automatic updates. With the launch-only setting, opening the game can start its pending update immediately—so it may not be ready to play right away. Steam Support: Steam Downloads
Rank #2
- MADE FOR THE MAKERS: Create; Explore; Store; The T7 Portable SSD delivers fast speeds and durable features to back up any endeavor; Build your video editing empire, file your photographs or back up your blogs all in an instant
- SHARE IDEAS IN A FLASH: Don’t waste a second waiting and spend more time doing; The T7 is embedded with PCIe NVMe technology that brings fast read and write speeds up to 1,050/1,000 MB/s¹, making it almost twice as fast as the T5
- ALWAYS MAKE THE SAVE: Compact design with massive capacity; With capacities up to 4TB, save exactly what you need to your drive – from large working files to game data and everything in between
- ADAPTS TO EVERY NEED: Whether using a PC or mobile phone, count on the T7 for extensive compatibility²; It’s a true team player when it comes to heavy-duty application usage or file-saving
- HI RESOLUTION VIDEO RECORDING: Record Ultra High Resolution (4K 60fs) videos directly onto the T7 Portable SSD with your favorite camera or mobile devices; Supports iPhone 15 Pro Res 4K at 60fps video and more³
Free up space by moving Steam games
If a drive is filling up, use Steam’s storage controls rather than uninstalling and downloading the game again. Steam supports additional library locations, and its in-client move workflow transfers an installed game to another configured library without requiring a fresh full download.
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- Add a library location on the drive with available space. In the same Storage area, choose that location when installing future games if you want new installs to go there.
- Select the installed game and use the Storage move control, or open the game’s Properties > Installed Files settings and choose the option to move the installation folder.
Steam’s guidance does not compare SSD and HDD speed, value, or recommended capacity, so choose a drive based on your own space needs and budget. Steam cautions against installing the Steam client itself on an external hard drive because of possible performance issues; that warning is not a blanket finding that every external drive is unsuitable for every game library. Some games also keep local saves outside Steam Cloud, so check a game’s save location before moving or removing files. Steam Support: Moving a Steam Installation and Games
Rank #3
- MADE FOR THE MAKERS: Create; Explore; Store; The T7 Portable SSD delivers fast speeds and durable features to back up any endeavor; Build your video editing empire, file your photographs or back up your blogs all in an instant
- SHARE IDEAS IN A FLASH: Don’t waste a second waiting and spend more time doing; The T7 is embedded with PCIe NVMe technology that brings fast read and write speeds up to 1,050/1,000 MB/s¹, making it almost twice as fast as the T5
- ALWAYS MAKE THE SAVE: Compact design with massive capacity; With capacities up to 4TB, save exactly what you need to your drive – from large working files to game data and everything in between
- ADAPTS TO EVERY NEED: Whether using a PC or mobile phone, count on the T7 for extensive compatibility²; It’s a true team player when it comes to heavy-duty application usage or file-saving
- HI RESOLUTION VIDEO RECORDING: Record Ultra High Resolution (4K 60fs) videos directly onto the T7 Portable SSD with your favorite camera or mobile devices; Supports iPhone 15 Pro Res 4K at 60fps video and more³
Troubleshoot a slow or stuck download
For a Steam download that seems too slow, confirm the units and check the selected download region before making disruptive changes. Steam assigns content servers by geographic region; a region can be slow or overloaded, so trying a nearby alternative is a diagnostic test, not a guaranteed speed boost. Find the download-region control in Steam > Settings > Downloads, test a nearby region, and compare results. Steam Support: Slow Downloads and Connections Steam Support: Troubleshooting Network Connectivity
Try low-disruption fixes first
- Pause and resume the download, then restart Steam. If the issue continues, restart the computer.
- If the download remains stuck, clear Steam’s download cache from Steam > Settings > Downloads. This removes locally cached configuration data for Steam to retrieve again; it does not delete installed games, but you will need to sign in again. Steam Support: Steam Downloads
- If Steam reports a library-folder problem, use the Storage settings to repair the affected library folder.
- If a game’s files appear damaged or an update fails, use the game’s Properties > Installed Files controls to verify the integrity of its files.
- For an installation or update error, follow Steam’s current troubleshooting steps for that specific error before attempting more disruptive repairs. Steam Support: Moving a Steam Installation and Games Steam Support: Troubleshooting Network Connectivity
Avoid uninstalling Steam as a space-saving shortcut: Steam warns that removing the client can delete game content. For ordinary space management, moving a game through Storage is the safer route; read Steam’s current official procedure and back up important data before relocating the entire Steam installation.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Get NVMe solid state performance with up to 1050MB/s read and 1000MB/s write speeds in a portable, high-capacity drive(1) (Based on internal testing; performance may be lower depending on host device & other factors. 1MB=1,000,000 bytes.)
- Up to 3-meter drop protection and IP65 water and dust resistance mean this tough drive can take a beating(3) (Previously rated for 2-meter drop protection and IP55 rating. Now qualified for the higher, stated specs.)
- Use the handy carabiner loop to secure it to your belt loop or backpack for extra peace of mind.
- Help keep private content private with the included password protection featuring 256‐bit AES hardware encryption.(3)
- Easily manage files and automatically free up space with the SanDisk Memory Zone app.(5). Non-Operating Temperature -20°C to 85°C
Rank #4
- Easily store and access 2TB to content on the go with the Seagate Portable Drive, a USB external hard drive
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition no software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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