How do I stop Steam from redownloading games?

How Do I Stop Steam from Redownloading Games?

As a gamer, there’s nothing more frustrating than realizing that Steam has started redownloading a game you’ve already downloaded. Not only does it waste your time and internet bandwidth, but it can also cause issues with your game library and overall gaming experience. In this article, we’ll explore the reasons why Steam might be redownloading games and provide you with the steps to stop it from happening.

Why Does Steam Redownload Games?

Before we dive into the solutions, it’s essential to understand why Steam might be redownloading games in the first place. Here are some common reasons:

• Corrupted game files: If your game files are corrupted or damaged, Steam may redownload them to ensure that your game is functioning correctly.
• Update issues: Sometimes, Steam may fail to update a game properly, leading to a redownload of the entire game.
• Network connectivity issues: If your internet connection is unstable or slow, Steam may redownload games to ensure that they’re properly downloaded and updated.
• Steam client issues: Issues with the Steam client itself, such as outdated software or corrupted settings, can cause games to be redownloaded.

How to Stop Steam from Redownloading Games

Now that we’ve covered the reasons why Steam might be redownloading games, let’s move on to the solutions. Here are some steps you can take to stop Steam from redownloading games:

Method 1: Uninstall and Reinstall the Game

Why it works: Sometimes, uninstalling and reinstalling a game can resolve issues with corrupted game files or update problems.

How to do it:

1. Go to your Steam library and right-click on the game you want to stop redownloading.
2. Select "Manage" and then "Uninstall".
3. Wait for the game to uninstall completely.
4. Go back to your Steam library and click on the "Install" button next to the game.
5. Wait for the game to reinstall and update properly.

Method 2: Pause and Resume Downloads

Why it works: Pausing and resuming downloads can help you avoid redownloading games that are already partially downloaded.

How to do it:

1. Go to your Steam library and click on the "Downloads" tab.
2. Find the game that’s being redownloaded and click on the "Pause" button next to it.
3. Wait for the download to pause and then click on the "Resume" button to continue the download.

Method 3: Clear Steam’s Cache and Settings

Why it works: Clearing Steam’s cache and settings can help resolve issues with corrupted game files or update problems.

How to do it:

1. Go to your Steam directory (usually located in "C:Program Files (x86)Steam" on Windows or "/Applications/Steam" on Mac).
2. Delete the "cache" and "settings" folders.
3. Restart Steam and try downloading the game again.

Method 4: Disable Steam’s Automatic Updates

Why it works: Disabling Steam’s automatic updates can help prevent redownloading games that are already up to date.

How to do it:

1. Go to your Steam settings by clicking on "Steam" in the top left corner of the Steam client.
2. Click on "Settings" and then "Downloads".
3. Uncheck the box next to "Automatically update games when they are running".
4. Click "OK" to save your changes.

Method 5: Check for Corrupted Game Files

Why it works: Checking for corrupted game files can help resolve issues with redownloading games.

How to do it:

1. Go to your Steam library and right-click on the game you want to check.
2. Select "Properties" and then click on the "Local Files" tab.
3. Click on the "Verify Integrity of Game Files" button.
4. Wait for Steam to scan and repair any corrupted game files.

Conclusion

In conclusion, stopping Steam from redownloading games is a relatively simple process. By following the methods outlined in this article, you should be able to resolve any issues with corrupted game files, update problems, or network connectivity issues. Remember to always keep your Steam client up to date and to regularly clear your cache and settings to ensure a smooth gaming experience.