How To Make Games Download Faster On PC

Introduction

Downloading games on your PC brings excitement and anticipation, but waiting for them to finish can be tedious. Slow download speeds can test the patience of even the most passionate gamers. Fortunately, there are various ways to optimize your download speed and make games download faster on your PC. In this article, we will explore some effective methods to enhance your gaming experience by speeding up your downloads.

With the increasing size of modern games, a fast and stable internet connection is crucial. However, it’s not just about your internet speed; there are other factors that can impact your download speed as well. Background programs, limited disk space, and even the download region you choose on platforms like Steam can all influence the speed at which your games download.

By implementing a combination of practical steps and optimizations, you can significantly reduce the time it takes for your games to download. Whether you’re itching to jump into a new adventure or you’re eagerly awaiting the latest multiplayer release, the tips discussed in this article will help you make the most of your download speed and get you gaming in no time.

So, gear up, grab a drink, and let’s dive into the methods that will maximize your download speed and keep your gaming experience seamless. From optimizing your internet connection to making adjustments within your gaming platforms, we’ve got you covered with these tried and tested techniques. Let’s get started!

Check Your Internet Connection

Before delving into other methods, it’s important to ensure that your internet connection is up to par. Slow download speeds may be a result of a weak or unstable connection. Here are a few steps to diagnose and improve your internet connection for faster game downloads:

Check your internet speed: Use online speed test tools to check your internet speed. Make sure you’re getting the download and upload speeds you’re paying for. If not, contact your internet service provider to address any issues.
Connect to a wired connection: If you’re currently using a Wi-Fi connection, consider connecting your PC directly to the router using an Ethernet cable. Wired connections generally offer more stability and speed compared to wireless connections.
Move closer to the router: If you’re using Wi-Fi, make sure you’re within reasonable proximity to the router. Walls, appliances, and other devices can interfere with the signal, causing slower speeds. Moving closer to the router can improve your connection.
Reset your router: Sometimes, a simple router reset can resolve connectivity issues. Unplug your router from the power source, wait for a few seconds, and then plug it back in. This can help refresh the connection and improve download speeds.
Secure your network: If you have an open Wi-Fi network, others may be using your bandwidth, slowing down your internet speed. Secure your network with a strong password to ensure that only authorized devices are connected.

By checking your internet connection and making necessary adjustments, you can ensure that you’re getting the maximum speed available to you. This will lay a foundation for faster game downloads and an overall smoother gaming experience.

Close Background Programs

Running multiple programs simultaneously can consume system resources, causing a decrease in download speed. To optimize your PC’s performance and maximize your download speed, it is advisable to close unnecessary background programs. Here’s how you can do it:

Check your system tray: Look at the icons in your system tray, typically located in the bottom-right corner of your screen. Right-click on any unnecessary programs and select “Exit” or “Close.” These programs often run silently in the background and can hog valuable system resources.
Use Task Manager (Windows): Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager. In the Processes or Details tab, you can see a list of active programs and processes. Sort them by CPU or memory usage and end the tasks of programs that are not necessary for the download process.
Quit resource-intensive applications: Programs like graphic-intensive games or software, video editing tools, or virtual machines can consume significant resources. Close these programs before starting your game download to free up system resources and improve download speed.
Disable startup programs: Some programs may automatically start with your computer, consuming resources even when they’re not in use. Use the task manager or system settings to disable these startup programs and prevent them from running in the background.

By closing unnecessary background programs, you can allocate more resources to your game download, resulting in faster download speeds. It’s also a good practice to periodically clean up your system and remove any unused or unwanted software that may be running in the background.

Pause Other Downloads

If you’re experiencing slow download speeds while attempting to download a game, it’s worth checking if there are any other downloads running in the background. Downloading multiple files simultaneously can significantly impact your internet speed and slow down the game download process. To speed up your game download, consider pausing or canceling any other ongoing downloads. Here’s how to do it:

Check your web browser: If you have any active downloads in your web browser, pause or cancel them until your game download is complete. Most browsers have a download manager that allows you to manage your downloads easily.
Pause downloads on gaming platforms: If you’re using gaming platforms like Steam, Epic Games Store, or Origin, they may be automatically updating or downloading other games or updates in the background. Pause or cancel these downloads to allocate more bandwidth to your desired game.
Manage downloads on other devices: If there are other devices connected to your network that are actively downloading or streaming content, it can affect your game download speed. Ask other users to pause their downloads or limit their internet usage during your game download process.
Consider scheduling downloads: Some gaming platforms allow you to schedule downloads for specific times, such as during off-peak hours. By scheduling your game download during periods of lower internet traffic, you can take advantage of faster speeds.

By pausing or canceling other downloads, you can prioritize your game download and ensure that your internet speed is dedicated to completing the download as efficiently as possible. Remember to resume or restart any paused downloads once your game download is complete.

Clear Your Disk Space

Having sufficient disk space is crucial for smooth and fast game downloads. If your hard drive is running low on space, it can impede the download speed and overall performance of your PC. To optimize your disk space and improve the download speed of your games, consider the following steps:

Delete unnecessary files: Go through your files and folders and delete any unnecessary or redundant files. This includes old documents, videos, music files, and temporary files. You can use the built-in Disk Cleanup utility on Windows or third-party software to help identify and remove unnecessary files.
Uninstall unused programs: Review the programs installed on your PC and uninstall any applications that you no longer use. This will free up disk space and streamline your system resources.
Move files to an external drive: Consider transferring large files, such as movies, photos, or backups, to an external hard drive or cloud storage. This will not only free up space on your main drive but also prevent them from slowing down the download process.
Empty the recycle bin: When you delete a file, it is moved to the recycle bin. Emptying the recycle bin will permanently delete these files and free up additional space on your hard drive.
Run disk defragmentation: Disk fragmentation can slow down file access and overall system performance. Running a disk defragmentation tool can organize the files on your hard drive, resulting in faster read and write speeds.

By clearing disk space and optimizing your storage, you can create more room for your game downloads. This not only improves the download speed but also enhances your overall PC performance, providing a smoother gaming experience.

Use a Wired Connection

When it comes to downloading games, a wired internet connection is often more reliable and faster than a wireless connection. While Wi-Fi provides convenience, it can be susceptible to interference and signal strength issues, which may result in slower download speeds. To ensure a stable and speedy connection for your game downloads, consider using a wired connection. Here’s how to set it up:

Connect your PC to the router: Locate your router and connect your PC or laptop directly to it using an Ethernet cable. Plug one end of the cable into the Ethernet port on your PC and the other end into one of the LAN ports on the router.
Disable Wi-Fi: To avoid any interference from your Wi-Fi connection, disable the Wi-Fi feature on your PC or laptop. This ensures that the wired connection takes precedence.
Configure network settings: In most cases, your PC will automatically detect the wired connection and configure the network settings accordingly. However, if you encounter any issues, you can access the network settings in your PC’s control panel and make the necessary adjustments.
Verify the connection: Once you’ve set up the wired connection, verify that it is working properly by checking your internet connection in the network settings or running an internet speed test. You should notice a significant improvement in download speeds compared to a wireless connection.

A wired connection offers more stability and less potential for interference, resulting in faster download speeds for your games. If your gaming setup allows for it, using a wired connection can greatly enhance your gaming experience and provide a seamless downloading process.

Disable Steam Auto-Updates

Steam, one of the most popular gaming platforms, automatically updates games in the background by default. While automatic updates are convenient, they can heavily impact your download speed and cause delays in downloading your desired games. To boost your game download speed on Steam, consider disabling the auto-update feature. Here’s how you can do it:

Open Steam: Launch the Steam client on your PC and log in to your account.
Access the Settings menu: Click on “Steam” in the upper left corner of the Steam window and select “Settings.”
Navigate to the Downloads tab: In the Settings window, click on the “Downloads” tab located on the left-hand side.
Disable automatic game updates: Under the “Automatic Game Updates” section, select the option “Only update this game when I launch it.” This setting ensures that your games will only be updated when you manually launch them, reducing the impact on your download speed.
Optimize download restrictions: In the same Downloads tab, consider adjusting the “Download Region” to the one closest to your location. This helps ensure a faster connection to the Steam servers and maximizes your download speed.
Monitor and manage updates: To keep your games up to date while maintaining control over your download speed, periodically check for updates manually when you’re ready to play or during off-peak hours.

Disabling auto-updates on Steam allows you to prioritize your game downloads and allocate your full internet bandwidth to the game you want to download. It can significantly reduce the wait time and ensure a more efficient download process.

Change Download Region

When downloading games on platforms like Steam, the download speed can vary depending on your geographical location and the server you are connected to. By changing your download region, you can potentially ensure faster download speeds. Here’s how you can do it:

Open your Steam client: Launch the Steam client on your computer and log in to your account.
Go to the Settings menu: Click on “Steam” in the upper left corner, then select “Settings” from the dropdown menu.
Select the Downloads tab: In the Settings window, click on the “Downloads” tab located on the left-hand side.
Choose a new download region: Under the “Download Region” section, you will see a dropdown menu with different server locations. Select a region that is geographically closer to you or try different regions to find the one with the best download speeds.
Save your changes: After selecting a new download region, click on the “OK” button to save your changes.
Restart Steam: To apply the new download region, exit the Steam client and restart it. Your game downloads will now connect to servers in the selected region, potentially resulting in faster download speeds.

By changing your download region, you can take advantage of servers that are closer to your location or less congested, optimizing your download speed on platforms like Steam. Experiment with different regions to find the one that offers the best performance for your game downloads.

Verify Game Files

Sometimes, slow download speeds can be attributed to corrupted or incomplete game files. Verifying the game files ensures that all necessary files are present and in good condition, which can help improve download speed and prevent any potential issues during gameplay. Follow these steps to verify game files on platforms like Steam:

Open your Steam client: Launch the Steam client on your computer and log in to your account.
Go to the Library: Click on the “Library” tab at the top of the Steam window to view your game library.
Choose the game to verify: Right-click on the game that you want to verify from the list and select “Properties” from the dropdown menu.
Navigate to the Local Files tab: In the Properties window, click on the “Local Files” tab located on the left-hand side.
Verify integrity of game files: Click on the “Verify Integrity of Game Files” button. Steam will then check the game’s files against the latest version and re-download any missing or corrupted files.
Wait for the process to complete: The verification process may take some time depending on the size of the game and your internet speed. Do not interrupt or cancel the process to ensure that all necessary files are successfully verified and downloaded.

Verifying game files helps ensure that the game is installed correctly on your system, eliminating any potential issues that could cause slower download speeds or gameplay problems. By verifying game files, you can improve the reliability and performance of your game downloads, ultimately enhancing your gaming experience.

Change Steam’s Download Restrictions

Steam imposes certain download restrictions by default, such as limiting the download speed and bandwidth usage. However, you can make adjustments to these restrictions to maximize your download speed and get your games up and running faster. Here’s how you can change Steam’s download restrictions:

Open your Steam client: Launch the Steam client on your computer and log in to your account.
Go to the Settings menu: Click on “Steam” in the upper left corner of the Steam window and select “Settings” from the dropdown menu.
Select the Downloads tab: In the Settings window, click on the “Downloads” tab located on the left-hand side.
Adjust download speed: Under the “Download Restrictions” section, make sure that the “Limit bandwidth to” option is not checked. If it is checked, uncheck it to remove any imposed download limits.
Set a download server: Under the “Download Region” section, ensure that Steam has selected the server closest to your geographical location. If it hasn’t, choose the appropriate server from the dropdown menu.
Save your changes: After making any adjustments, click on the “OK” button to save your changes and apply the new download restrictions.

By changing Steam’s download restrictions, you can allocate more bandwidth to your game downloads and potentially increase your download speeds. Removing the imposed limits and selecting the appropriate server location can optimize your download experience on Steam, getting you into your games faster.

Install an SSD

One of the most effective ways to significantly improve game download speed and overall system performance is to install a Solid-State Drive (SSD) in your computer. Compared to traditional Hard Disk Drives (HDD), SSDs offer faster data transfer rates, quicker read/write speeds, and reduced loading times. Here’s how installing an SSD can enhance your game downloads:

Select an SSD: Research and choose an appropriate SSD based on your storage needs and budget. Consider factors such as capacity, speed, and reliability.
Prepare your system: Shut down your computer, disconnect the power cable, and remove the case panel to access the internal components. Ensure you take necessary precautions to avoid static discharge.
Install the SSD: Locate an available drive bay in your case and mount the SSD securely in place. Connect the necessary cables, including the data cable and power cable, ensuring a proper connection.
Clone or reinstall your operating system (optional): If you want to transfer your existing operating system and files to the SSD, you can use cloning software to clone your HDD onto the SSD. Alternatively, you can perform a fresh installation of the operating system on the SSD.
Configure your system: Once the SSD is physically installed, access your computer’s BIOS or UEFI settings and ensure that the SSD is recognized as the boot drive. Make any necessary adjustments to the boot order if required.
Transfer games to the SSD: Move your games from the HDD to the SSD to take full advantage of the improved download speed. Most gaming platforms allow you to select the installation path for new games or move existing game directories.

Installing an SSD not only accelerates your game downloads but also improves overall system performance. With faster read and write speeds, games will load quicker, reducing waiting times and enhancing your gaming experience. Additionally, the increased speed of an SSD allows for smoother multitasking, better system responsiveness, and quicker file transfers.

Use a Download Manager

To further optimize your game downloads and enhance download speed, consider using a download manager. A download manager is a software application that helps manage and accelerate the download process by dividing files into smaller segments and establishing multiple connections to the server. Here are some benefits of using a download manager for faster game downloads:

Increased download speed: Download managers utilize advanced techniques like accelerated downloading, file segmentation, and parallel connections to maximize your download speed. This can result in significantly faster game downloads compared to using the default download method.
Resume and pause downloads: Download managers offer the ability to pause and resume downloads. If your download gets interrupted or you need to temporarily halt the process, you can easily pause and then resume it later without starting from scratch.
Bandwidth allocation: Some download managers allow you to control and allocate bandwidth to specific downloads. This feature ensures that your game downloads receive a greater share of your internet speed, improving their download performance.
Error recovery: Download managers often have built-in error recovery mechanisms, which help prevent data loss or corruption due to network interruptions. They can automatically detect and resume downloads from where they left off in case of network errors.
Organized file management: Download managers provide a user-friendly interface where you can organize your downloads, categorize files, and easily access downloaded content. This saves time and makes it easier to locate and manage your downloaded games.

There are numerous download managers available, both free and paid, with different features and options to choose from. Some popular options include Internet Download Manager (IDM), Free Download Manager (FDM), and EagleGet. Experiment with different download managers to find the one that fits your needs and enhances your game download experience.

By using a download manager, you can unlock the full potential of your internet connection and download games faster. These tools offer a range of features designed to optimize and streamline the download process, ultimately saving you time and frustration.

Conclusion

Making games download faster on your PC is essential to reduce waiting time and dive into your gaming adventures quickly. By implementing a combination of the methods discussed in this article, you can optimize your download speed and enjoy a seamless gaming experience. Here’s a recap of the techniques covered:

Check your internet connection and ensure it’s stable and fast.
Close unnecessary background programs to free up system resources.
Pause or cancel other downloads to prioritize game downloads.
Clear disk space by removing unnecessary files and uninstalling unused programs.
Consider using a wired internet connection for better stability and speed.
Disable auto-updates on platforms like Steam to avoid download interruptions.
Change download region to maximize download speeds on platforms like Steam.
Verify game files to ensure they are complete and not corrupt.
Adjust Steam’s download restrictions for better performance.
Install an SSD to boost overall system performance, including game downloads.
Use a download manager to accelerate and manage your game downloads.

Remember that various factors, such as your internet connection, network congestion, and the size of the game files, can influence download speed. It’s important to have realistic expectations and consider these factors when assessing download speeds. Additionally, regularly maintaining your system, optimizing disk space, and keeping your drivers and software up to date can also contribute to better download performance.

By implementing these tips and techniques, you can make games download faster on your PC and spend less time waiting and more time gaming. So go ahead, try out these methods, and enjoy the seamless and speedy download experience that awaits you!