What Does Throttle Downloads Mean
What To Do When Steam Download Slows Down – Setapp
If you’re regularly playing games on your Mac, chances are, you’re doing it through Steam — the most popular game distribution platform in the world.
The problem is, most triple-A titles today not only cost a lot but weigh a lot as well — and, sometimes, Steam has been known to slow the download speed down significantly.
Since no one wants to wait for hours for a new game to get to their Mac, let’s explore some opportunities and ways to increase Steam download speed so you can get back to gaming in no time.
Why Is Steam Download Slow?
When your Steam download slows down, most likely, it’s because of your internet connection. However, before you go restart your router, there are a few other troubleshooting options and tools that would be useful to have in your toolbox — if not to be used now then definitely for later reference.
The most overlooked solution to the Steam download slowing down is removing download restrictions within the app. By default, Steam does throttle your downloads while streaming and limits your bandwidth in general. To turn it off:
Go to Steam ➙ Preferences… (⌘ +, )Navigate to the Downloads tabIn the Download Restrictions section, uncheck “Throttle downloads while streaming” and “Limit bandwidth to” and “Only auto-update games between”
Clear Steam download cache
Once the in-app issues with download restrictions are resolved, you should also clear all the cache, since some bugs there could prevent you from downloading games without limits.
To clear Steam download cache:
Open Steam ➙ Preferences… (⌘ +, )Go to the Downloads tabClick Clear Download Cache
It’s also beneficial to delete Steam cache files overall. You can do so manually by navigating to your main Library folder ➙ Application Support and then deleting the steam folder. In addition:
With Finder active, Go to Folder (Shift + ⌘ + G)Type in ~/Library/Caches and then GoDelete the Steam folderRepeat the process with ~/Library/Preferences and ~/Library/Logs
Sounds a bit complicated? Luckily, there’s also a much easier way to delete cache files for any app, by using CleanMyMac X.
CleanMyMac X is a user-friendly, intuitive, and powerful Mac app with extensive optimization functionality, from deleting outdated files to protecting your privacy to getting rid of any malware. Clearing cache files is also as easy as making a few clicks:
Launch CleanMyMac XNavigate to System JunkClick ScanReview Details ➙ Deselect AllSelect User Cache Files ➙ SteamHit Clean
Optimize your network speed
The most reliable thing you can do in the quest for how to speed up Steam downloads is checking your network speed and decluttering your internet connection. To do that effectively, you need a powerful network analyzing tool.
WiFi Explorer is the perfect network monitoring app that not only shows you the state of your connection in real time with signal strength and noise indicators but also gives you specific information on your channel width, max rate, WiFi generation, SNR, and so much more. A handy troubleshooting guide within the app makes it easy to fix any inconsistencies right away.
If the internal WiFi Explorer network troubleshooting wasn’t enough, you can always restart your router manually. Another option is to move closer to the router and make sure there isn’t anything obstructing a clear signal.
Additionally, while a wireless connection is super convenient, a solid way to stabilize inconsistent WiFi is to plug into the Ethernet, which will certainly give you the fastest internet speed possible.
Quit incompatible applications
The truth is that every app on your Mac is competing for resources, whether it’s CPU, RAM, storage, or WiFi bandwidth. So it’s possible for other software to be consuming too much data and preventing Steam from downloading games at optimal speed.
The most common data consumers on your Mac are streaming services like Netflix, syncing services like Dropbox, and downloading apps like torrent clients. They are probably active either in your Dock or menu bar so you can find them there and pause them for the time being.
To see which other apps are clogging up your network:
Launch Activity Monitor from Applications ➙ UtilitiesSwitch to the Network tabSort by Sent BytesUsing the Stop icon in the top bar to quit any processes
It’s also highly likely that you’ll find apps you forgot about that still take up a considerable chunk of your data bandwidth, so you might be thinking of deleting them completely.
The best way to uninstall apps with all their auxiliary files being hidden around your computer is by using CleanMyMac X:
Launch CleanMyMac XNavigate to the Uninstaller tabView All … ApplicationsSelect all apps you want to deleteClick Uninstall
Fine-tune your Steam app
When you’ve completed all the steps above and you still see Steam download slowing down, the problem might lie somewhere in the Steam app settings.
For example, there’s a great option to share your games library with your family, but it’s also been known to slow down the overall app experience, so it might be helpful to turn it off and see if anything changes:
Go to Steam ➙ Preferences…Click FamilyUncheck “Authorize Library Sharing on this computer”
While you’re in Steam settings, there are a few other things you can optimize:
Go to the Library tabCheck Low Bandwidth Mode and Low Performance Mode
Finally, for an extra network speed boost, consider changing your Steam download region to the one somewhere closer to you, so you get your games from the nearby server instead of pinging one that’s halfway around the world:
Switch to the Downloads tabUse the Download Region dropdown to select the new server
Improve your online gaming experience in one click
The last thing that can help you increase Steam download speed is turning off any traffic routing apps, such as a VPN (virtual private network), that could be redirecting your connection through far-away servers.
At the same time, there’s one VPN that actually has the answer for how to speed up Steam downloads — ClearVPN.
ClearVPN makes securing and accelerating your internet connection effortless. While it does have all the regular VPN functionality like changing server locations and encrypting your traffic, it also features Shortcuts — one-click solutions for everything from blocking ads to changing your IP to streamlining your online gaming, which is specifically designed to increase Steam download speed.
To improve online gaming with ClearVPN:
Launch ClearVPNSwitch to All ShortcutsClick Activate next to Gaming
As you can see, there are quite a few solutions for how to make Steam download faster. Start by removing download restrictions, clearing download cache, changing your download region, disabling family sharing, and optimizing your Library in Steam. Then delete Steam’s cache completely and completely uninstall any interfering apps with CleanMyMac X. Check your network behavior with Activity Monitor and WiFi Explorer. And finally enable the Online Gaming Shortcut in ClearVPN.
Best of all, CleanMyMac X, WiFi Explorer, and ClearVPN are available to you absolutely free for seven days through the trial of Setapp, a platform with more than 210 best-in-class Mac apps for any task at hand. Try every Setapp app today to find out how to easily optimize all other areas of your Mac.
ISP Throttling: What is it & How to Stop it | Avast
What is throttling?
ISP throttling is when your internet service provider (ISP) deliberately restricts your internet bandwidth or speed without telling you. Internet throttling results in speeds slower than what your ISP should be serving you. ISPs use throttling to control internet traffic over their network, reduce bandwidth congestion, and enforce data limits.
Throttling isn’t necessarily bad. If several customers are using the same cell tower, throttling helps equally distribute that bandwidth. Without realizing it, you may have benefited from a throttled internet connection.
Despite pressures on ISPs to inform customers, it’s not always clear if your internet has been throttled. During times of high traffic, ISPs can throttle those they deem “heavy” internet users — but most people don’t fit this criteria.
Slow internet isn’t automatically due to internet throttling. Try speeding up your internet connection yourself or boosting your phone’s internet speed before jumping to conclusions.
Why do ISPs throttle internet?
ISPs throttle the internet mainly to regulate network traffic and clear up network congestion. ISPs can also throttle users when they reach a data usage limit within a fixed period. Throttling gets more questionable when ISPs use it to influence your internet habits and profit off of you.
Here are the most common reasons why ISPs throttle your internet connection:
Data caps
Some ISPs — especially mobile providers — limit the amount of high-speed data you can access every month. If you get near that data cap, you might experience data throttling, resulting in reduced speeds.
ISPs must state any data caps in your service agreement. If you think you’re experiencing ISP throttling, look at your plan and see whether a data cap is the culprit.
Network congestion
When a network becomes crowded with people trying to connect, ISPs use bandwidth throttling to regulate traffic. That way, all customers in a given area can access the network — instead of some getting full access, while others get nothing.
ISPs can also throttle your internet when certain types of data, like large files or torrents, take up too much bandwidth. Your ISP can restrict your bandwidth, even if you already paid for it, simply because your activity is straining their network.
Paid prioritization
Unfortunately, throttling the internet is not always about bandwidth distribution. ISPs can throttle specific websites or applications — like Netflix or Amazon Prime — to discourage you from using them.
That pushes customers toward other streaming services, like the ones affiliated with the ISP, or forces companies to pay more for faster load times for their customers. Those added costs can be passed down to you. In countries without net neutrality, throttling is fair game.
Thankfully, you can fight content-based internet throttling with a VPN — while it can’t hide your overall bandwidth usage, a VPN encrypts your internet traffic, which can prevent ISPs from throttling you based on the sites you visit online.
With Avast SecureLine VPN, you can evade your ISP and push back against throttling, all while enjoying world-class protection and privacy from threats, hackers, and scammers. Try a free 7-day trial today.
How to tell if your internet is being throttled
It’s not always clear if your internet is being throttled — many factors can contribute to slow internet speeds. While there’s no specific internet throttling test, you can use the following techniques to see if your ISP is throttling your connection.
Here’s how to test for ISP throttling:
1. Test internet speed
Testing your internet speed tells you if you’re getting the speed you’re paying for. Internet speed testing tools like the one maintained by Google’s Measurement Lab can calculate your current speed, which you can then compare with your data plan.
Because internet speeds fluctuate, run multiple tests throughout the day and calculate an average. And remember that Wi-Fi connections tend to be slower than Ethernet connections.
Test your internet connection with a speed test tool.
Do the tests show that your internet speed is fine, while your computer’s generally slow? It’s possible that you have a system problem on your hands, and not a throttling issue. Try speeding up your PC, streamlining your Mac, or accelerating your iOS device.
2. Run a port scanner test
A port is where your computer (or a program) connects to another computer on the internet, like servers for games or messaging apps. ISPs keep tabs on port activity, and can throttle this data if they see fit.
If you use open ports for gaming, you can use a port scanner to check specific ports for throttling with a variety of scans.
Using a port scanner to check for ISP internet throttling.
3. Compare your speed with a VPN
A VPN (virtual private network) encrypts your internet connection so you can anonymously surf the web, and it hides your IP address so ISPs can’t track your online activity. VPNs can also help unblock restricted websites.
Fighting internet throttling is another reason why you need to use a VPN to stay safe and secure online.
A VPN encrypts your internet connection so you can browse the web anonymously.
After using a speed testing tool to check your internet speed, check it again with a VPN — a slight speed drop when using a VPN is normal. Since a VPN hides your IP address from your ISP, you’ll get an accurate reading of your actual internet speed. If there’s a big difference, your ISP might be throttling data.
While setting up your own personal VPN can be tricky, Avast SecureLine VPN makes it easy. You can download our VPN for Windows or get our VPN for Mac.
In one click, get comprehensive privacy and security with our top-rated VPN. With a secure, encrypted connection, you can conceal your online activity from your ISP, advertisers, hackers and other prying eyes. Enjoy real digital privacy for all your devices today.
How to stop ISP throttling
If you’ve run speed tests and think your ISP is throttling your internet, here are some ways to stop ISP internet throttling:
Monitor your monthly data usage. Your ISP is not always at fault for internet speed throttling. If your service plan allots a set amount of data per month, monitor your usage to avoid throttling and overage fees. Avoid heavy data-consuming activities like streaming video, if you can. Or install an app that helps you track data usage.
Although risky in terms of privacy and security, safely connecting to a public Wi-Fi network can also help curb data usage.
Switch to a new internet provider. If you’re frustrated with your ISP, switch to another if you can. Depending on where you live, there may be other service providers competing for your business. Consider what you need from an ISP and shop around.
Remember: ISPs must tell you about data caps and bandwidth limits. Choose an ISP that serves you, and not the other way around.
Use a VPN. If you don’t want to switch providers, a VPN can help you avoid content-based throttling. Your internet speed may drop slightly, but it’s nothing compared to internet throttling. Plus, there are always ways to speed up a VPN.
Note: Avoid using free VPNs. These services are free because of ads or data collection and web tracking. And they usually lack secure protocols. If your aim is to keep your system secure, a free VPN is usually counterproductive.
Is throttling illegal?
Internet throttling is not illegal. You can benefit from throttling when it regulates overburdened networks and helps equally distribute bandwidth among customers. Overall, throttling internet speeds usually results in a more consistent connection for you.
Throttling and net neutrality
Net neutrality laws enable a free and open internet in which ISPs must treat all content and traffic equally. But internet privacy laws vary among countries, and some (like the US) have repealed net neutrality. In those countries, some of the shadier aspects of internet throttling are, by law, legitimate.
ISPs can throttle specific kinds of content, which affects what their customers can do online.
With throttling, ISPs can also charge higher fees for some internet services, like streaming providers — who may pass on these increased costs to you.
By throttling customers on lower-priced plans, ISPs can incentivize people to switch to more expensive data plans.
Net neutrality advocates believe that a free and open internet offers the best opportunities for innovation. When ISPs disregard net neutrality and manipulate the internet for profit, they limit the internet’s ability to grow and create the next best thing.
Bypass throttling with trusted VPN software
While not always bad, internet throttling has considerable downsides. Through throttling, ISPs have the potential to influence what you do online — restricting a free and open internet. Plus, they can deny you the speed you already pay for through your service agreement.
Encrypt your connection, protect your privacy, and hide from your ISP with a VPN.
You can bypass some of the more frustrating aspects of ISP throttling with Avast SecureLine VPN. Our bank-grade encryption technology hides your traffic from your ISP and keeps you safe from hackers, advertisers, and more.
Privately and securely connect to the internet without anyone watching over you. Plus, access all your favorite websites and content at lightning fast speeds around the world. With a free 7-day trial, you can enjoy the internet you deserve today.
Epic Games Store Bandwidth Limit | Can you throttle download speeds?
At times, you might notice that your download speed on the Epic Games Store has been reduced, this could be due to bandwidth limits. In this guide, we’ll let you in on whether or not there are sometimes Epic Games Store bandwidth limit restrictions, and what you can do about it. Read on, too, to find out if you can implement your own bandwidth limit on the PC gaming store so it doesn’t eat too much of your household’s bandwidth. Can you throttle download speeds on the Epic Games Store? Find out there an Epic Games Store Bandwidth Limit in place? If you’re reading this guide, it’s likely because you’ve noticed your download speeds on the Epic Games Store have been reduced. This is because, at times, the bandwidth on the Store becomes too much for Epic Games to handle. If there has been a release of a popular game, for example, more people will be using the Epic Games Store than normal. This could cause an Epic Games Store bandwidth limit to be put in place across different regions. This will slow down your download speed on the GTA 5 Epic Games launch is so popular it crashed the storeThe Epic Games Store will tell you if it has limited bandwidth in your region. When installing a game, click the Downloads option. Above the percentage bar you will see the following message if a limit is in place: “Due to high demand, bandwidth in your region is temporarily limited. ” Unfortunately, if you see this message, there is nothing you can do. You’ll simply have to wait for the bandwidth limit to be lifted before normal download speeds can you throttle download speeds on the Epic Games Store? Yes. You can throttle download speeds on the Epic Games Store. If you’re worried that your fast downloads are having a negative impact on your household’s bandwidth, you can manually set a download speed limit on the Epic Games Store. Follow these steps to throttle download speeds on the Epic Games Store:Open Epic Games StoreHead to SettingsScroll down to “Throttle Downloads” under “Preferences”Click on it and set your preferred download speed (in kilobytes per second)Now, hopefully, downloading an update or a game on the store shouldn’t slow down everything else you do.
Frequently Asked Questions about what does throttle downloads mean
When your Steam download slows down, most likely, it’s because of your internet connection. … The most overlooked solution to the Steam download slowing down is removing download restrictions within the app. By default, Steam does throttle your downloads while streaming and limits your bandwidth in general.Feb 11, 2021
ISPs throttle the internet mainly to regulate network traffic and clear up network congestion. ISPs can also throttle users when they reach a data usage limit within a fixed period. Throttling gets more questionable when ISPs use it to influence your internet habits and profit off of you.Aug 2, 2021
The Epic Games Store will tell you if it has limited bandwidth in your region. When installing a game, click the Downloads option. … You’ll simply have to wait for the bandwidth limit to be lifted before normal download speeds can resume.May 15, 2020
