As part of a beta, you’ll be able to force Steam to wait to update games until you launch them.
Valve is shaking things up with the latest beta update to the Steam client, introducing a new default option that fundamentally changes how game updates are managed. This new feature allows games to only download updates when you launch them, offering a refreshing level of control and convenience for players.
The Current System: How Steam Manages Updates
Currently, Steam uses a set of predetermined criteria to decide when to download updates for your games. Valve has explained the process as follows:
- For games you recently played: Steam downloads updates shortly after they are released to ensure you always have the latest version ready to go.
- For games you haven’t touched in a while: Updates may be delayed by a few days to bundle multiple patches together or scheduled to download during off-peak hours—such as when you’re asleep.
While this approach is fairly efficient, it doesn’t cater to everyone, especially gamers with bandwidth caps or limited data plans. That’s where the new default setting steps in.
A New Era: Updates on Your Terms
The new default option being tested in the beta client allows you to postpone updates until you launch a game. As Valve highlights, this is a game-changer for anyone who wants more control over their downloads. For instance, if a massive update is available for a game you haven’t played in months, you can skip the download until you’re ready to dive back in. This approach can help conserve bandwidth and reduce unnecessary downloads.
Where to Find the New Option
You can access this feature by navigating to the Downloads section of the beta Steam client settings. Valve provides two global settings for game updates:
- Let Steam decide when to update: This option continues the current behavior of updating games based on factors like recent playtime and bandwidth availability.
- Wait to update until the game is launched: This new setting delays updates until you actually open a game, putting the choice in your hands.
If you prefer, you can still customize download settings for individual games by adjusting the per-game options found in a game’s Properties menu. Valve has also cleaned up the descriptions for these per-game settings, making them easier to understand. Additionally, the beta update lets you manage all per-game overrides directly from the Downloads section of the Steam client, streamlining the process.
Why This Matters
This update is more than a quality-of-life improvement; it’s a thoughtful response to the diverse needs of Steam’s global user base. Gamers with bandwidth caps can avoid downloading large updates unnecessarily, while those with slower internet connections can better manage their data usage. Even casual players will appreciate not having to wait for an update to finish before jumping into a game they’ve been eyeing for weeks.
How to Try It Out
If you’re interested in testing this feature, you’ll need to opt into the Steam beta client. Here’s how:
- Open your Steam client.
- Navigate to Steam > Settings > Account (or Preferences on macOS).
- Under “Beta Participation,” click “Change…” and select “Steam Beta Update.”
- Restart your client to apply the changes.
Once you’re in the beta, you’ll find the new update options in the Downloads section of the settings menu.
A Step Forward for Steam’s User Experience
Valve’s commitment to improving Steam’s functionality and user experience continues with this thoughtful update. By giving players more control over how and when their games are updated, Valve is addressing real-world concerns like bandwidth limitations, data management, and the frustrations of unwanted downloads.
With this new default option, Steam is setting a higher standard for digital game platforms. Whether you’re a hardcore gamer juggling a library of hundreds of titles or a casual player with a few favorites, this update ensures that Steam adapts to your needs, not the other way around.
Stay tuned for more updates from Valve as they continue to refine and expand Steam’s features. If this new option proves successful in beta testing, it’s likely to become a permanent fixture in the world’s most popular PC gaming platform.
