Why do Steam downloads drop to 0?

Answered by Tom Adger

There can be several reasons why Steam downloads drop to 0 bytes. One of the possible causes could be an issue with your internet connection. Poor connectivity or intermittent signal strength can lead to interruptions in the download process, causing the download speed to drop to 0.

Another potential reason could be a problem with the download cache. The download cache is a temporary storage location on your computer where Steam stores files while downloading. If the cache becomes full or corrupted, it can cause issues with the download process, leading to drops in download speed.

To resolve this issue, you can try emptying the download cache in Steam. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Open Steam and go to the “Settings” menu.
2. In the Settings window, click on the “Downloads” tab.
3. Click on the “Clear Download Cache” button.
4. A confirmation prompt will appear. Click “OK” to proceed.
5. Steam will then clear the download cache.

After clearing the download cache, try restarting Steam and initiating the download again. This should help resolve any cache-related issues that might be causing the download speed to drop to 0.

It’s also worth checking your internet connection stability. If you’re using a wireless connection, try moving closer to the router or connecting to it directly via an Ethernet cable. This can help improve signal strength and reduce potential interference.

If the issue persists, it may be worth contacting your internet service provider to ensure there are no network issues or restrictions on your connection.

In my personal experience, I have encountered similar issues with Steam downloads dropping to 0 bytes. Clearing the download cache and ensuring a stable internet connection have often resolved the problem for me. However, it’s important to note that individual situations may vary, so it’s always a good idea to explore other troubleshooting steps and seek professional assistance if needed.

Drops in Steam downloads to 0 bytes can be caused by internet connectivity issues or problems with the download cache. By addressing these potential causes, you can improve your download experience on Steam.