I have a capable computer with gigabit internet over Ethernet, but Steam downloads for about two seconds and then stop for roughly five seconds before starting again. The disk-usage graph looks like a mountain range, and downloads that should take around 10 minutes can stretch to many hours. I've already tried the usual troubleshooting steps, but nothing has helped. What could be causing this repeated stuttering?
3 Answers
There could still be a network or server-path issue. Packet loss between your computer and the download server can cause TCP to slow down dramatically and repeatedly retransmit data. Try a different nearby Steam download region and run a packet-loss or bufferbloat test. If you want detailed evidence, a packet capture can show retransmissions, though checking the drive and Steam’s processing activity is probably the better first step.
Steam downloads involve more than receiving files: the CPU and storage drive may also be handling decryption, extraction, and installation. Watch CPU, disk activity, and the Steam download details together. If the drive is at 100% active time while the network speed drops, storage or processing is probably the bottleneck. Running a drive health test can help distinguish normal hardware limits from a failing drive.
This is often caused by Steam’s download pipeline rather than the internet connection itself. Steam downloads data in chunks, then decrypts, decompresses, and writes those chunks to the library drive. If the drive or another process can’t keep up, downloading pauses until the queued data is processed. Check which drive the Steam library uses, especially if it’s an older hard disk. Also check the drive’s SMART health data for errors or bad sectors, and consider temporarily excluding the library folder from real-time antivirus scanning.
That explains why the disk graph rises and falls at the same time as the download. I’ll check the library drive and its health before assuming the connection is the problem.