If you are a dedicated PC gamer, you likely rely on Steam not just for distribution but as your primary library and launcher. While automatic updates ensure you never miss the latest patches and security fixes, there are specific scenarios where you might want to pause that process. Perhaps you are working on a competitive title where even a minor patch could alter netcode, or you are running a complex mod setup that requires a specific version to remain stable. Understanding how to disable auto updates on Steam gives you complete control over when your games download and install changes.
Why You Might Want to Disable Automatic Updates
The default behavior of Steam is to quietly download updates in the background, which is convenient for most users. However, this convenience can become a nuisance for players with limited data caps or slow internet connections where a large update can consume bandwidth for hours. Furthermore, some players prefer to verify the integrity of a patch before committing to it, especially for games with notoriously buggy launches. By learning how to disable auto updates on Steam, you prevent these unexpected downloads from interrupting your workflow or slowing down your network during critical gaming sessions.
Method 1: Pausing Updates for Individual Games
The most common and recommended method involves pausing updates on a per-game basis rather than turning off the entire client. This approach is ideal because it allows you to keep automatic updates enabled for other titles while freezing a specific library entry. To do this, you simply right-click on the game in your library, navigate to the "Properties" menu, and then select the "Updates" tab. Here, you will find an option to disable automatic updates for that specific title, effectively teaching Steam how to disable auto updates on Steam for that game without affecting the rest of your collection.
Verifying the Pause Status
Once you have disabled the setting, the interface will change to reflect the new status. Instead of showing a progress bar for a download, the game entry will display a "Paused" label under the title. You will also notice that the "Check for updates" button is greyed out, confirming that the client will no longer initiate downloads for that software. This visual feedback is crucial for ensuring that your settings took effect correctly and that your bandwidth is being preserved for other activities.
Method 2: Disabling Steam Auto-Updates Globally
If your goal is to completely turn off auto updates on Steam for the entire application, you need to adjust the client settings rather than the game properties. This is a more drastic measure and is generally only necessary for advanced users who manage their own servers or wish to strictly control when the client itself updates. You begin by opening the Steam client and clicking on "Steam" in the top left corner of the window to open the dropdown menu. From there, select "Settings" to access the configuration panel.
Within the Settings menu, navigate to the "Account" tab. Look for the section labeled "Steam Client Updates." In this area, you will find a radio button that allows you to change the update behavior. Selecting the option for "Disable Steam Client updates" will prevent the entire application from updating automatically. Please note that this does not affect the automatic updating of individual games, but it does stop the platform itself from changing until you manually re-enable the feature.
Reverting Your Changes
Should you decide to reactivate automatic updates, the process is just as straightforward as the initial configuration. For individual games, you simply return to the "Updates" tab in the game's properties and click the button that re-enables automatic updates. For the global client settings, you return to the "Account" tab in Settings and select the option to "Enable Steam Client updates." It is important to periodically check for updates manually using the "Check for Steam Client Update" option in the main menu to ensure you remain protected against security vulnerabilities.
