Steam update goes backwards [FIXES THAT REALLY WORK]

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A very unusual issue occurs while trying to download updates for Steam, users report. It seems that after the download reaches a certain point, it starts going backward, leaving users unable to complete the download. Steam breaks down games/updates into small 1MB chunks. When an update is released, Steam analyzes files, working out how to build the necessary files from those small chunks.

Fortunately, we came up with a series of fixes that impact other causes.

Why does Steam client updates keep resetting?

1. Check your internet connection

  1. Open your internet browser and check to see if web pages load quickly and without interruption.
  2. If you notice your internet running slower than usual, perform a hard reset on your router/modem.
  3. Contact your internet provider if hard resetting the router/modem doesn’t work and let them know about the issue you’re having.
  4. Try using a wired connection instead of Wifi as well. Wireless connections are usually slower and internet spikes could occur more often.

2. Reinstall Steam

  1. Open Start and locate Steam.
  2. Right-click on it and choose Uninstall. This will take you to Control Panel > Uninstall a program section.
  3. Uninstall Steam.
  4. Download the Steam client, here, and install it as an administrator.

3. Clear download cache

  1. Press the Steam button in the top left corner > open Settings.
  2. Go to the Downloads section > Press Clear download cache.
  3. Press OK and re-attempt starting the download.

4. Allow Steam to run through Windows Firewall and disable antivirus

  1. Open the Control Panel > go to System & Security.
  2. Under Windows Defender Firewall, choose to Allow an app through Windows Firewall.
  3. Click Change settings > find the Steam app and make sure it has both Public and Private boxes ticked.
  4. Disable your antivirus temporarily.
  5. Press OK > try reloading Steam and see if it works.

5. Change the download region in Steam

  1. Click Steam in the top left corner > open Settings.
  2. Select the Downloads tab > click the Download region drop-down menu and select a different region > click OK.
  3. Check to see if downloading is now running properly.

6. Repair Library folder

  1. Click Steam in the top left corner > open Settings.
  2. Select the Downloads tab > choose Steam Library Folders.
  3. Right-click on folder > select Repair Folder.
  4. Restart Steam and see if it fixed the download issue.

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