To defer updates for one Steam game, open it in your Library, select Manage > Properties > Updates, then set Automatic updates to Only update this game when I launch it. This is not a permanent block: Steam updates the game when you launch it.
Set a game to update only when you launch it
- Open your Steam Library and select the game.
- On the game’s library page, choose Manage > Properties.
- Open Updates. Under Automatic updates, choose Only update this game when I launch it.
Steam describes this option as temporarily disabling updates. When you launch the game, Steam forces its pending update immediately, so you cannot use this setting to keep launching the game indefinitely without updating it. These steps follow Steam Support’s English labels; wording may vary slightly by operating system, client version, or localization. Steam Support: Managing Steam Downloads & Updates.
Choose a different update behavior
The game’s Automatic updates menu also lists Always keep this game updated and High Priority – Always auto-update this game before others. These are per-game choices; the high-priority option puts that game’s automatic update ahead of others.
A separate per-game setting controls whether other updates may download while you are playing. It does not change the fact that launching a game set to update on launch forces its update immediately. Steam Support documents these controls in the same download and update guidance.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
#1 Best Overall
- International (UK) Version
- 7.4” diagonal, HDR OLED, 1280 x 800 x RGB, up to 90Hz Refresh rate, High performance touch, <0.1 ms Response time, 1,000 nits peak brightness (HDR), 600 nits (SDR)
- SteamOS 3.0 (Arch-based)
- 512GB NVMe SSD, 16GB LPDDR5 on-board RAM (5500 MT/s quad 32-bit channels), microSD UHS-I supports SD, SDXC and SDHC
- 6 nm AMD APU, CPU: Zen 2 4c/8t, 2.4-3.5GHz (up to 448 GFlops FP32
Schedule or manage downloads across Steam
For broader control, open Steam > Settings > Downloads. These controls affect download timing or speed rather than permanently disabling updates for a selected game.
- Schedule automatic updates: Enable the option to restrict automatic updates to a time window, then set the hours. Steam’s example uses midnight to 8 a.m. local time. You can override the schedule to download immediately, and launching a game forces its update.
- Limit bandwidth: Set a bandwidth limit to constrain download speed; this does not turn updates off.
- Manage the queue: Use the Download Manager to track downloads and updates and reorder queued downloads.
For the exact current labels and details, see Steam Support’s download and update instructions.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 1TB NVMe SSD
- 1280 x 800 HDR OLED display with premium anti-glare etched glass, 7.4" Diagonal display size up to 90Hz refresh rate
- Wi-Fi 6E
- 50Whr battery; 3-12 hours of gameplay (content-dependent)
- Carrying case with removable liner
Rank #4
- Valve is entering the gaming console marketplace with the new Steam Deck, a console geared towards PC gamers. The Steam Deck can be docked to a monitor, and used as a PC, or docked to a TV.
- Players can play a huge variety of games at any time with the comfort of a console and the freedom of a PC. Not anti-glare screen.
- Like the name suggests, the Steam Deck will include upgraded 1TB storage, and will include a carrying case. A micro SD slot will also enable expanded storage.
- Valve partnered with AMD to create a specialized APU optimized for handheld gaming, and Valve says the chip will deliver performance to run AAA gaming titles.
- The Steam Deck is outfitted with a 7-inch touchscreen, and two trackpads under the control sticks that allow gamers to operate games never designed outside of mouse and keyboard capabilities.
Rank #2
- 【Upgraded】We sells product with professionally upgraded to 2TB SSD. Original Seal is opened for upgrade ONLY.
- 【Stunning 7.4" HDR OLED & 90Hz Motion】 Experience striking contrast and brilliant clarity with the all-new 7.4-inch HDR OLED display. Designed from the ground up for gaming, it features a 90Hz refresh rate for smooth motion and pure blacks. This handheld is capable of delivering an immersive visual experience, ensuring your Steam library looks better than ever with vibrant colors and amazing motion rendition.
- 【30-50% More Battery & Efficient Performance】 Play your favorites longer with up to 50% more battery life. By fitting a larger battery and a power-efficient OLED panel, this device provides extended gameplay sessions. It’s the perfect travel companion for long flights or commutes. The updated AMD APU ensures high-speed performance for AAA titles while maintaining incredible energy efficiency.
- 【3X Faster Downloads with Wi-Fi 6E】 Never wait for a game again. Equipped with Wi-Fi 6E, this Steam Deck OLED offers increased bandwidth and lower latency, delivering downloads up to 3 times faster than previous models. This ensures stable online play and rapid updates, making it the most reliable wireless gaming handheld for modern high-speed home networks.
- 【Responsive Touch & Enhanced Connectivity】 Enjoy a vastly improved touchscreen with higher fidelity and faster haptics. We’ve added a dedicated Bluetooth antenna to improve connections for multiple controllers. Whether using the built-in trackpads or the included external controller, this allows for precision play in everything from FPS to complex strategy games.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.
