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Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Steam’s update settings let you choose between having the client decide when to update games and postponing a game’s update until you launch it. Use the global default for most of your library, then set a per-game exception for titles that need different treatment. The feature was announced for the Steam Client Beta on December 11, 2024; Valve’s announcement does not establish that every detail is available on every current client version or platform. Valve’s announcement
Choose between automatic timing and updating at launch
The practical trade-off is readiness versus control. If Steam decides when to update, it can take account of factors such as when you last played a game and available bandwidth. A game set to update only when launched can defer its download while it sits unused—but you may have to wait for the update before playing it again.
Valve introduced these choices to address situations such as returning to a very large game when you are ready to play, particularly if your connection is metered or capped. The announcement used a 200GB game as an illustrative example, not as a typical game size or a measured result. Valve’s December 11, 2024 announcement
Set a default, then make exceptions for individual games
Change the global default
In the Steam Client Beta announcement, Valve placed the global setting at Steam > Settings > Downloads. The described choices are to let Steam choose when to update or to wait until a game is launched. Steam Support also directs users to Steam > Settings > Downloads for download settings. Labels and availability can vary as the client changes, so the announcement’s Beta-era screen should not be assumed to match every installation. Valve’s announcement · Steam Support: Downloads
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
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Set one game to update only when launched
- Open Library and select the game.
- Open the game’s Properties.
- Choose Updates and select Only update this game when I launch it, as described by Steam Support.
This per-game choice is useful when the rest of your library can follow the global default but one large or rarely played title should wait. Valve’s Beta announcement also described a Manage Exceptions view in Downloads settings for reviewing overrides. The announcement does not establish that this exact view appears in every current version. Steam Support: Downloads · Valve’s announcement
Use the Download Manager for queue and schedule controls
Update timing is only one part of managing downloads. Steam Support says the Download Manager lets you track downloads, schedule updates, reorder the queue, and review completed downloads. Open it from the client’s downloads view—available through View > Downloads or the Library’s Downloads page—and use it to see what is queued or active. Steam Support: Downloads
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- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
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If Steam is using more of your connection than you want, look in Steam > Settings > Downloads for bandwidth controls. A bandwidth limit can constrain Steam’s download use; scheduling and queue management can help you choose when downloads run. These controls address different needs: a launch-only game rule defers that game’s update, while a bandwidth limit controls download use more broadly. Valve’s March 2020 post also discussed pausing downloads, automatic download windows, and disabling automatic updates, but those references describe guidance at that time rather than a guarantee about today’s interface or update algorithm. Steam Support: Downloads · Valve’s March 2020 bandwidth post
What happens to a game you have not played recently?
With Steam choosing timing, last-played status is one of the factors Valve said it could consider, along with bandwidth availability. That does not mean Valve’s older timing policy is still in force: in March 2020, during pandemic-era bandwidth measures, Valve said games played within the previous three days would update immediately and less recently played games would be spread across additional days. That was a temporary, dated policy description—not the current algorithm. Valve’s March 2020 bandwidth post
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1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteRank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
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- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
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- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
If you set a game to update only when launched, the update is deferred, not skipped. Steamworks documentation notes that players with an installed game need to download its update before launching the updated build. Choosing launch-only timing may therefore mean waiting for the download when you return to the game. Steamworks: Updating Your Game – Best Practices
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Optional: move rarely played games to a storage HDD
Valve’s 2020 bandwidth guidance suggested moving infrequently played games from an SSD to a storage HDD as an alternative to uninstalling them and downloading them again later. This is an optional library-management choice, not a requirement for changing update timing or limiting bandwidth. Consider it if you want to keep a large game installed without using faster SSD space; there is no need to buy a drive just to use Steam’s update controls. Valve’s March 2020 bandwidth post
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
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- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
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- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
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