Usually not by default. Steam pauses downloads when a game launches, but you can turn that pause off in the Steam client, so downloads keep running during gameplay. If the download starts hurting your online play, Steam also offers a bandwidth limit in the same settings area.
Why Steam pauses downloads when you launch a game
Steam’s official support article, “Downloads automatically pause when launching a game,” explains that the client pauses your downloads when a game is launched “in order to prioritize the network activity for the game itself.” In other words, Steam is protecting the bandwidth your game needs while you play, rather than letting a background download compete with it.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
The pause is the default behavior. Nothing in Steam’s guidance says a download will resume on its own once you close the game, so check the queue in your Downloads view if an install seems stalled after a session ends.
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchHow to keep downloads running during gameplay
Steam exposes a single global switch for this behavior. To allow downloads while games are running:
#1 Best Overall
- Ultra-Portable: Slim, portable, and light weight allowing you to protect your investment wherever you go
- Ergonomic Comfort: Doubles as an ergonomic stand with two adjustable height settings
- Optimized for Laptop Carrying: The metal mesh provides your laptop with a stable laptop carrying surface
- Ultra-Quiet Fans: Three ultra-quiet fans create a noise-free environment for you
- Extra Usb Ports: Extra USB port and power switch design allows for connecting more USB devices. Warm Tips: The packaged cable is USB to USB connection. Type C connection devices need to prepare an Type C to USB adapter
- Open the Steam client.
- Select Steam > Settings, then choose Downloads.
- Enable Allow Downloads During Gameplay.
Steam’s support text describes this checkbox as the way to turn off the automatic pause. Once it is enabled, downloads continue when you launch a game, and the next launch follows the same rule until you clear the box again.
Limiting a download that slows down online play
Allowing downloads is not free if your connection is already tight. Steam’s support article “Setting Client Rates (Limit Download Speed) in Steam” describes the client’s rate setting as a tool for troubleshooting lag or poor multiplayer performance. You find it in the same place as the gameplay checkbox:
Rank #2
- 9 Super Cooling Fans: The 9-core laptop cooling pad can efficiently cool your laptop down, this laptop cooler has the air vent in the top and bottom of the case, you can set different modes for the cooling fans.
- Ergonomic comfort: The gaming laptop cooling pad provides 8 heights adjustment to choose.You can adjust the suitable angle by your needs to relieve the fatigue of the back and neck effectively.
- LCD Display: The LCD of cooler pad readout shows your current fan speed.simple and intuitive.you can easily control the RGB lights and fan speed by touching the buttons.
- 10 RGB Light Modes: The RGB lights of the cooling laptop pad are pretty and it has many lighting options which can get you cool game atmosphere.you can press the botton 2-3 seconds to turn on/off the light.
- Whisper Quiet: The 9 fans of the laptop cooling stand are all added with capacitor components to reduce working noise. the gaming laptop cooler is almost quiet enough not to notice even on max setting.
- Select Steam > Settings > Downloads.
- Set a download bandwidth limit.
- Check the units shown in the client. Steam notes that the display may use bytes per second or bits per second, and the two differ by a factor of eight, so a value that looks generous in one unit may be very restrictive in the other.
A limit is a trade-off: a lower cap protects your game’s connection, but the download takes longer. If lag persists after you set a limit, pause the download entirely during matches rather than trying to tune the number further.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Per-game update controls are a different setting
Steam also manages updates per game, and this is where readers sometimes get confused. The global checkbox controls whether any download runs during gameplay. The per-game controls govern how one title updates. Steam’s “Managing Steam Downloads & Updates” article describes both.
Rank #3
- Whisper-Quiet Operation: Enjoy a noise-free and interference-free environment with super quiet fans, allowing you to focus on your work or entertainment without distractions.
- Enhanced Cooling Performance: The laptop cooling pad features 5 built-in fans (big fan: 4.72-inch, small fans: 2.76-inch), all with blue LEDs. 2 On/Off switches enable simultaneous control of all 5 fans and LEDs. Simply press the switch to select 1 fan working, 4 fans working, or all 5 working together.
- Dual USB Hub: With a built-in dual USB hub, the laptop fan enables you to connect additional USB devices to your laptop, providing extra connectivity options for your peripherals. Warm tips: The packaged cable is a USB-to-USB connection. Type C connection devices require a Type C to USB adapter.
- Ergonomic Design: The laptop cooling stand also serves as an ergonomic stand, offering 6 adjustable height settings that enable you to customize the angle for optimal comfort during gaming, movie watching, or working for extended periods. Ideal gift for both the back-to-school season and Father's Day.
- Secure and Universal Compatibility: Designed with 2 stoppers on the front surface, this laptop cooler prevents laptops from slipping and keeps 12-17 inch laptops—including Apple Macbook Pro Air, HP, Alienware, Dell, ASUS, and more—cool and secure during use.
To open them for a particular game, go to your Library, select the game, then choose Manage > Properties and open the Updates tab. The support article lists these automatic-update choices:
- Always keep this game updated
- Only update this game when I launch it
- High Priority
The same article also describes a per-game option that allows or prevents other updates from downloading while that particular game is running. A per-game update choice does not replace the global Allow Downloads During Gameplay checkbox.
Rank #4
- SMART COOLING — From idle to full load, keep the laptop running smoothly with our first laptop cooling pad that changes fan speeds automatically to manage system temperatures based on the settings
- AIRTIGHT PRESSURE CHAMBER — Included foam seals ensure no cool air leakage and works in tandem with a long lifespan 140 mm brushless fan that spins up to 3000 RPM to significantly reduce CPU, GPU, and surface temperatures
- WORKS WITH MOST LAPTOPS — Whether you've got an ultra-portable 14″ laptop or an 18″ powerhouse, choose between three magnetic frames that maximize cool air pressure and circulation
- PRESET & CUSTOM FAN CURVES — Keep the system cool in any scenario with our recommended presets or calibrate the fan to adjust for noise level or desired internal temperature via Razer Synapse
- 3-PORT USB TYPE A HUB — From webcams to controllers to drawing tablets, plug in more devices to the laptop without solely relying on its native USB ports
| Control | Where to find it | What it governs |
|---|---|---|
| Allow Downloads During Gameplay | Steam > Settings > Downloads | Whether downloads keep running when any game launches |
| Download bandwidth limit | Steam > Settings > Downloads | The maximum speed of downloads, which can reduce impact on online play |
| Per-game update options | Library > game > Manage > Properties > Updates | Update timing for one game, and whether other updates may download while that game runs |
What the official guidance does and does not establish
Steam’s documentation explains the reasoning behind the pause in qualitative terms only. It does not publish a download-speed, latency, or performance figure showing how much a background download affects a game, so any answer about the size of the impact depends on your own connection. The support pages do not show publication or revision dates, so the menu labels above are the ones Steam documents at the time of writing. If a label in your client differs, follow the same path and look for the closest matching option.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- New Upgraded Version-Cooling Gets Quiet and Quicker: Equipped with 5.5-inch large diameter turbo booster fan, combined sealed foam, ensures perfect cooling effect, 360 degrees all-round dynamic cooling, your laptop can reduce temperature by 44°C in 90 seconds (CPU+GPU), even during 4K rendering or AAA gaming, operating noise ≤70dB
- 3-Port USB Hub and Precise Control: The V12 laptop cooler features three USB 2.0 ports, turning your cooling pad into a central workstation hub. This solves the problem of limited ports on modern laptops, allowing you to connect a high-speed mouse, keyboard, and hard drive simultaneously. Meanwhile, the scroll wheel allows for easy, instantaneous, and precise airflow adjustment. ⚠️ For peripherals only – NOT for charging devices
- Integrated Dust Filtration Extends Laptop Lifespan: This cooler fan features a high-density, removable dust filter that effectively protects the internal fans of laptops. It captures hair and debris, preventing them from entering the vents, thus solving the common "pressure cooker" dust buildup problem, significantly extending the lifespan of your expensive gaming PC and reducing costly professional cleaning
- Soothing Controllable RGB: RGB light bar on the laptop cooling pad for PC, with 10 modes and 4 light colors collection, matches your PC gears accessories for amazing synergy even in dim room. Intuitive Touch-Mute Button adjusts RGB lighting with a single finger, minimizing distractions. Configured memory function, the laptop cooler RGB eliminates repeated selections and brings itself alive when power on
- User-Friendly Design: Featuring a reinforced chassis design, it's suitable for heavy-duty laptops from 15.6 to 19 inches. Three adjustable tilt angles (3°/12°/15°) allow you to customize your viewing height (scenario), directly alleviating neck and shoulder fatigue during long gaming or work sessions (pain point solved), ensuring maximum comfort and better posture
“
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.
