Steam: Disable automatic game updates

Here you can read how to deactivate the automatic updates of games on the sales platform Steam. Usually the software automatically updates all installed games. However, sometimes it can make sense to switch off this function - this prevents Steam from automatically transferring large amounts of data in the background and slowing down your Internet connection.

Disable automatic game updates in Steam

There is no option to turn off automatic updates for all games. However, you can configure Steam so that available updates are only loaded when you start the respective game:

1. In Steam, right-click on a game in your list and choose Properties.
2. Switch to the tab: "Updates". There is the point "Automatic updates". Click on "Always keep this game up to date" and then select "Update this game only when the game starts". Then click on "Close".

Prevent automatic game updates with offline mode

As already mentioned, you cannot always switch off the automatic updates. If you still want to prevent any updates to your games, you can use Steam in offline mode. However, keep in mind that not all functions will be available and some games will not work at all:

1. Click on "Steam" in the menu bar and then on "Go offline ...".
2. Confirm the message window with "Restart in offline mode".