How to enable background downloads on Steam

Valve recently updated its Steam service with a much wanted feature where games can be played whilst a download is taking place. Previously, the download would stop when a game was launched, and required, Alt Tabbing to resume the download which was a bit fiddly.

Here’s how to enable background downloads on Steam:

Go to Library

Right click the game you wish to play

Click Properties

Tick the box which reads: Allow Steam to download other updates while this game is running.

This will have to be done for each game you intend to play, which is a bit odd there’s no global setting here. Either way, it’s a welcome addition and works wonders.

steam download

Written by: Rob Cram

Rob Cram has hundreds of video game reviews, thousands of articles under his belt with years of experience in gaming and tech. He aims to remain fair and free from publisher/developer influence. With his extensive knowledge, feels his gaming opinions are valid and worth sharing. Agreement with his views are entirely optional. He might have a bias towards cyberpunk.