Summary: This guide explains how to stop Steam from updating games automatically and offers tips to improve your overall gaming experience on the platform.

If you’ve ever wondered why does Steam update so much or felt frustrated by constant game updates interrupting your playtime, you’re not alone.

Frequent updates can consume bandwidth, slow down your system, and disrupt your gaming sessions.

In this guide, we’ll explain why Steam updates occur so often, whether you can stop or control automatic updates, and share the best ways to turn off automatic updates on Steam. Plus, you’ll learn practical tips to improve your overall gaming experience on Steam, so you can focus on playing without interruptions.

Table of Contents

1. Why Does Steam Update So Much
2. Can You Stop Steam from Updating Games
3. How to Turn Off Automatic Updates on Steam: Best Solution
4. How to Improve the Gaming Experience on Steam
5. Conclusion

Why Does Steam Update So Much

Steam updates frequently for several key reasons:

1. Platform and client enhancements – Steam regularly delivers bug fixes, performance boosts, UI improvements, new features (like social tools), and security patches to enhance stability and user experience.
2. Game updates – Each installed game receives patches for new content, bug fixes, and engine updates, which can pile up if you have many active games .
3. Server load management – Steam staggers updates (especially for less-played games) to reduce bandwidth spikes, prioritizing recently played titles.
4. Shader and cache updates – Frequent cache downloads (like shader pre-caching) help reduce in‑game stutter, even if they don’t look like typical updates.
5. Background client checks – Steam checks for updates each time it launches and auto-downloads client updates to ensure you’re always on a secure, optimized version.

In short, Steam’s constant updates reflect its ongoing commitment to delivering a secure, feature-rich, and high-performing gaming experience—though it can feel overwhelming at times.

While regular updates are essential for performance and security, many users wonder whether it’s possible to stop Steam from constantly updating their games.

Can You Stop Steam from Updating Games

No, you can’t completely stop Steam from updating games, but you can limit or delay updates using built-in settings and workarounds.

If you’re looking for a more hands-on method to block these updates, here’s the most effective way to turn off automatic updates on Steam.

How to Turn Off Automatic Updates on Steam: Best Solution

If you’re tired of Steam auto-updating your games and want a reliable method to stop it, here’s the best workaround—no console commands, launch options, or unreliable settings required. Most in-app solutions don’t truly prevent updates. Instead, the proven method is to write-protect Steam’s app manifest file for the game you want to block.

Steps to Block Game Client Updates:

1. Find the Game’s App ID

Go to Steam → Right-click your game → Properties → Updates

The App ID is listed at the bottom of the window.

2. Locate the AppManifest File

Right-click the game → Manage → Browse local files

Go up two folders until you reach Steam\steamapps (or SteamLibrary\steamapps)

Look for a file named: appmanifest_<YourGameAppID>.acf

3. Write-Protect the File

Right-click the appmanifest file → Select Properties

Check the box for Read-only (or “Write protected”) → Click OK

Once this is done, Steam will attempt to update the game but fail, showing a “DISK WRITE ERROR” in red under the Downloads tab. This means the update is effectively blocked.

How to Block Workshop or DLC Auto-Updates:

1. Navigate to: Steam\steamapps\workshop
2. Find the file named: appworkshop_<YourGameAppID>.acf
3. Right-click → Properties → Check Read-only → OK

This stops Steam from auto-updating mods, workshop items, or DLCs tied to the game.

How to Launch the Game Without Updates:

• Option 1: Desktop Shortcut

In Steam, right-click the game → Manage → Add Desktop Shortcut

• Option 2: Add as a Non-Steam Game
  • Go to the game folder
  • Copy the path (e.g., C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\GameName)
  • In Steam: Add a Game → Add a Non-Steam Game → Browse
  • Paste the path → Select the executable file → Click Add Selected Programs

You can now launch the game from your Library without triggering updates.

How to Re-enable Updates Later:

1. Return to the appmanifest file
2. Right-click → Properties → Uncheck “Read-only” → Click OK
3. Steam will now be able to update the game as normal.

This method is especially useful for modded games like Conan Exiles, and it preserves access to in-game services and account logins. As of now, it’s one of the few reliable ways to stop automatic updates on Steam while still enjoying full access to the game.

Now that you’ve managed your updates, let’s explore how to boost your overall gaming experience on Steam with helpful tools like Xmod.

How to Improve the Gaming Experience on Steam

If you’re looking to elevate your single-player experience in games like REPO, Xmod is a powerful tool worth considering.

Xmod gives you access to custom cheats and trainers, allowing you to personalize and enhance your gameplay. Whether you’re diving into intense missions or exploring hidden mechanics, Xmod helps you unlock a smoother and more tailored gaming experience.

1. Download the Xmod app from its official website.
2. Search for REPO within the app.

   

3. Launch the game directly through the Xmod interface.
4. Activate your preferred mods or cheats to customize the gameplay to your liking.

   

With Xmod, you can push your REPO experience beyond the standard and enjoy a more engaging, dynamic adventure.

Conclusion

Understanding why Steam updates frequently and knowing how to manage or disable automatic updates can save you time and bandwidth, making your gaming sessions smoother and more enjoyable. By applying these tips and optimizing your Steam settings, you’ll enhance your overall gaming experience and stay in control of your downloads and updates.