How To Enable Steam Local Network Transfer And Fix Issues

Did you know you do not have to download Steam games if you have purchased a new hard disk? You can just transfer the already downloaded game from one HDD to another. This will save on Internet bandwidth consumption. However, many gaming experts have observed that the transfer process takes longer than re-downloading. You can transfer the game files and save bandwidth or download the game again on the new hard disk. You can also facilitate a transfer of Steam game files to a friend’s hard drive if he/she also owns the game with his/her account. Without further ado, let us begin the guide.

What Are The Requirements For Direct Steam Transfers

To transfer Steam games over your local network, you’ll need to meet these straightforward requirements:

1. The Steam app should be installed and logged in on all computers.
2. All computers should be connected to the same local network.
3. Direct transfers must be enabled on all relevant Steam clients (this is typically enabled by default).
4. The game you want to transfer must be installed on at least one computer within the network.
5. Both computers must be powered on.

Now, let’s discuss how to initiate a direct transfer.

Also Read: How To Fix Steam Pending Transaction Error

How To Enable Steam Local Network Transfer

1. Launch the Steam app.
2. Click on the Steam menu in the upper left corner and choose Settings.

3. In the left panel, click on Downloads.

4. Next, locate Steam Library Folders in the right section and click on it.
5. Click the Add symbol and select the drive to move your Steam game files.
6. Make a Steam Library folder on the new drive.
7. Click on the Add button, and the new drive will appear as the destination disk in the Storage Manager option.

8. Choose the games you wish to transfer and click on the Move button.

Also Read: How To Fix Missing File Privileges Steam Error

How To Fix Steam Local Network Transfer Not Working Issues

Verify Steam Downloads Settings

The Steam app has a Direct Transfer module enabled by default. However, verifying if this option is turned on before you begin the transfer is recommended. Here are the steps:

1. Launch the Steam app and click on the Steam tab in the upper left corner.
2. Click on Settings followed by Downloads.
3. Look for “Game File Transfer Over Local Network” and enable the toggle switch.

4. If you want to share the game files with a different Steam account, locate the “Allow transfers from this device to”  option and click on the dropdown next to it.
5. Choose “Anyone” to begin the transfer process. The account must also own the game when transferring game files.

Also Read: What To Do If Steam Not Starting on PC

Check The Integrity Of Game Files

If the transfer of Steam’s game files is not working, then experts recommend that you verify the integrity of the game files. Here are the steps:

1. Launch the Steam app and click on the Library tab.
2. A list of games installed will appear on your screen. Right-click on the game you wish to transfer and select properties from the context menu.
3. Next, click on the Installed Files tab in the left panel.
4. Finally, click on “Verify integrity of game files”.

This process will take some time, depending on the size of the game files. Steam will automatically fix the corrupted files, after which you can try to transfer the files again.

Also Read: How To Fix Disk Write Error In Steam on Windows 11/10

Disable Security Software Temporarily

Some experts have noted that antivirus software prevents the smooth transfer of game files over Steam’s local network. Hence, they suggest temporarily disabling the antivirus software. Here are the steps to disable the Windows Security app on your PC. If you use a third-party antimalware app, look for the documentation to disable it.

1. Press the Windows key and type “Windows Security.”
2. Click on the best match result.
3. Next, click on Virus & Threat Protection.

4. Scroll down and click on Manage Settings.
5. Slide the toggle button under Real Time protection towards the left to disable it.
6. Reinitiate the transfer of Steam files.
7. Enable real-time protection after the transfer is complete.

What To Do If The Steam Local Network Transfer Is Slow

Update The Steam App On All Devices

Experts recommend that before beginning any file transfer, the Steam app must be updated to the latest version on all the devices involved. This helps maintain the same version on all the devices and facilitates a smooth transfer of game files.

1. Launch the Steam app and click on the Steam tab in the top-left corner.
2. Choose “Check for Steam Client Updates” from the dropdown menu.

3. The Steam app will connect to the Steam servers and download/install any updates that are available.

Use A Wired Connection If Possible

After updating the Steam app, if file transfer is still slow, some experts suggest using a wired connection for better transfer speeds. In many cases, a wired connection is faster and more stable than a wireless connection.

Ensure Both PCs Are Idle

While initiating a transfer of Steam game files, it is necessary to ensure that both computers are not carrying out heavy processes that consume CPU and GPU resources. Also, there must be no downloads on either PC. This will ensure that all the resources and bandwidth are dedicated to the Steam transfer process only, which may increase the transfer speed.

Delete Steam Download Cache

The final step to fix slow Steam Local Network transfer is to delete the Steam Download Cache. Here are the steps:

1. Open the Steam app and click on the Steam tab in the top left corner.
2. Select Settings and click on the Downloads tab in the left panel.

3. In the right section, click on the “Clear Download Cache” button.

4. Click on the Confirm button in the prompt box.
5. You will be logged out of your Steam account. Log in to your account and start transferring Steam game files.

Also Read: Steam Download Stuck at 0 Bytes? Here’s What You Can Do!

Update Network Drivers

Did you know that Network drivers also play an important role in transferring files over a network? If the network drivers are corrupted, you may not be able to transfer any files. On the other hand, outdated drivers can slow down the transfer of game files. There are three methods to download and update Network Drivers.

Method 1: Update drivers using the manufacturer’s website

The first method of updating drivers is to visit the official website of your PC manufacturer and search for the driver related to your brand and model. However, this method can be too technical for many, so we recommend the remaining two methods.

Method 2: Update drivers using the Device Manager

The second method is to use the Device Manager tool on your PC. The only limitation of this method is that you cannot always find updated drivers here. This tool connects to a Microsoft server for driver updates only and may not have the latest version of drivers. Here are the steps.”

Press Win + X and select Device Manager> Click Network Adapters>Right-click on your network adapter and choose Update Driver.

Method 3: Update Drivers using Advanced Driver Updater

The final method to update drivers is using the Advanced Driver Updater app. This software overcomes the limitations of the previous two methods and can update all the drivers to their latest compatible versions with a few mouse clicks. Here are the steps:

1. Download & Install Advanced Driver Updater using the link below.

2. Launch the app and click on the Start Scan Now button.

3. After the driver anomalies are presented on the screen within the app interface, click on the Update link next to the Network drivers.

4. Wait for the process to complete and reboot your PC.

Are You Able To Carry Out Steam Local Network Transfer?

We hope you enable a Steam Local Network Transfer on a Windows PC. We have explained the steps to follow if the transfer fails or is slow after enabling. Please write to us about your favorite method in the comments section below.

Also Read: Could Not Connect to Steam Network? Here’s How You Fix It!