Let your games update on your schedule with new changes to the Steam beta

Valve is testing a new feature in the Steam client beta that allows games to download updates by default only when they are launched. Currently, Steam decides when to download updates based on, for example, whether you've played the game recently or whether you have active download settings.

Here's What We Know

This new option gives players more control over the update process by allowing them to delay downloading large updates until they are ready to play, which is important for those with limited bandwidth.

Users can find this feature in the client's beta settings in the Downloads section. Valve explains that players can choose between automatic updates or waiting until the game launches.

In addition, players can configure download options for each game individually in its properties.

To configure this feature for an individual game, go to the game's page in the library, click the gear icon, and select Properties... → Updates. The options remain the same, but their descriptions are now more neat.

Valve has also improved the descriptions of these settings for the convenience of users. In the beta version, you can manage your individual settings right in the general settings of your Steam downloads.

Source: Steam