Steam users have expressed a desire for an “Update All” button for game updates. This feature would allow players to quickly set all of their games to download updates simultaneously, streamlining the entire process.
Currently, users are faced with the tedious task of either waiting for Steam to automatically download updates—based on its own schedule—or manually clicking through each game to initiate updates individually. The call for this quality of life improvement has sparked discussions within the Steam community, especially since a significant change in the update process was implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic.
At that time, Steam announced that it would spread out game downloads to alleviate pressure on its servers, a decision that has not been reversed since. As a result, updates for games played recently are prioritized, while those for games that have not been opened in a while can be delayed for days.
While Steam remains the leading platform for PC gaming, with various competitors having since exited the market, there is still a recognition that the platform is not without its flaws. Users, like Redditor lemonvrc, have highlighted the inconvenience of the current update system.
For gamers who frequently enjoy multiple titles, the absence of an easy way to queue updates presents a notable frustration. Despite user requests, it appears unlikely that Steam will introduce an “Update All” feature in the near future.
If every user were able to update all their games at once, it could potentially place excessive strain on Steam’s already robust infrastructure. Although many years have passed since the height of the pandemic, Valve seems content with maintaining the adjustments made during that period, leaving many players longing for a simpler update process.