With game transfer over local area network, Steam users can copy Steam game installation and update files from one computer to another over a local network without having to download or install them from a steam server. In this way, Internet traffic is reduced and, as a general rule, installations or updates can be carried out faster. It goes without saying that the computer category includes desktops, laptops and also Steam Deck.
“This option would be useful, for example, in a house with several computers or Steam Decks on the same local network,” Valve explains. “Once a game is installed on one of the computers, files can be transferred from that computer to all other computers or Steam Decks to install or update the game.” A modern computer should have no problem transferring files at constant speeds of 100MB/s, which in many cases will be faster than downloading content from the Internet again.
Valve recalls that during the transfer, the Steam client that sends the content generates a load on the disk and on the processor, “so it is better to avoid other intense tasks on that computer” while the operation lasts.
Above what the computer that sends the content sees. Below what the recipient sees.
For those interested in knowing how it works, Valve explains that before starting to download or update a game, the Steam client checks if there are other computers on the local network that are using Steam and can transfer the content. If either is detected, the client requests the Steam server to contact the Steam client installed on the other computer and initiate a file transfer. If accepted, the computer will attempt to download as much content as possible from the other computer. If the connection is lost or content is missing, the client will fall back to the Steam servers to download them.
Game transfers over the local network support four configurations. They are the following:
- By disabling this option, the client does not search for available devices or allow local transfers of game files.
- By only allowing transfers between your own devices, it is possible to transfer content between devices on your local network that are logged in with the same Steam account.
- By only allowing transfers with Steam friends, it is possible to make transfers between devices connected to a local network where Steam friends are logged in.
- By allowing transfers with any user, it is possible to make transfers between any device that is connected to the local network and on which Steam is running.
