Valve fixes Steam bug that downloaded games online instead of over your local network

Q: What Steam client update fixed the local network game transfer issue and how do I confirm I have it installed on PC?

The Steam client update that fixed the local network game transfer issue is the update that went live on Monday which resolved errors preventing copying game files over a local area network. To confirm you have it installed on PC, check that your Steam client is up to date via the settings menu on PC.

Q: How can I check for the required update on a Steam Deck if local transfers are still defaulting to internet downloads?

On Steam Deck, look for the yellow exclamation point that indicates a client update is available; install that update so the Deck matches the same updated Steam version as other devices. The article notes all devices involved must be running the same updated version for local transfers to work.

Q: Can local network transfers be used together with Family Sharing to move games between household accounts?

Yes. The article states that pairing local network game transfers with Family Sharing enables moving game files between household accounts, creating an effective local setup. It also notes this works once all devices involved are running the same updated version of the Steam client.

Q: Why would Steam choose to download over the internet instead of using local network speeds, and how does the update address this?

The article does not explain why Steam was choosing to download over the internet instead of using local network speeds; it only reports that some users experienced local transfers defaulting to internet downloads. The update fixed errors preventing copying game files between devices over a local area, and local transfers should no longer default to internet downloads as long as all devices involved are running the same updated version of Steam.

Valve resolves local network game transfer issues on Steam, restoring the ability to transfer game files between PCs without accessing the internet.

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Jak Connor

Tech and Science Editor

Published Jul 28, 2026 9:05 AM CDT

1 minute & 15 seconds read time

TL;DR: Valve fixed a Steam bug that caused local network game transfers to fall back to internet downloads; after the update, PCs and Steam Decks running the same updated client can copy games over the LAN, preserving bandwidth and speeding transfers-update Steam to enable it.

Voice: Jak ConnorSpeed

0:00 / 1:55

Valve has officially fixed the issue that was preventing local network game transfers from working properly on Steam, making life easier for an undoubtedly small number of Steam users compared to the entire user base, but those who regularly use local network game transfers are now looking up and thanking Lord Gaben.

Valve fixes Steam bug that downloaded games online instead of over your local network 1

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The update went live on Monday and fixed errors that prevented users from copying game files between devices over a local area, which is an incredibly handy feature if you have multiple Steam users in the same household and a limited internet connection speed, or total data per month. Additionally, pairing local network game transfers with family sharing makes for an incredibly powerful local setup.

However, prior to this recent update, some users found their local transfers were defaulting to internet downloads instead of using the local network speeds, which are considerably faster, don't cause lag for other network users, and don't chew down on total data allocation. Now, with the latest client update, that shouldn't happen, but only if all devices involved in the transfer are running the same updated version of Steam.

Local transferring is also a boon for Steam Deck users who want to transfer games without relying on spotty Wi-Fi or cellular data.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Question #1

What Steam client update fixed the local network game transfer issue and how do I confirm I have it installed on PC?

Question #2

How can I check for the required update on a Steam Deck if local transfers are still defaulting to internet downloads?

Question #3

Can local network transfers be used together with Family Sharing to move games between household accounts?

Question #4

Why would Steam choose to download over the internet instead of using local network speeds, and how does the update address this?

Have a question not listed here? Ask below and TweakBot will answer it.

If you want to take advantage of local game transferring, make sure your Steam client is up to date; check via the settings menu on PC or the yellow exclamation point on Steam Deck. Once updated, local transfers should work seamlessly. Enjoy, and thank you again, Lord Gaben.