When you update a game on Steam, the process could take some time. But if Steam is stuck on patching like forever, it may indicate a problem. If you suspect that something is wrong, you can try the methods below which may help fix the Steam stuck on patching problem.
Before you move on to the methods, ensure your network connection is stable and the network speed is fast. Besides, ensure you have enough storage space to store the patches.
Try these methods
Method 1: Restart Steam
Method 2: Run Steam as administrator
Method 3: Clear download cache
Method 4: Verify integrity of game files
Method 5: Change your download region
Method 6: Check the bandwidth restrictions of Steam
Method 7: Temporarily disable your antivirus software
Method 1: Restart Steam
The patching process could be temporarily stuck. You can simply restart Steam and resume the patch. After that, the stuck problem may be fixed.
1) Press Ctrl+Alt+Esc to open Task Manager.
2) Right-click on the Steam process and select End Task.
3) Restart Steam.
4) Resume the patch.
Method 2: Run Steam as administrator
To fix the problem, you can try to run Steam as administrator. Here’s how:
1) Close and exit Steam.
2) Press the Windows logo key and then type “steam”.
3) Right-click on Steam and select Open file location. This will open the Steam folder.
4) In the Steam folder, right-click on the Steam shortcut and select Properties.
5) Click the Compatibility tab and check the checkbox next to Run this program as administrator.
6) Click Apply -> OK to save the changes.
7) Launch Steam and resume the patch to see if Steam is still stuck on patching.
Method 3: Clear download cache
Large download cache can cause Steam to be stuck on patching. You can try to clear the download cache and see if it helps. Follow these steps to clear download cache on Steam:
1) Launch Steam.
2) Go to Steam > Settings.
3) Click on Downloads and then click the CLEAR DOWNLOAD CACHE button. Follow the on-screen instructions to finish the process.
Once done, relaunch Steam and check to see if it’s still stuck on patching.
Method 4: Verify integrity of game files
The Steam stuck on patching issues can be due to corrupted game files. You use the feature “Verify integrity of game files” on Steam to detect and repair any corrupted game files.
Here’s how:
1) Launch Steam.
2) In your Steam Library, right-click on the game that’s stuck on patching and then select Properties.
3) Click the Local Files tab and click the Verify integrity of game files… button. Then Steam will start verifying the game files. The process may take a few minutes. Please wait until the process is complete.
4) Once done, restart your computer.
5) Launch Steam and check to see if the game finishes patching.
Method 5: Change your download region
Sometimes, this could occur in certain download regions. You can try changing your download region within Steam and see if it works.
1) Launch Steam.
2) Go to Steam > Settings.
3) Click on Downloads in the left pane. In the right pane, under the Download Region, select another region. Make sure you select a region that’s near you so you can get faster speeds. You may need to try multiple regions until you find the one that helps with the problem.
Method 6: Check the bandwidth restrictions of Steam
Steam updates require some amount of bandwidth. So check and make sure the bandwidth is not restricted on Steam. To do so:
1) Start Steam.
2) Go to Steam > Settings.
3) Click on Downloads, under Download Restrictions, check if Limit bandwidth to is set as No Limit. If not, untick the checkbox next to Limit bandwidth to then it’ll be set to No limit. After that, click APPLY > OK to save the changes.
Method 7: Temporarily disable your antivirus software
If you have your antivirus software running, Steam could be blocked by the antivirus software so the game cannot finish patching.
Temporarily disable your antivirus software and check to see if the problem is gone. If the problem is gone, the antivirus is the culprit. In that case, you can add Steam to the exception list of the antivirus software or use another antivirus software.
Hopefully you find this post helpful. If you have any questions, feel free to drop a comment below. I’ll get back to you ASAP.