How to Efficiently Fix the Steam Unpacking Slow Error - 7 Solutions

If you've preinstalled a game, you might encounter a slow Steam unpacking issue during installation. Naturally, this problem can also occur in other scenarios. In this article, we'll guide you through the process of resolving this issue:

Let's delve into the details of slow Steam unpacking and uncover the reasons behind this issue on PC.

Overview of the Steam Game Unpacking Slow Issue

Many Steam users have reported encountering slow Steam unpacking issues. This problem typically arises in the following two scenarios:

Scenario 1: You pre-installed a game

When you pre-install a game and obtain the decrypted file, if your computer's hard drive is slow and the network speed is fast, Steam will also get stuck in the unpacking process for a while after the download finishes.

Case 2: You update the game

This update is essentially small but unpacks a massive file. Consequently, the unpacking process is slow, and occasionally, you might require 30GB of free space to apply a 200MB update.

Next, we'll learn how to resolve this issue. Here, I've listed some other concerns you might have. Click on them for more information:

How to Resolve Steam Slow Unpacking Issue - 7 Effective Solutions

The unpacking process is typical, but why is Steam unpacking at a snail's pace? We have identified that the slow decompression issue with Steam is predominantly linked to the hard drive. In this segment, we will concentrate on how to address this issue.

1. Solution 1: Pause Extraction or Restart Steam
2. Solution 2: Set Steam's Priority to High
3. Solution 3: Ensure Sufficient Free Space
4. Solution 4: Defragment HDD or Optimize SSD
5. Solution 5: Remove Files in the Depotcache Folder
6. Solution 6: Check the Drive for Errors
7. Solution 7: Upgrade to an SSD

Now, let's begin learning the first solution to address this issue.

Solution 1: Pause Extraction or Restart Steam

Slow unpacking of Steam can also occur if you have numerous applications running simultaneously. In this case, logging out of Steam and then logging back in or restarting the Steam client might rectify the issue. This is a fundamental troubleshooting step.

How to Fix Steam Not Enough Disk Space Error [Updated]

What should we do when encountering the Steam not enough disk space error? How can we resolve this issue? Don't panic; below, you'll discover how to free up disk space on Steam and directly expand your partition using third-party free software.

Fix 2: Set Steam's Priority to High

If you set Steam's priority to high, the system will allocate more resources to Steam to boost its performance. Here's how you can do it: 1. Open the Task Manager on your computer. You can do this by right-clicking on the taskbar and selecting "Task Manager" or by pressing the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + Shift + Esc. 2. In the Task Manager window, find the Steam process. It might be listed under the "Processes" tab if you're using the simplified view, or under the "Details" tab if you prefer the detailed view. 3. Once you locate the Steam process, right-click on it and select "Set Priority." A context menu will appear. 4. From the context menu, choose "High." This will give Steam a higher priority in resource allocation, potentially improving its speed and responsiveness. 5. Be cautious when changing process priorities, as setting a program to high priority could potentially impact other running applications. If you notice any negative effects, simply return to the Task Manager, find the Steam process, and set its priority back to "Normal." Remember that adjusting priority might not always result in significant improvements, but it can be worth a try if you're experiencing lag or slow performance while using Steam.

Step 1. Right-click an empty space on the Windows taskbar and select "Task Manager" from the context menu.

Step 2. Proceed to the details. Locate the Steam.exe program, right-click on it, and select Set priority > High from the context menu.

Solution 3: Ensure Sufficient Free Space

To ensure a smooth unpacking process, make sure that the drive where Steam is installed has sufficient free space. You can achieve this by deleting unnecessary files. However, if you wish to keep your files and have adequate free space on another drive, you can resolve the issue by expanding the drive where Steam is installed. For this purpose, you can utilize the Partition Master tool, which offers an easy way to expand the drive. Notably, this feature is available for free. Here's a guide to assist you:

Step 1. Locate the Target Partition.

Go to Partition Manager, locate the target partition and select "Resize/Move".

Step 2. Extend the Target Partition.

Drag the partition panel rightward or leftward to add the unallocated space into your current partition, then click "OK" to confirm.

Additional Option: Get Space from Another Drive

If there isn't enough unallocated space on your disk, right-click on a large partition with sufficient free space and select "Allocate Space".

Then select the target partition that you want to extend at the Allocate space to column.

< b > Step 3. Execute Operations to Extend Partition.

Drag the dots of the target partition into the unallocated space and click "OK".

Click the "Execute Task" button and then click "Apply" to save all the changes.

Aside from what we've discussed above, Partition Master can do much more to help you free up hard drive space, such as:

• Free up space on C drive
• Move unallocated space to C drive
• Format (new) SSD to get usable space

Download Partition Master now to manage your hard drives or SSDs efficiently.

Fix 4: Defragment HDD or Optimize SSD

Things become different when you use an HDD or an SSD, so we’ve divided this fix into two parts.

Guide 1: Defragment Hard Disk Drive

Here are the steps to defragment an HDD: 1. **Access Defragmentation Tool**: First, you need to access the built-in defragmentation tool on your operating system. On Windows, this can typically be done by typing "defragment" or "disk defragmenter" in the search bar. 2. **Select the Drive**: Once the tool opens, you will see a list of drives connected to your computer. Select the hard disk drive (HDD) that you want to defragment. 3. **Analyze the Drive**: Before defragmenting, it's a good idea to analyze the drive. This will give you an idea of how fragmented the drive is and if defragmentation is necessary. Click on "Analyze Disk" or a similar option. 4. **View Analysis Results**: After the analysis, the tool will display the fragmentation level. If it's above a certain percentage (usually 10-20%), it's recommended to defrag the drive. 5. **Start Defragmentation**: Click on "Defragment Disk" or a similar button to begin the process. This may take some time depending on the size of the drive and the level of fragmentation. 6. **Wait for Completion**: Do not use your computer during the defragmentation as it can slow down the process. Let the tool run until it completes. 7. **Check Results**: Once finished, review the report to see if the defragmentation was successful. Your HDD should now be more optimized for data access. Remember, modern SSDs do not require defragmentation as they work differently from traditional HDDs.

Step 1. Type "optimization" into the Windows search bar.

Step 2. Click on the "Defragment and Optimize Drives" icon to launch the tool.

Step 3. Select a disk and click "Optimize" to improve its performance.

Optimize Driver

Guide 2: Optimize Solid State Drive (SSD)

If you're using an SSD, defragmentation is not necessary. Instead, you should enable the TRIM feature to initiate the GC (garbage collection) process. Here's how to do it:

Step 1. Click on the Windows search bar, type 'cmd' in the box, and then choose the Command Prompt from the options. Right-click on it and select "Run as administrator."

Step 2. Type the following command and press Enter: fsutil behavior query disabledeletenotify

Step 3. Next, check the command line to see if TRIM is enabled on the SSD.

NTFS DisableDeleteNotify = 0 - This signifies that "TRIM is enabled."

NTFS DisableDeleteNotify = 1 - This indicates that "TRIM is disabled."

If the TRIM technology is not enabled, you can continue to type the following command line to activate it: fsutil behavior set disabledeletenotify 0

Solution 5: Delete the Files in the Depotcache Folder

The "Depotcache" folder in Steam may store unnecessary temporary data on your computer, consuming valuable storage space. By deleting its contents, you might also resolve slow Steam unpacking issues. Follow this guide to do so: 1. **Close Steam**: First, ensure that the Steam client is completely closed. You can do this by right-clicking the Steam icon in the system tray (Windows) or the dock (Mac) and selecting "Exit." 2. **Locate the Depotcache Folder**: - **Windows**: Navigate to `C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\depotcache` or `C:\Program Files\Steam\steamapps\depotcache`, depending on your installation location. - **Mac**: Go to `~/Library/Application Support/Steam/steamapps/depotcache`. - **Linux**: Navigate to `~/.steam/steam/steamapps/depotcache`. 3. **Backup Important Data (Optional)**: If you're unsure about deleting the files and want to be cautious, create a backup of the "Depotcache" folder before proceeding. 4. **Delete Temporary Files**: Now, safely delete the contents of the "Depotcache" folder. You can select all files within the folder, press "Shift + Delete" on Windows or move them to the Trash on Mac/Linux and then empty the Trash. 5. **Re-launch Steam**: After deleting the files, restart the Steam client. It will automatically download any necessary data as needed. Please note that clearing the "Depotcache" folder may cause some games to take longer to launch initially as they need to re-download some assets. However, this should resolve any unpacking issues and free up disk space. Remember to always exercise caution when deleting files, especially if you're unsure about their purpose. If you encounter any issues after deleting the files, consult the Steam support forums or contact Steam support for assistance.

Step 1. Close Steam on your PC.

Step 2. Navigate to the following path: C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\depotcache. Note that this path may differ based on the location of your Steam installation.

Step 3. Delete the files in the "Depotcache" folder.

Step 6: Check the Drive for Errors

Windows' built-in error-checking utilities can rectify file system corruption and issues with bad logical sectors that might hinder your PC's proper functioning. However, the process can be intricate. Therefore, we suggest using the Partition Master tool for assistance. Its "disk surface test" feature is particularly useful in efficiently detecting drive errors. Below is a guide on how to perform error checking: 1. Download and install Partition Master. 2. Launch the software and select the drive you want to check for errors. 3. Click on the "Check Disk" or "Disk Surface Test" option within the software's interface. 4. Choose the type of scan you want to perform - a quick scan or a thorough scan. 5. Start the error-checking process by clicking "Start" or "OK." 6. Wait for the scan to complete. This may take some time, depending on the size of the drive. 7. Once the scan is finished, review the results and take necessary actions, such as repairing any identified issues. 8. Restart your PC if prompted to apply changes. By following these steps, you can effectively check and fix errors on your Windows system using Partition Master.

Step 1. Open AOMEI Partition Assistant. Right-click the disk that you wish to check, and then click "Surface Test".

Step 2. The operation will be performed immediately, and all bad sectors will be marked in red.

Fix 7: Upgrade to an SSD

If you're using an HDD, upgrading to an SSD might solve the issue of slow Steam unpacking. However, when replacing your HDD with an SSD, you might need to clone all the data from the original drive to the new SSD. In this case, you can use a tool like Partition Master. Here are the steps: 1. Download and install Partition Master on your computer. 2. Launch the software and select the source drive (your current HDD) that contains the Steam files. 3. Choose the destination drive, which is your new SSD. 4. Make sure both drives are properly recognized by the software. 5. Select "Clone" or "Disk Copy" from the main menu. 6. Choose the cloning method according to your needs, usually "sector-by-sector copy" for a more thorough transfer. 7. Review the settings and confirm the operation. 8. The cloning process will begin. It may take some time depending on the size of your data and the speed of the drives. 9. Once the cloning is complete, shut down your computer and disconnect the HDD. 10. Connect the new SSD as your primary boot drive. 11. Restart your computer, and it should boot from the SSD. 12. Verify that all your data, including Steam, has been successfully transferred to the new SSD. After this process, Steam's unpacking speed should improve significantly due to the faster read and write speeds of the SSD.

Step 1. Select the source disk.

Click "Clone" from the left menu. Select either "Clone OS Disk" or "Clone Data Disk" and click "Next". Choose the source disk and click "Next".

Step 2. Select the target disk.

1. Select the desired HDD/SSD as your destination and click "Next" to proceed. 2. Read the warning message and confirm by clicking the "Yes" button.

Step 3. View the disk layout and edit the target disk partition size.

Next, click “Continue” when the program warns you that it will erase all data on the target disk. (If you have valuable data on the target disk, back it up beforehand.)

You can choose "Autofit the disk," "Clone as the source," or "Edit disk layout" to customize your disk arrangement. (Select the last option if you wish to allocate more space to the C drive.)

Step 4. Click "Start" to initiate the disk cloning process.

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Conclusion

Was this article helpful to you? Did any of these approaches prove effective for you? If you were able to resolve your issue using these methods, kindly consider sharing this article with others who might be seeking assistance. Furthermore, in the following section, I will address a few questions related to the topic we've discussed today. Please proceed to read on.

"Steam Unpacking Slow FAQs" translates to "Frequently Asked Questions about Steam's Slow Unpacking Process."

Does it resolve the slow Steam unpacking issue? Here, we've gathered some additional questions you might be wondering about. Browse through the answers below for assistance:

**1. What does "Steam unpacking" mean?**

On Steam, unpacking is a routine occurrence. This process can take place visibly or invisibly when you pre-load, update, or install a game. However, issues may arise or the unpacking might become slow if there's a problem or if the hard drive's speed is sluggish.

2. How to speed up the Steam unpacking process? To speed up the Steam unpacking process, you can follow these steps: 1. **Close Other Programs**: Close all unnecessary programs and background applications running on your computer. This will free up system resources that can be utilized during the unpacking process. 2. **Update Steam**: Ensure that Steam is up to date by checking for any available updates. Go to Steam > Settings > Update, and let it download and install any updates if necessary. 3. **Update Your OS**: Make sure your operating system is also updated, as this can improve performance and compatibility with Steam. 4. **Defragment Your Hard Drive**: If you're using a traditional hard drive (HDD), defragmenting it can optimize file access and improve the unpacking speed. For solid-state drives (SSD), defragmentation is not necessary. 5. **Temporarily Disable Antivirus Software**: Some antivirus software might slow down the unpacking process while scanning the files. Temporarily disable it during the installation, but remember to re-enable it afterward. 6. **Use a Dedicated Unpacking Drive**: If possible, install your games on a separate hard drive or SSD dedicated solely to gaming. This can significantly reduce the load on your main system drive and speed up the process. 7. **Increase RAM**: Having more RAM can help with faster data processing. If you have the option, consider upgrading your computer's memory. 8. **Optimize Power Settings**: Set your computer to "High Performance" mode in the power settings. This will ensure maximum CPU and GPU usage during the unpacking process. 9. **Launch in Big Picture Mode**: Some users report that launching Steam in Big Picture Mode can improve the unpacking speed. Access this mode by pressing the Steam button on your controller or by going to View > Big Picture in the Steam client. 10. **Patience**: Keep in mind that some game downloads and unpacking processes naturally take longer due to the size of the game files. Be patient, as rushing the process may lead to errors or incomplete installations. By following these tips, you should be able to speed up the Steam unpacking process to some extent.

There are numerous methods to expedite the Steam unpacking process, and they include:

• Suspend extraction or restart Steam
• Set Steam's priority to high
• Ensure sufficient free space is available
• Defragment the HDD or optimize the SSD
• Delete the contents of the Depotcache folder
• Scan the drive for errors
• Upgrade to an SSD

3. Why does the game installation take so long?

This may take longer because the machine needs to decompress a large amount of data without losing or corrupting any information, and then install the decompressed (full-sized) file. The main reasons for this are as follows:

• Slow read/write speed on SSD/HDD.
• Occasional glitches in the Steam client.
• The update or installation package is too large.