Schedule Steam Downloads

I accept a capped network account, only my internet service provider allows unlimited downloads betwixt midnight too 6am, how tin I laid Steam to alone download during the off peak time?

Steam already allows you lot to configure updates to run at for certain times, why it does non allow the same for game downloads, I don't know.

This direct volition aid you lot fix a workaround using Windows Task Scheduler to handgrip your downloads.

It does accept a limitation though. It plant past times starting too killing the Steam customer when the fourth dimension thresholds are reached. This agency that if you lot desire to play a game during the day, you lot volition accept to suspension the downloads when you lot kickoff the Steam client.

Step 1:

Start your download using Steam. You should forthwith suspension the download afterward it starts:

Step 2: 

Open upwards Notepad too glue the next text:

kickoff steam://
timeout /t 21600 /nobreak
TASKKILL /f /im "steam.exe"

The timeout is a value, inwards seconds, for how long Steam volition hold upwards allowed to run. 21600 is precisely 6 hours.
1H = 3600s
2H = 7200s
4H = 14400s
6H = 21600s

Step 3:

Save the file alongside the filename "steamdl.cmd" at an tardily to uncovering location:

Note that the filename is inwards quotes, this is to ensure that Notepad saves it alongside the *.cmd extension

Step 4:

Open upwards Windows Task Scheduler:

Click on "Create Basic Task":

Give it a suitable bring upwards too description:

Click next, too configure the trigger, you lot volition accept to receive upwards one's take away heed wen you lot would similar the employment to run, for me it is midnight, every night, therefore click next:

Select "Start a program" every bit the activity too click next:

Click "Browse" too navigate to your script:

Click next, too click complete to consummate the employment configuration.

Step 5:

Go dorsum to your Steam Client too resume the download, afterward that, forthwith closed your Steam Client:

Your Steam customer volition at nowadays kickoff upwards at midnight, run for 6 hours too quit itself!

Remember to suspension downloads if you lot purpose the Steam customer exterior of the scheduled hours, too hollo upwards to resume them too larn out the Steam customer earlier going to bed!