Steam Tests New Option to Delay Game Updates Until Launch

The beta feature gives users more control over when updates are downloaded, addressing concerns about bandwidth and storage management.

Valve is testing a new Steam client beta feature that allows users to delay game updates until the game is launched.
The current default behavior downloads updates automatically for recently played games, while delaying updates for older titles based on various factors like usage and bandwidth availability.
The new global setting provides an alternative for users with bandwidth caps or limited storage, letting them manage updates more efficiently.
Users can still customize update settings on a per-game basis, with improved descriptions and management options in the beta client.
The feature is currently in beta testing, and its availability in the stable Steam client has not yet been confirmed.