Steam errors and common problems

Steam won't open: Damaged install or software getting in the way

Means

Valve says client crashes can come from the Steam install itself or from other software, drivers or hardware on the computer. Some crashes are Steam bugs that get fixed in client updates.

First step

Restart Steam and your computer. All steps

Can't connect to Steam: Router, firewall or internet provider blocking Steam

Means

When the client can't sign in or reach Steam, Valve points to the local network, firewalls, programs that interfere with Steam, or a wider Steam outage.

First step

Check the Steam server status to rule out a wider outage. All steps

Steam Guard code missing: Email delayed, filtered or sent elsewhere

Means

Steam Guard codes go to the last email address registered on your account. Valve says some email providers deliver them late.

First step

Check the inbox of the email address registered to your Steam account. All steps

Cloud won't sync: Save files can't reach Steam Cloud

Means

Steam could not sync your local game files with Steam Cloud. Valve says this can be temporary or caused by a network problem, and starting the game anyway can create a conflict and lose progress.

First step

Fix the sync problem before you launch the game instead of choosing to play anyway. All steps

53: Another program is interfering with Steam

Means

Steam Support lists this code under its 'servers unavailable or too busy' messages and says it is usually fixed by dealing with software on your PC that stops Steam from working normally.

First step

Go through Steam's 'Programs Which May Interfere with Steam' list (antivirus, firewalls, VPNs and similar tools). All steps

Steam Servers are currently unavailable: Steam servers unavailable

Means

Steam can't reach its servers. This can be a Steam network outage or heavy traffic, or a problem on your own PC or network.

First step

Check the Steam network status page to see if Steam is having an outage. All steps

An error occurred while updating: Game update or install failed

Means

Steam could not finish installing or updating a game. The exact reason appears in brackets at the end of the message.

First step

Restart Steam and your computer. All steps

No Steam content servers are currently configured: No content servers available

Means

There may be a temporary problem with the Steam download servers in your region.

First step

Open Steam > Settings > Downloads. All steps

Failed to Start Game (Missing Executable): Game file missing or blocked

Means

A game file is missing or another program is blocking it. Most often antivirus software has wrongly flagged and quarantined the game file.

First step

In your antivirus, mark the flagged game files as safe, use its game mode, or exclude the game folder from scans. All steps

Failed to start game (app already running): Game already running

Means

Usually the game crashed silently or failed to launch and is still running in the background. It can also be running under another user account on the same computer.

First step

On Windows, open Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc), end the game's process and relaunch; on Mac or Linux, restart the computer. All steps

Secure connection failed: Can't connect to a VAC-secured server

Means

Steam can't connect you to a secure game server. Steam names four main causes: connection problems, security software, background applications and third-party anti-cheat tools.

First step

Open the ports Steam requires on your router or firewall, then exit and restart Steam. All steps

Your purchase has not been completed: Purchase failed

Means

A Steam store purchase did not go through.

First step

Try once or twice more with your billing details entered exactly right, without retrying over and over. All steps