6 Methods to Fix Steam Game Not Launching
Steam is one of the most popular gaming platforms, but sometimes users may encounter issues where their games fail to launch. This problem can be caused by a variety of reasons. In this guide, we will analyze the causes and provide 6 effective methods to help you get your Steam games up and running again.
1. Verify the Integrity of Game Files
One of the most common reasons games fail to launch on Steam is corrupted or missing game files. Steam has a built-in tool that allows you to verify the integrity of these files. This tool scans your game installation and replaces any missing or corrupted files automatically.
Open Steam and go to your Library.
Right-click on the game that's not launching, and select Properties.
In the Local Files tab, click on Verify Integrity of Game Files.
Steam will start checking the game files. This process may take several minutes, depending on the size of the game.
Once the verification is complete, try launching the game again.
2. Update Your Graphics and Other Drivers Using Driver Sentry
Outdated or incompatible drivers can prevent games from launching or cause performance issues. One of the best ways to address this is by updating your drivers. A simpler solution is to use a driver management tool like Driver Sentry, which automatically detects outdated or missing drivers and updates them to the latest versions.
Download and install Driver Sentry.
Launch Driver Sentry and allow it to scan your system for outdated drivers.
The tool will display a list of drivers that need updating. Look for any drivers related to Graphics, Audio, or DirectX.
Select the relevant drivers and click on Upgrade.
Once the update is complete, reboot your computer.
Try launching the game again to see if the issue has been resolved.
3. Disable Antivirus or Firewall Temporarily
Sometimes, your antivirus or firewall might mistakenly block Steam or your game from launching. This happens because security software can view certain game files as threats, preventing them from running. To rule this out as the cause of your problem, try temporarily disabling your antivirus or firewall and see if the game launches.
Open your antivirus program or firewall settings.
Look for an option to disable or pause protection.
Disable your antivirus or firewall for a short time (ideally while you test launching the game).
Try launching the game through Steam again.
Remember to turn your antivirus or firewall back on after testing. If the game launches successfully with the security software disabled, you may need to add Steam and the game to your software's exceptions list.
4. Run Steam as Administrator
Sometimes, games may fail to launch due to permission issues on your system. Running Steam as an administrator can grant it the necessary permissions to launch the game without restrictions.
Right-click on the Steam shortcut or executable file.
Select Run as administrator.
Try launching the game again.
If running Steam as an administrator resolves the issue, you may want to set Steam to always run as administrator. To do so:
Right-click the Steam shortcut and select Properties.
Go to the Compatibility tab and check the box for Run this program as administrator.
Click Apply and then OK.
Now, Steam will always run with the necessary permissions to avoid potential issues.
5. Check for Windows Updates
Windows updates can sometimes include essential patches and performance fixes that affect game compatibility. If your system is missing important updates, it could cause problems with launching games on Steam. Ensure that your operating system is up to date by checking for the latest Windows updates.
Open Settings by pressing Win + I.
Go to Update & Security > Windows Update.
Click on Check for updates.
If updates are available, download and install them.
Restart your computer and try launching the game again.
6. Reinstall Steam and the Game
If none of the above methods solve the problem, there may be a deeper issue with your Steam installation or the game itself. In this case, reinstalling both Steam and the affected game might resolve the issue.
1) Uninstall Steam:
Open Control Panel and go to Programs > Programs and Features.
Find Steam in the list, right-click it, and select Uninstall.
After uninstallation, delete the remaining Steam folder (usually located in C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam) to ensure all files are removed.
2) Reinstall Steam:
Download the latest version of Steam from the official website and install it again.
Log into your Steam account.
3) Reinstall the game:
Go to your Library, right-click the game, and select Install.
Once both Steam and the game are reinstalled, launch the game to see if the issue is resolved.
Having Steam games fail to launch can be frustrating, but most of the time, it's an issue that can be resolved with the right troubleshooting steps. By following these methods, you’ll be able to get your games running smoothly again in no time.
See also:
Guide to Fixing a Non-Working Mouse
