What To Do When Steam Won’t Open?

Steam is one of the most well-liked gaming stores in Windows, with a broad collection of games from both small-scale developers and massive studios. Aside from an occasional hiccup, the Steam application store is one of the well-performing and cleanest software.

However, not even the Steam app is perfect. There’ve been numerous reports among different gamers that Steam won’t open on the Win 10 devices. Here we shall have a glance at a few potential fixes as to how you can resolve it if you see the Steam store not opening in Win 10.

Why Won’t Steam Open On My PC?

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Steam is one of the most well-liked gaming platforms for Windows. It denotes that a lot of users at the same time tune into Steam to see the library and play different games as well. It puts a great load on the Steam servers, which can crash, leading to this issue.

However, usually, when you see Steam not launching on the PC, the problem is more likely than not with the PC. A lot of things can cause the Steam client not to open on the PC. These can comprise out-of-date graphics drivers, outdated or missing app cache, issues with the internet connection, among others.

First: Perform A System Backup Before Fixing Steam

For making certain that you do not lose any data or files when performing any PC repair, it’s always a great idea to make a system backup. The following steps will assist you in doing that if you do not already know-how.

First of all, hit the Windows and X keys at the same time > select Settings.

Now, in the window that emerges, simply click on Update & Security > choose Backup from the left-hand side panel.
After that, connect the external drive like a USB drive to the PC > click on Add a Drive > select the drive you attached.

Backing up the PC frequently takes a while, but Windows will make the backup on the drive for you.

Methods For Resolving The Steam Not Opening On The PC Issue:

Method#1: Rebooting Steam

At times the Steam client is working in the background, and that’s stopping it from opening again. If you stop the running Steam client and then try to reboot it, Steam opens.

First of all, right-click on the taskbar > choose Task Manager from the menu that appears.
After that, choose the Processes section > locate the Steam processes that are listed.
Then, click on the Steam client processes > click End task. If you do not locate any Steam processes, go on to the next fix.
Repeat the above steps until all the Steam processes are finally closed > try to reboot Steam.

Method#2: Rebooting The PC

Rebooting the PC is always the easiest and quickest method of fixing the Steam not opening problem.

Launch the Start menu > click on the Power icon > choose Restart.

That’s all there’s to it. Once your PC has restarted, try to reboot Steam again. If it does not launch, go on to the next fix.

Removing Unnecessary External Devices:

Different external devices you do not require, such as more than one mouse, extra USB drives, hard drives, printers, monitors, and extra keyboards, etc., frequently interfere with your Steam Client. It’s great to unplug as many other devices as possible before trying to open it.

Method#3: Updating Windows

Another quick way of fixing the problem is to make certain the Win 10 OS is updated. In a few situations, a faulty update might even trigger the error, but a more recent update fixes the problem. For updating Win 10, follow the below steps.

First of all, click on the Settings icon from the Start Menu.
Then, select Updates and Security in the Settings window.
Now, select Windows Update from the list that emerges on your right.
Then, click on the button that says Check for updates on the left. You can locate it under Update status.
If updates are installed, you have to reboot the PC before they go into effect. For doing so, click on the Start menu > Power icon > choose Restart.

Continue if you’re still not connected.

Method#4: Repairing Steam

The installer of Steam clients has an incorporated repair feature that can be helpful in automatically fixing Steam. You do have to make certain that you backup the game file before utilizing it this way.

First off, back up the game files before you try to repair Steam. For doing so, you have to launch the steam directory folder where you’ve installed Steam. By default, you ought to be capable of locating it by entering File Explorer into the Start menu and launching it.
After that, select This PC option on your left menu > choose Windows C: on your right > enter steamapps into the search bar.
Then, simply right-click on the steamapps folder > Copy it to the Docs file.
Next, right-click on the steamapps folder once again > select Open file location.
Now, go to the Steam site and download the most recent Steam installer.
Then, run the Steam installer after it is downloaded. It ought to provide you with the option to fix the files when you run it. Choose that option and follow any prompts that appear on your screen.

Try to open Steam once the fix is finished. If Steam won’t open, move on to the next fix. If you can launch the Steam client but can’t access the saved game data, just copy the steamapps folder in My Documents back into your Steam folder and replace that file of the same name there.

Method#5: Making Use Of The Advanced Repair Tool (Restoro) For Repairing Steam

Restoro is a solid program created for automatically finding and repairing problems on the computer that may be causing the Steam not to work properly. If the Steam client would not open, we highly suggest you scan the computer using Restoro.

Follow the below steps for downloading and installing Restoro on the computer. Please note that you might have to deactivate your antivirus program temporarily to keep it from interfering with utility programs such as Restoro.

First off, download and install the Advanced Repair tool (Restoro) from a trustworthy source.
Then, accept the license terms by ticking the checkbox next to I Accept the EULA and Privacy Policy for continuing.
You can see the details of your scan by simply expanding the Details section.
For setting an action, simply expand the Recommendation section to either select clean or ignore.
After that, click on Clean Now to start the repairing process.

If nothing happens and steam would not open, move on to the next solution.

Method#6: Restarting Your Router

At times a simple reboot is all that is required for resolving the steam not opening issue.

First of all, shut down the PC > shut off the router.
After that, unplug the router and wait 2 minutes before you plug it back into its power outlet.
Wait another 2 minutes, then turn your router on again.
Once the router is completely on, turn on the PC.

Method#7: Reinstalling Steam

Like the previous fix, you have to back up the game files before you perform this solution. When you install Steam once again, a few of the data from the online games might be lost even with the backup. You ought to, however, still be capable of accessing them through the Steam account.

First of all, exit the Steam client completely and make certain none of the processes are running in the background by simply right-clicking on your taskbar > selecting Task Manager.
As in the other fixes, click on the Processes section > click on the Steam Client process > click on End task. If no Steam Client processes are working, move on the Step#3. If more than one process is running, continue clicking every process > End task until all the processes are closed.
As with the previous fix, backup the game file by locating the Steam folder on the PC > enter Steam into the Start menu.
Go to the file folder named Steam.exe by simply right-clicking on it > selecting Open file location.
Locate the file named steamapps in the Steam folder. Copy this file to the My Documents folder.
Now, go to the Start menu > enter Control Panel > click on Uninstall a Program.
Locate Steam on the list and click it > click on Uninstall/Change and confirm you want to uninstall Steam. When Steam has completed uninstalling, reboot the PC.
After that, navigate to the Steam site and download the most recent Steam installer to reinstall Steam.
Launch the Steam client installer on the PC, and follow the prompts that appear on your screen.
For accessing the saved game data once you’ve reinstalled Steam, copy the steamapps folder from My Documents back into your Steam folder (replacing the folder of the same name) once Steam is completely installed.

If your Steam files become corrupt in such a way that the fix could not resolve them, reinstalling Steam ought to have resolved the issue. If it did not, go on to the next fix.

Method#8: Uninstalling The 3rd-Party Antivirus Programs

At times third-party antivirus tools interfere with Steam because different online games make use of the copyright protection features that trick the antivirus tools into thinking it’s a malicious program.

If you suspect any 3rd-party antivirus is causing PC issues, you ought to first check to make certain Windows Defender is deactivated. Running two antivirus tools (like Windows Defender and a 3rd-party antivirus) simultaneously can cause a lot of errors because the two can meddle with each other.

With the Windows Defender disabled, check if you can access the webpage. If you cannot access it, you have to uninstall the antivirus program. Hit the Windows and X keys from the keyboard, at the same time > click on Settings.
After that, select Apps in the Settings window.
Then, in the Apps and Features submenu, scroll until you locate the antivirus program. Click on it > choose Uninstall.
Now, click on the Start menu Power icon > reboot the PC.
If Steam still fails to launch, reinstall the antivirus program and go on to the next solution. If Steam does open, you can try to reinstall the 3rd-party antivirus program in case the Windows update corrupted it.

If the issue reappears after you reinstall your antivirus program, you’ll have to uninstall it and locate another 3rd-party antivirus program or turn the Windows Defender on and utilize that. You ought to never make use of the Internet without some antivirus protection active on the PC, even if you’re gaming on a site you trust.

Method#9: Testing The RAM

The RAM can develop memory issues that meddle with Steam, particularly during the installation procedure. RAM issues also cause Gameplay problems. The following fix permits you to check the RAM.

First of all, close any open apps and save the work.
Then, enter mdsched into the Start menu > choose Windows Memory Diagnostic from the list.
After that, select the Restart now and check for the option of the problem in the pop-up window that emerges.
The PC will run a memory check and reboot. The check can take some time, but it’s important not to disrupt it.
When your PC is finished with the check and is completely restarted, simply enter the event into the Start menu > choose Event Viewer.
On the left side of the window that appears, go to the Windows Logs menu > click on System once.
Now, you have to click on System once again, but this time, utilize a right-click, which will open another menu.
Select the Filter current log option. You’d be unable to choose this option if you didn’t left-click System first.
Now, click on the drop-down menu next to Event sources in the Filter Log window.
Scroll down until you locate MemoryDiagnostics-Results. Put a tick in the checkbox next to that > click on OK.
It’ll take you back to the Event Viewer, where you ought to have about two Events listed in the filtered log.
Click on every event and glance at the details provided. If no issues are detected, move to the next fix. You don’t have problems with the RAM hardware. If you do see an issue, you have to continue to the next step.
If you have an error with the RAM, the only method for resolving it is to replace the RAM sticks. You can test everyone, if you choose, by shutting down the PC and removing all the RAM sticks except the one you’re testing. Then you can restart the PC and rerun steps#1-7.

Repeat it with all your RAM sticks. Replace any that had issues with factory suggested RAM sticks. When you’ve replaced all the faulty sticks, simply check if the System and Compressed Memory has returned to normal CPU usage.

Method#10: Updating The Time Date Settings

Steam gathers real-time data from the PC. This procedure involves the time and date settings. If these are off, it can stop Steam from opening. For making certain your time and date settings are synchronized, follow the below steps.

First off, type Control Panel into the Start menu > click on the Control Panel option.
After that, choose Clock and Region from the Control Panel window that emerges.
Next, select Date and Time.
Then, choose the tab that says Internet Time in the pop-up window > click on Change settings.
Now, make certain the checkbox next to the Synchronize with an Internet time server option has a tick in it.
After that, simply click on the Update now option. When the update is completed, simply click on OK.
Now, click on Steam and check if it’ll launch.

Hopefully, this fixed the problem. If Steam still fails to launch, continue to the next fix.

Method#11: Updating Drivers

So far, we’ve covered a lot of quicker ways to make sure Steam opens. However, if none of them have helped you, this fix ought to assist. At times if steam won’t launch, it is triggered by the out-of-date drivers on the PC.

First off, access your device manager by simply hitting the Windows and X key at the same time. It launches the Quick Link menu, where you have to select Device Manager.
After that, click the first device type to expand it.
Now, right-click on the first device’s name listed > click on Properties.
In the driver section, select Update Driver.
When you click on Update Driver, you’ll see the option for having your PC automatically look for driver software. Select this option. Alternatively, you can create a note of the version of the driver you presently have and check on the manufacturer’s site for the most recent version.

If you don’t have the most recent version, you can manually download and install it from the manufacturer’s site.

Your PC ought to perform an automatic search. If the driver is the latest, you’ll see the message saying you already have the best driver installed for your device. Otherwise, your PC ought to update the driver automatically.
Then, close the pop-up window once the search (and update if wanted) is completed. Return to your device manager window (and Step #2) and follow the directions for your next device until you’ve checked for the driver updates on all the device types and device drivers listed.
Once you’ve checked for updates for each driver on the list, reboot the PC.

Again, try to open Steam to check if it will open. If nothing happens and Steam does not launch on the PC, continue on to the next fix.

Method#12: Checking If The Internet Provider Is Interfering With Your Steam

Although it’s usually not an issue unless you’ve recently changed your Internet providers, it’s one thing that is easy to check if you’ve access to the second network from a diverse provider. If the provider or plan you’re utilizing saves bandwidth by compressing your data, it can trigger serious issues with the way Steam works.

The only method of testing if it is the trigger of Steam not launching is to try to launch Steam when you connect on a diverse network with a diverse provider. If the Internet service provider is the cause Steam will not open, the simple thing you can carry out to fix the problem is to change your providers.

Method#13: Disabling Overclocking

Overclocking is when you set the PC to run above the settings that are suggested by your manufacturer. Although the boost provides you with more performance power, it can trigger excessive memory and file corruption problems.

It also can cause the PC to run at higher temps. If Steam would not open and you adjusted the PC to overclock, you have to undo such settings. The UEFI/BIOS is diverse for every processor, so such steps are general.

First of all, enter Settings into the Start menu > choose the Settings option.
In the Settings window, simply select Updates and Security.
After that, click on Recovery on the left > select Restart now, which can be found under the Advanced startup option on the right.
You ought to see the Choose an Options menu > click on Troubleshoot > select Advanced Options and lastly click on the UEFI Firmware Settings.
Your PC ought to reboot and take you into the UEFI (or BIOS) menu. At that point, you have to search for something that says something like Return to default or Reset settings to default or something similar. Select that option.
Save the changes > exit the BIOS.

Method#14: Checking The Hard Drive For Issues

Your storage device can become corrupt, particularly after heavy or long-term use. Checking the drive for issues (and having it repaired automatically) can resolve such problems that might stop Steam from opening.

Launch the Start menu > click on the File Explorer icon. Alternatively, you could enter File explorer into the Start menu > click that on the list that emerges.
Now, scroll down to This PC option on the left side > click it.
Now, right-click on the drive you desire to fix.
After that, choose Properties from the drop-down menu.
Choose Tools from the tabs at the top of that pop-up.
Then, click on the Check option. Choose to scan the drive if the issue check app says it has not found any problems.
When the scan is finished, close the window and check if you can launch Steam.

Method#15: Doing A Clean Boot

If 3rd-party applications are interfering with Steam, rebooting your PC without these running ought to solve the problem. When you carry out a clean boot, it restarts your PC with just the necessary Microsoft applications running.

Any program that changes your system, network, or disk activity can meddle with Steam. Such services and programs run in the background like performance boosters, web-optimizers, ad-blockers, proxies, and system cleaners, among other things.

Log in as an admin. Once you’ve signed in, simply hit the Windows and R key at the same time.
After that, enter msconfig in the search bar > click on OK.
Now, click on the Services section in the System Configuration window. Make certain that the Hide all Microsoft services option has a checkmark next to it. Click on the Disable all button.
Then, click on the Startup section in the System Configuration window > click on the Open Task Manager option.
When the Task Manager appears, simply click on the Startup section if it is not already open.
Then, choose every item you locate there and click on the Disable button if it is not disabled already. When you’re done, close your Task Manager.
You ought to be back in the System Configuration window that is still there, simply click on the Apply option > OK.
Now, you have to reboot the PC. Simply click on the Power icon from the Start menu > select Restart.
Once your PC reboots, try to open Steam again.

Method#16: Disabling Compatibility Mode if Steam Won’t Launch

Steam is created for running on the most recent Windows version (Win 10). Steam does have the compatibility mode for those who have an older Windows version. At times Win 10 is proactive and will set Compatibility Mode automatically when different game issues occur.

Usually, Steam will provide you with the warning stating it’s not suggested to run the app in Compatibility Mode if it’s the issue. Compatibility Mode isn’t suggested on the Win 10 PC because it can interfere with the way Steam operates. The second part of this way needs you to edit the registry since Win 10 often hides that it’s made this permanent adjustment.

Please note that you have to make certain you’ve performed the registry backup before you continue with this solution. If you don’t know how you can back up the registry or you’re not an advanced user, you ought to not go on past step#6. Just the advanced users ought to try editing their registries.

To start, you have to exit Steam and any open Steam games and stop your Steam processes that are working. For stopping these processes, simply right-click on the taskbar > choose Task Manager.
After that, click on the Processes section > click on the Steam process > click on End task. If you do not locate any Steam processes, go on to step#3. If you locate more than one Steam process, continue clicking every process > End task until all your Steam processes are finally closed.
Then, enter Steam into the File Explorer > right-click on the Steam.exe file > choose Properties.
Now, open the section that says Compatibility. Make certain nothing has the checkmark next to it > click on Apply.
After that, click on the change settings for all users option. Again, make certain nothing has a tick next to it > click on Apply > OK.
Now, click on OK once again for closing the properties window.
At that point, you ought to check if Steam will open. Just continue if Steam doesn’t open, and you still come across the Compatibility Mode warning. For continuing, simply hit the Windows and R key simultaneously from the keyboard for accessing the Run box.
Then, enter regedit > hit Enter. If you see any warning about the application making changes to your registry > click on Yes for continuing.
Go to the following drop-down lists on the left side of your Registry Editor window. First, click on “HKEY_CURRENT_USER > Software.
Continuing, click Microsoft.
After that, select Windows NT > CurrentVersion > AppCompatFlags > Layers.
After you open layers, the right side of the window ought to show a list of registry entries. You have to locate Steam.exe > right-click on it > select the option to Delete that entry.

Please note that you might locate entries for individual Steam games or other Steam entries. If you remove such other entries, it could trigger issues with the games connected with the entry the next time you try to open it.

Now, in the same AppCompatFlag folder on your left, simply click on Compatibility > Persisted. Again, search for the Steam.exe file to remove. If you locate one, simply right-click on it and remove it.
At that point, you have to scroll back to the top of your left menu > close the HKEY_CURRENT_USER folder. Instead, launch HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE.
Now, in this folder, navigate to the following in order: software > Microsoft > Windows NT > CurrentVersion > AppCompatFlags > Layers.

If you don’t see this exact folder, just continue to the next step. If you do locate the folder and see the Steam.exe file in it, remove it as in the previous steps.

Then, close your registry and try to launch Steam.
This way also works if Steam will launch, but you’re having issues opening Steam games. Just locate your game in the Steam folder on the PC; right-click on your game and choose properties, and follow steps#4—#6 above.

Method#17: System Restore

If you made a system restore point manually before Steam stopped opening, you could restore the system to that point. Although some of the data may be lost, this way permits you to resolve the problem by reverting to the system restore point before the Steam Client begins having issues. You can find out how you can turn your System Restore feature on and make a restore point here.

First of all, hit the Windows and X keys at the same time > select Settings from the menu that emerges.
After that, choose Update and Security.
Now, in the Update and Security window, simply click on the Recovery option from the left. You ought to see Advanced Startup on your right. Simply click the Restart now option underneath that.
When Windows reboots, you’ll see the Choose an Options menu. Choose Troubleshoot.
Select Advanced Options > System Restore.
Your PC will permit you to choose the restore point, and then it’ll return the PC to that point in time.

Frequently Asked Questions Section:

Why Won’t Steam Launch?

If you open Steam and nothing is happening, it’s possible that the connection is unstable or running slow. On the other hand, it can also be because of the corrupted installation files, an out-of-date version of the program, and the servers being down.

Why Won’t My Steam Game Launch?

Steam games that would not open are mainly because of the missing files or corrupted game files, which hinders Steam from launching the game completely. You can resolve it by verifying the integrity of the game files on the client.

What To Do If Steam Would Not Open?

The simplest method of resolving the Steam that won’t open issues is to reboot the PC. This way, all of the resources would be reloaded and can get rid of any issues that might have occurred. You can also try to run the client as an admin or launch it in compatibility mode.

Why Won’t Steam open?

Steam would not open on the PC if its installation files were corrupted. It’s also possible that the network is actually running slow, and it cannot connect to the Steam servers.

Why Won’t My Steam Launch On My Mac?

On the Mac devices, the main reason for Steam not launching is the corrupted app file. You can resolve this by reinstalling the client on the Mac system.

Conclusion:

If none of the above solutions were capable of fixing the steam won’t open problem, the issue is almost certainly because of an issue in the Steam program itself. Although Steam is prompt at resolving known issues, you ought to get in touch with the Steam support service with the list of things you’ve done to fix the problem.

Read Next: Why Does Steam Keep Updating Every Time I Open It? How Do I Fix It?