How To's

How To Fix ‘Steam Disk Write Error’ In Windows 10

July 11, 2024

The exact cause of Steam Disk Write Error is tough to pinpoint. When a game is updated or installed on Steam, a disc write error can occur: While installing [Game Name], an issue occurred (disc write error): As a result, Steam is unable to complete the installation procedure.

If your hard disc is write-protected, you can get a Steam Disk Write error. The Steam application may be blocked by a firewall or anti-virus software. It could also result in a Steam Disk Write error. This is a rather typical problem. Steam is one of the most popular download platforms for the game.

As a result, the disc write error in Steam creates a great deal of frustration for users. Restarting your computer is the most basic remedy to this problem.

After that, see if the game can be updated or installed. Repairing the library folder is also an option. One of the solutions is to clear away the cache.

Read Also:

Understanding the Steam Disk Write Error

The Steam Disk Write Error occurs when Steam is unable to download or write update files to the hard drive.

This error usually appears during game downloads or updates and is accompanied by a message such as “An error occurred while updating [game] (disk write error).” Understanding the underlying causes of this error is crucial for effective troubleshooting.

Common Causes of the Steam Disk Write Error

Several factors can contribute to the Steam Disk Write Error:

Insufficient Disk Space: Lack of sufficient space on the drive where Steam games are installed can prevent new files from being written.
Corrupted Files: Corrupted or incomplete files in the Steam directory can cause write errors.
Drive Errors: Issues with the hard drive, such as bad sectors, can lead to write errors.
Permission Issues: Steam may lack the necessary permissions to write to the drive.
Antivirus Interference: Overzealous antivirus programs can block Steam from writing files to the disk.
File System Corruption: Corrupted file systems can prevent proper file writing operations.
Write Protection: If the drive is write-protected, Steam will be unable to write files.

The Top 10 Ways To Fix The Steam Disk Write Error

There are numerous options for addressing the Steam Disk Write Error. We’ll go over a few of the finest ones. Here are several examples:

Solution 1: Disable Antivirus

Check to see if your anti-virus is preventing the steam from operating. Steam Disk Write Error might be caused by a corrupted anti-virus. Copy protection is used in a lot of games. However, anti-virus software may interpret it as dangerous activity.

As a result, the steam application has a difficulty. The remedy is to temporarily disable the anti-virus software. Another option is to include Steam in your antivirus’s exceptional list. If you’re having trouble, seek assistance from a computer expert.

2. Verification of Game Cache Files

Steam Disk Write errors can also be caused by corrupt game installation files. Antivirus software frequently flags such files as fake. As a result, such data must be verified. To do so, follow the instructions below:

Step 1: Restart your computer and open Steam.

Step 2: Now it’s time to visit the library.

Step 3: Next, right-click on the game that is causing the Steam Disk Write issue. Select the Properties tab.

Step 4: Next, go to Local Files and Verify Game Cache Integrity.

Step 5: This procedure could take a long time. The game files will be verified by Steam. Exit Steam by closing the window.

Check to see if the Steam Disk Write problem has been resolved.

3. Change Steam’s Preferences

This is the most effective method for resolving the Steam disc write problem. This strategy is beneficial to a large number of consumers. You can alter the download area for your game using this approach.

To do this action, follow the steps below:

Step 1: First and foremost, launch the Steam Client. Now select Settings from the drop-down menu. A menu will appear on the screen.

Step 2: Next, select Downloads from the drop-down menu. Navigate to the Download section now.

Step 3: Now, choose a different download region than the one you just chose.

Step 4: Log out of Steam and log back in.

Now look for a notice that says “Steam Disk Write Error.” Your problem will most likely be resolved.

4. Modify The Security Settings

Steam Disk Write error may occur if the folder containing game files is encrypted in a sophisticated manner. As a result, we’ll need to adjust the folder security to accommodate this. The steps are as follows:

Step 1: Go to the directory and folder on your computer where your Steam client is installed.

Step 2: Now it’s time to alter your folder’s security settings. Allow complete Read/Write access. As a result, you will have complete control over the content.

Step 3: Check to see if the disc write error has been resolved. If the error persists, try the following methods.

5. Reset Your PC’s Steam Configuration

The steam:/flushconfig command is used in this technique. It restores the integrity of the steam’s core files. This command aids it in reverting to its previous state. To reset it, follow the instructions below:

Step 1: Turn off Steam entirely. Also, check to see whether it’s operating in the background.

Step 2: Now, on the keyboard, hit Windows+R. A dialogue window titled “Run” will appear.

Step 3: Finally, in the Run dialogue box, type steam:/flushconfig.

Step 4: A window will pop up asking if you want to confirm the process. To continue the process, select Yes or OK.

Step 5: The Steam client will now be restarted. Look for an error.

6. Examine the Files That Are Missing or Corrupted

The Steam Disk Write issue is usually caused by corrupt or missing files. Steam will stop working as a result, and a Steam Disk Write error will appear. As a result, try to locate such files and re-download them. The steps in this technique are as follows:

Step 1: To begin, go to your Steam directory and open it.

Step 2: Now go to the logs folder. Open the workshop log.txt file in your text editor.

Step 3: Look over this file for any mistakes.

Step 4: Now go to the root directory. The files are of various sizes.

Step 5: Now it’s time to re-start the steam. To get started, go to the Downloads folder. You’ll need to upgrade the steam here.

7. Directory Permissions

We may need to update the Directory Permissions settings on occasion. It’s crucial to make sure the Steam Directory isn’t set to read-only. To do so, follow the instructions below:

Step 1: First and foremost, close the Steam client.

Step 2: Go to the drive where your steam is installed. After that, go to Program Files and open it.

Step 3: After that, go to the directory’s Properties section. Uncheck the “Read-only” box.

Step 4: Now, right-click on your Steam launcher and select Properties. Choose the Run as Administrator option.

8. Make Sure Your Hard Drive Is Ok

There’s always the possibility that corrupt files will impact storage devices. They usually run for years with a big load on them. As a result, you might seek the assistance of a technology professional to remedy this problem. The steps for determining the problem are as follows:

Step 1: Right-click on the Drive and select Properties from the drop-down menu.

Step 2: Select the Tools option from the drop-down menu. Click the Check option in the Error-checking section.

Step 3: If the process displays any mistakes, you must correct them. The hard drive should then be reset.

9. Examine the Firewall Configuration

Steam is unable to connect to the server because of some firewalls. Firewalls prevent Steam from performing any read or write operations on the hard disc. As a result, you can temporarily disable the firewall to fix the problem.

Check to see if the Steam Disk Write problem has been resolved. You can hire an expert to assist you with this process. You can also add Steam to the list of extraordinary firewalls. However, if the problem persists, turn on the firewall right away.

Your system’s security necessitates the use of a firewall. As a result, disabling it for an extended period of time is not suggested.

10. Exclude Steam From DEP

Blocking Data Execution on your steam could be a solution. This strategy works great if you have a few selected block files. Take the following steps:

Step 1: Go to your system’s Control Panel.

Step 2: Select System and Security from the drop-down menu.

Step 3: Select Advanced system settings from the drop-down menu. Then select Advanced Performance Settings from the drop-down menu.

Step 4: Select the Data Execution Prevention option. To input the location of your Steam client, click the Add button.

Step 5: Restart your computer to determine whether the Steam Disk Write Error has been resolved.

Tips for Resolving the Steam Disk Write Error

Here are some practical tips to help you effectively troubleshoot and resolve the Steam Disk Write Error on your Windows 10 system:

Tip 1: Ensure Adequate Disk Space

Free Up Space: Regularly check your disk space and ensure there is enough free space for Steam to download and install games. Remove unnecessary files or move them to another storage device to free up space.

Tip 2: Run Steam as Administrator

Elevate Permissions: Running Steam with administrative privileges can prevent permission-related issues. Right-click on the Steam shortcut and select “Run as administrator.”

Tip 3: Clear Steam Download Cache

Reset Cache: Clearing the download cache can help resolve issues with corrupted files. In Steam, go to Settings > Downloads > Clear Download Cache.

Tip 4: Verify Integrity of Game Files

Check for Corruption: Verify the integrity of game files to fix corrupted or missing files. Right-click the game in your Steam library, select Properties > Local Files > Verify Integrity of Game Files.

Tip 5: Check Hard Drive for Errors

Run CHKDSK: Use the built-in Windows utility to check for and repair disk errors. Open Command Prompt as an administrator, type chkdsk /f /r, and press Enter.

Tip 6: Disable Write Protection

Clear Read-Only Attributes: Ensure your disk is not write-protected. Open Command Prompt as an administrator, type diskpart, then list disk, select your disk with select disk [number], and type attributes disk clear readonly.

Tip 7: Configure Antivirus Software

Whitelist Steam: Add Steam and its installation directory to your antivirus software’s whitelist or exclusion list to prevent it from blocking Steam’s operations.

Tip 8: Move Steam Installation Folder

Relocate Steam: If you suspect issues with your current drive, move the Steam installation folder to a different drive. In Steam, go to Settings > Downloads > Steam Library Folders, and add a new folder on a different drive.

Tip 9: Reinstall Steam

Clean Reinstall: If other solutions fail, reinstalling Steam can resolve persistent issues. Uninstall Steam through the Control Panel, then download and install the latest version from the official Steam website. Backup your game files before uninstalling.

Tip 10: Use a Different Internet Connection

Test Network: Sometimes, network issues can cause download problems. Try using a different internet connection to see if it resolves the issue.

Tip 11: Disable Background Applications

Close Unnecessary Programs: Ensure that no other programs are running in the background that might interfere with Steam’s operations. This includes download managers and torrent clients.

Tip 12: Keep Windows Updated

System Updates: Ensure your operating system is up to date. Windows updates can fix underlying system issues that might cause the Steam Disk Write Error.

By following these tips, you can systematically diagnose and resolve the Steam Disk Write Error, ensuring a smoother and more reliable gaming experience on Steam. Regular maintenance of your system and keeping your software updated are key to preventing such issues in the future.