How To Fix ‘Steam Won’t Open’ On Windows and Mac {Solved}

Error
Error

“Steam Won’t Open” is a problem that many users are experiencing. When they try to open Steam, it either does not open or closes after a few seconds.

Sometimes there is congestion among Steam servers, which prevents you from accessing Steam content, however most of the time when Steam does not open, the issue is with your machine.

Error
Error

Steam Won’t Open On Windows and Mac

The Steam experience is hampered by file corruption and other apps. But there’s no need to be concerned. To fix the Steam Won’t Open problem in Windows 10, follow the steps outlined below.

Note: Always make a backup copy of the system before attempting any remedy.

Read Also:

  1. Unsecapp.exe
  2. io.netty.channel.abstractchannel$annotatedconnectexception
  3. Windows Resource Protection Could Not Start The Repair Service

Solution 1: Restart Steam to Fix Steam Won’t Open on PC

Many times, the Steam process continues to operate in the background, preventing the game from relaunching. So, first, halt any Steam processes that are currently operating in the background and then restart the process.

Step 1: Right-click on the Taskbar and pick “Task Manager” from the menu that appears.

Step 2: Go to the Processes tab now. Look for the Steam processes in the list. Select the Steam process after that, and then push the “End task” button. If you don’t see any Steam processes, try another technique.

Step 3: Repeat steps 2 and 3 until all steam processes have been closed. The steam process should then be restarted.

Solution 2: Restarting The System

Restarting your computer is one of the quickest and easiest solutions to resolve the Steam not opening issue.

Step 1: To begin, go to the Start menu. Then tap the Power button, followed by Restart.

Step 2: Restart your computer and try to open Steam again. If you still can’t open it, try the following technique.

Unplug Unnecessary External Devices (Solution 2.1)

USB drives, printers, hard drives, extra keyboards, and other external devices hinder the Steam process. As a result, remove them before reopening Steam.

Solution 3: Restarting The Router

You can only fix the Steam Won’t Open problem by resetting your router. To accomplish this, follow the instructions below:

Step 1: Turn off your computer and then your router.

Step 2: Unplug the router after that. Wait two minutes before plugging it back into a power socket. Wait another two minutes before turning on the router.

Step 3: Finally, turn on your computer.

Solution 4: Installing Updated of Windows

Another simple repair for the Steam not opening issue is to update your Windows 10 Operating System if it isn’t already updated, as a botched update could cause the issue. To upgrade your Windows, follow the procedures below:

Step 1: To begin, go to the Start menu and select the “Settings” icon.

Step 2: Next, in the settings panel, select “Updates & Security.”

Step 3: From the list on the left side of the pane, select Windows Update. Then, on the right side, under the Update status column, click the Check for updates button.

Step 4: Restart your computer after installing the updates to apply the changes.

Solution 5: Run a RAM Test

Memory difficulties with RAM can develop during the installation process, interfering with Steam. So, to check your RAM, follow the instructions below:

Step 1: Shut down all of your computer’s programmes. Now, go to the Start menu and type “mdsched” in the search box, then pick “Windows Memory Diagnostic” from the result.

Step 2: A popup window will open. “Restart and check for problems” should be selected.

Step 3: Your system will now undergo a RAM check, after which it will restart. After restarting the system, go to the Start menu and type “event” in the search box, then select “Event Viewer” from the drop-down menu.

Step 4: Select the “Windows Logs” option from the left side of the pane, then the “System” option.

Step 5: Next, right-click on “System” and pick “Filter current log” from the drop-down menu. To select this option, first click “System” on the left.

Step 6: Select “MemoryDiagnostics-Results” from the drop-down menu on the right of “Event sources” in the Filter Log box. Then press the Ok button.

Step 7: You will now be sent to the Event Viewer window, where the filtered log will show about two “Events.” The information for each event can be viewed by selecting it. If no errors are found, proceed to the next step. If you find any mistakes, move on to step 8.

Step 8: Replace your RAM sticks and restart your system if you have a problem with your RAM. After that, repeat steps 1 through 7.

Replace each RAM stick one by one. Replace any sticks that were defective. Check if System and Compresses Memory have returned to normal CPU utilisation after replacing the damaged RAM sticks.

Solution 6: Repairing Steam 

Before doing this procedure, make a backup of your game file. To fix steam, follow the instructions below:

To begin, go to the folder where Steam is installed and open it. Follow these steps to go to the location where Steam is installed: Windows C: -> File Explorer -> This PC

Step 1: Search for steamapps in Windows C by typing in the search bar. Then “copy” the “steamapps” folder to the Documents file by right-clicking it.

Step 2: Select “Open file location” from the context menu when right-clicking the “steamapps” folder.

Step 3: Next, visit Steam’s official website and download the Steam installation. Run the installer once the download is complete. Select the option to repair the files and follow the on-screen instructions.

After that, try to restart Steam. If you are unable to open Steam, proceed to the next step. If you can open Steam but not your saved game data, simply copy the “steamapps” folder from “My Documents” back into the Steam folder and delete the file with the same name from there.

Solution 7: Reinstalling Steam 

Make a backup copy of your game files before attempting this procedure, as even with a backup, some data from online games may be lost while reinstalling Steam. You should, however, be able to access them using your Steam account.

Step 1: Disconnect Steam from all devices; there should be no Steam processes running in the background. To stop a background process from running, right-click the taskbar and select Task Manager.

Select the “Processes” tab next. Then, in the list of processes, look for and select the Steam process. Now press the “Complete task” button. If there is no Steam process running, proceed to step 2.

Step 2: Backup the game file by searching for the Steam folder in your PC, as described in the previous manner.

To begin, type Steam into the Start menu’s search box. Then, using the right-click menu, pick Steam.exe and then “Open file location.” Look for the “steamapps” file. Then copy and paste the steamapps file into “My Documents.”

Step 3: From the Start menu, type “Control Panel” into the search box.

Step 4: Select “Uninstall a Program” from the drop-down menu.

Step 5: Then, in the list, look for Steam and choose it. Now, select Uninstall/Change and confirm your removal. Restart your computer after that.

Step 6: Next, visit Steam’s official website and download the Steam installation. Run the installer once the download is complete. Select the option to repair the files and follow the on-screen instructions.

Simply copy the “Steamapps” folder from “My Documents” back into the Steam folder and delete the file with the same name from there to access your saved game data.

Solution 8: Update the Date and Time 

Steam collects real-time data from your machine at all times, including date and time. Steam will not launch if the date and time are incorrect. To synchronise your date and time settings, follow the instructions below:

Step 1: To begin, go to the Start menu and search for “Control Panel” in the search box. Then, under the Best match area, select Control Panel.

Step 2: The Control Panel window will appear; pick “Clock and Region” from there.

Step 3: Select “Date and Time” from the drop-down menu.

Step 4: Next, in a pop-up box, select the Internet Time tab. Now, select “Change settings” from the drop-down menu.

Step 5: Finally, check the box labelled “Synchronize with an Internet time server.” “Update immediately” should be selected. Once the update is complete, click the Ok button.

Now see if you can get Steam to work. If you can’t get Steam to launch, try the following technique.

Solution 9: Checking For Errors on Your Hard Drive

Another option to remedy the Steam won’t launch issue is to examine your disc for faults and then repair it, as storage devices can become faulty after extended use.

Step 1: In the Start menu, type File Explorer in the search field, then select it from the list of results under Best match.

Step 2: Click “This PC” on the left side of the window. Then, right-click on the drive you wish to repair and select Repair.

Step 3: Next, select “Properties” from the drop-down menu.

Step 4: A pop-up window will open. Select the “Tools” tab and click the “Check” button. If the error check software finds issues, you must scan your drive by selecting “Scan drive” from the menu.

Step 5: When the scanning is finished, close the window and restart Steam.

Solution 10: Uninstalling or Disabling An Antivirus 

Third-party antivirus software frequently prevents Steam from launching because online games employ certain features that allow antivirus software to mistake it for harmful software.

First and foremost, see if Windows Defender is turned off. if a conflict with another antivirus product exists. It may also cause issues if two antivirus products are operating at the same time.

Follow the instructions below to turn off Windows Defender:

Step 1: To open the Run box, press the Windows and R keys together on your computer. In the box, type “regedit” and press the “Ok” button.

Step 2: Then, in the following order, open the folders: Microsoft is located in HKEY LOCAL MACHINE -> Software -> Policies.

Step 3: Finally, choose “Windows Defender.” Double-click the “DisableAntiSpyware” item from the list on the right side of the window. If this option isn’t available, you’ll have to create it.

To do so, right-click on the empty space and select “New.” Then choose “DWORD (32-bit) Value” from the menu. Press Enter after giving it the name “DisableAntiSpyware.”

Step 4: After it has been created, click it. After that, change the current value data to “1.” Select “Ok” from the drop-down menu.

Restart your computer at the end.

 

Solution 11: Updating Drivers 

This solution to the Steam Won’t Open problem will take some time, but it will ensure that Steam’s performance is not hampered by obsolete drivers.

Step 1: On your keyboard, press the Windows and X keys together. Select “Device Manager” from the drop-down menu.

Step 2: After that, simply select the first device type, and it will expand. Select “Properties” from the context menu when you right-click the first device in the list.

Step 3: Select the “Driver” tab, then click the “Update Driver” button.

Step 4: A pop-up will open; select “Search automatically for updated driver software” from there.

On the other hand, you can manually download the most recent version of the driver from the manufacturer’s website.

Step 5: The search will begin. After that, a message will appear on your screen as a result of your search. If your driver is current, you’ll get a notice that says “the best drivers are already installed.” If you don’t, the system will update the driver for you.

Return to the device management window (step 2) and repeat the process for all of the listed devices.

Step 6: Restart your computer after checking for updates.

Finally, see if Steam can be launched.

Solution 12: Disabling Overclocking 

Overclocking your computer implies setting it to run at a faster rate than usual. This will increase performance, but it may result in memory corruption. As a result, disabling overclocking may resolve the issue of “Steam not opening.”

Step 1: Go to the Start menu and search for “Settings” in the search box. After that, choose the settings option.

Step 2: Choose “Updates & Security” from the list of options.

Step 3: Select “Recovery” from the left side of the pane, and then click “Restart now” under the Advanced section startup.

Step 4: Next, select “Troubleshoot” from the “Choose an Option” menu, then “Advanced Options,” and finally “UEFI Firmware Settings” from the “Choose an Option” menu.

Step 5: Restart the machine, and the UEFI menu will appear. Select “Reset to default” from the drop-down menu.

Step 6: Finally, quit BIOS and save the modifications you’ve made.

Solution 13: Disabling Compatibility Mode 

Only Windows 10 is supported by Steam. When a gaming mistake occurs, Windows 10 may automatically switch to Compatibility Mode. To put it another way, if Compatibility Mode is the issue, Steam will issue a warning.

Compatibility Mode for Windows 10 OS can cause Steam to malfunction, hence it is not recommended. You must also alter your registry because Windows 10 hides the fact that it has changed.

Before doing this approach, make a backup of the registry. Follow the instructions up to step 6 to back up your registry.

Step 1: Shut off all Steam processes initially. You can accomplish this by right-clicking on the Taskbar and selecting “Task Manager.”

Step 2: After that, select the Processes tab. Look for the Steam processes in the list. Select the Steam process after that, and then push the “End task” button. If you don’t see any Steam processes, go to step 3.

Step 3: In File Explorer, type “Steam” and then right-click “Steam.exe.” Select “Properties” from the drop-down menu.

Step 4: Select “Compatibility” from the drop-down menu. Uncheck all of the choices under this tab and then click “Apply.”

Step 5: Next, select “Change settings for all users” from the drop-down menu. Make sure that none of the other options are selected. Last but not least, press the “Apply” and “OK” buttons.

Step 6: Finally, click the “Ok” button to close the Properties window.

Step 7: Now check to see whether Steam can be launched. Continue to the next steps if you are unable to open Steam and a warning displays on your screen.

Step 8: To open the Run box, press the Windows and R keys together on your computer. In the box, type “regedit” and press the “Ok” button.

Step 9: Expand the folders “HKEY CURRENT USER” and “Software” from the left side of the window, starting with “HKEY CURRENT USER.” After that, select “Microsoft.”

Step 10: Now, in the following order, expand the folders: CurrentVersion -> AppCompatFlags -> Layers -> Windows NT

Step 11: A list of registry entries will show on the right side of the window. Right-click the Steam.exe entry after searching for it. Then, to delete the entry, click the option “Delete.”

Step 12: Go back to the AppCompatFlag folder and click “Compatibility,” then “Persisted.” Search for and delete the “Steam.exe” file on the right, just like you did in the previous step.

Step 13: Return to the top of the page and open the “HKEY LOCAL MACHINE” folder.

Step 14: In the following order, expand the folders: AppCompatFlags -> Layers -> Microsoft -> Windows NT -> CurrentVersion -> AppCompatFlags -> Layers -> Software -> Microsoft -> Windows NT -> CurrentVersion -> AppCompatFlags -> If the Layers folder is missing, proceed to the next step. Otherwise, repeat the previous procedure and delete the “Steam.exe” file.

Step 15: Finally, close the Registry and try to start Steam again.

Solution 14: Restarting Your Computer

Third-party software can sometimes interact with Steam, so try restarting your system without them to see if the Steam Won’t Open error goes away.

Furthermore, when you clean boot your system, it restarts the system with the critical Microsoft apps running, as well as any software that tends to affect the system. However, network activity can still interfere with Steam.

Step 1: First, log in as an administrator to your system. Then, on your keyboard, hit the Windows and R keys together to open the Run box. Enter “msconfig” in the run box and hit the “Ok” button.

Step 2: A window called System Configuration will appear. Select the “Services” tab from the drop-down menu. Then, next to “Hide all Microsoft services,” check the option. Finally, press the “Disable all” option.

Step 3: Select “Open Task Manager” from the “Startup” menu.

Step 4: The Task Manager window will open. After that, select the “Startup” tab. Then, from the list, pick all of the things and click the “Disable” button. Close the Task Manager application.

Step 5: To save the changes, click the “Apply” button in the System Configuration box. Then, on the next screen, press the “OK” button.

Finally, restart your computer. Check whether you can open Steam after restarting your computer.

Read Also:

  1. CTF Loader
  2. Clipboard History Windows 10
  3. System Thread Exception Not Handled

Conclusion

Follow the steps above to resolve the Steam Won’t Open error; however, if you are still unable to resolve the issue, the issue may be with the Steam software. You can also contact Steam’s customer service department.