How To Fix a Steam Service Error

Work your way through this list

Steam’s Windows 10 client application relies on a background service called the Steam Client Service to run effectively. It handles critical tasks ranging from installing video games, updating downloaded content, to activating anti-cheat detection capabilities in supported titles.

However, suppose you keep coming across a “Steam Service Error” as you attempt to open Steam. In that case, you’re likely dealing with insufficient permissions, an incorrectly configured service, or a corrupt Steam installation.

Work your way through the list of fixes that follow, and you should be able to fix the “Steam Service Error” on your Windows 10 PC.

Reinstall Steam Service

The “Steam Service Error” message includes anInstall Serviceoption that you can use to re-install the Steam Client Service. If you haven’t already, just select it and see if that helps.

But if the same error shows up again the next time you launch Steam (perhaps after rebooting your PC), move on with the rest of the fixes.

Run Steam as Administrator

The “Steam Service Error” is mainly the result of insufficient Steam permissions. To rule that out, you must run Steam with administrative privileges.

If you have aSteamicon on your desktop, simply right-click it and selectRun as administrator. If you use the Start menu to open apps, locate and right-clickSteam, point toMore, and selectRun as administrator.

If the “Steam Service Error” doesn’t re-appear when you run it as administrator, here’s how to run Steam as an administrator always:

  1. Open File Explorer and go toThis PC>Local Disk (C:)>Program Files (86)>Steam.

  2. Locate and right-click the file labeledsteam.exe. Then, selectProperties.

  3. Switch to theCompatibilitytab.

  4. Under theSettingssection, check the box next toRun this program as an administrator.

  5. SelectApply>OK.

Re-Configure Steam Client Service

By default, the Steam client application only invokes the Steam Client Service as and when needed. If it fails to get the service up and running, you end up with the “Steam Service Error.” You can fix that by configuring the Steam Client Service to launch automatically alongside the operating system.

  1. PressWindows+Rto open the Run box. Then, typeservices.mscand selectOK.

  2. Locate the service labeledSteam Client Service. Then, double-click it to open the Steam Client Service Properties dialog.

  3. Under theGeneraltab, setStartup typetoAutomatic.

  4. SelectApply, thenOK.

  5. Restart your computer and try re-opening Steam.

Repair Steam Client Service

If the “Steam Service Error” continues to show up on your computer, you must repair the Steam Client Service. It’s a relatively simple procedure that involves executing a command via the Command Prompt console.

  1. PressWindows+Sto open Windows Search. Then, typecmdand selectRun as administratorto open a Command Prompt console with administrative privileges.

  2. Copy and paste the following command:

“C:Program Files (x86)SteambinSteamService.exe” /repair

  1. PressEnter.

Add Steam to Windows Firewall

The “Steam Client Service” could also show up if Steam lacks the required permissions to connect to the internet properly. Hence, it’s best to check the Windows Firewall to ensure that everything’s set up correctly.

  1. Select theWindows Securityicon on the system tray.

  2. Go toFirewall & network protection>Allow an app through firewall.

  3. SelectChange settings.

  4. Activate both boxes next toSteamandSteam Web Helper.

If you don’t seeSteamorSteam Web Helperwithin the Windows Firewall, selectAllow another appand add the following files within the directories below:

  1. SelectOK.

If you use a third-party antivirus solution with a dedicated firewall, open its configuration pane and make sure to add Steam as an exception.

Repair Corrupted System Files

Windows 10 comes with a command-line tool—dubbed theSystem File Checker—that helps you scan and repair corrupted system files. If the “Steam Service Error” results from issues with the operating system, running it should help fix that.

  1. Open a Command Prompt console with administrative privileges.

  2. Type the following command:

sfc /scannow

  1. PressEnter.

Update Windows 10

If you run an outdated version of Windows 10 (or if you’ve continued todefer operating system updates), programs such as Steam may have trouble running correctly. Update the operating system and see if that helps resolve the issue.

  1. Open theStartmenu and go toSettings>Update & Security>Windows Update.

  2. SelectCheck for updates.

  3. SelectDownload and installto update Windows 10.

Roll Back Windows 10

Provided that you’veset up System Restore in Windows 10previously, try reverting Windows 10 to a time when Steam worked without issues on your PC.

  1. PressWindows+Rto open the Run box.

  2. Typesysdm.cpland selectOK.

  3. Switch to theSystem Protectiontab and selectSystem Restore.

  4. SelectRecommended restoreto undo the most recent changes to the operating system. Or, selectChoose a different restore pointto pick another restore point.

  5. SelectNextand work your way through the System Restore wizard to roll back the operating system.

Uninstall and Reinstall Steam

If none of the fixes above helped, you must uninstall and reinstall Steam. That should help fix a “Steam Service Error” caused by a broken Steam installation. You can choose to keep your game data intact by copying the relevant folder to a different location.

  1. Open File Explorer and navigate toThis PC>Local Disk (C:)>Program Files (x86)>Steam.

  2. Copy and paste the folder labeledsteamapps(which contains your game data) to a different location on your PC.

  3. Open theStartmenu and go toSettings>Apps>Apps & features.

  4. SelectSteam>Uninstallto remove Steam from your computer.

5.Download the Steam installerand run it to re-install Steam. Copy thesteamappsfolder to theSteamdirectory after that.

You’ve Fixed the Steam Service Error

Most of the time, launching the Steam client as an administrator or re-configuring the Steam Client Service to run automatically should help you resolve the “Steam Service Error” in Windows 10. If not, trying some of the advanced fixes above will surely help you sort things out.

Dilum Senevirathne is a freelance tech writer and blogger with three years of experience writing for online technology publications. He specializes in topics related to iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and Google web apps. When he isn’t hammering away at his Magic Keyboard, you can catch him binge-watching productivity hacks on YouTube.Read Dilum’s Full Bio

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