For a big part, steam works perfectly fine without any problem but some users reported that steam won’t open or start when they try to launch it on Windows 10 or 11 PC. A large number of people may be using steam which may restrict your entry. But of course, it can happen due to other reasons as well.
Sometimes temporary glitches or bugs can trigger the steam not opening problem. You can fix it by simply restarting your Windows PC. And also make sure your internet connection is stable otherwise you will face the steam not opening problem. If you are using steam’s offline mode even then you need an active internet connection for your account online.
If these both ways produce no result and you are so irritated because your steam won’t open then calm yourself down. In this article, we are going to mention some more effective fixes to solve this problem. Stay Connected….
How to Fix Steam Won’t Open on Windows 10/11 PC?
1. Check Steam Server Status
The down Steam server because of too much load or other errors is one of the major reasons for steam not opening because a large number of users use it worldwide most of the time.
Steam has a downtime specifically from 1 to 3 PM every Tuesday because of maintenance. You can check the current status of the Steam server according to your region by just visiting
2. Run Steam as an Administrator
According to some users, this has fixed their problem of not opening Steam because when you allow it to run as an administrator it runs with all required permissions. So, to run Steam as an administrator follow the given steps:
Go to Local disk(C:) then Program Files(x86) and then go to Steam. OR go to the folder where Steam is installed.
Next, right-click on steam.exe, and then from the sub-menu, click on the Properties option.
Click on the Compatibility tab from the top 6 options and checkmark Run this program as an administrator box.
Now click on Apply then OK.
3. Restart Steam Process If Steam not Opening on Windows 11
Sometimes Steam Client continues working in the background which leads to Steam, not opening problems. You can fix it by ending this process and then restarting it. To end the Steam process, follow these instructions:
Press the keys Ctrl + Shift + Esc together and type Task Manager in the bottom search bar on your PC and open it.
Select the process of the Steam app, and then select the option End Task at the bottom.
Restart your PC and launch the Steam app, check if the problem is fixed or not, if not then move to the next solution.
4. Update Windows to Fix Steam not Launching
If your System Window is outdated then you might face a problem in opening Steam. Follow these steps to update your Window:
First of all, go to the Setting by pressing the Window + I keys together.
Another window will appear then click on the Update & security from the given options (if you have Window 10) OR click on the Window Updates from the given options (if you have Window 11).
Then click on Check for updates and if there is any update, the updating process will start automatically.
Once the process is completed, restart your PC and check whether the problem is resolved or not. If not, try the next Solution.
5. Sync Date & Time if Steam not Opening on Windows PC
Incorrect Time & Date settings can also lead to Steam not opening because Steam uses real-time data according to your region. If your setting is also incorrect then follow these steps to set it:
First of all, press the Window key and select Settings.
Click on Time & Language, then Date & Time section will open.
Turn on the toggle of Set time automatically and Set time zone automatically.
After that, restart your PC to see whether the problem is solved or not, if not then move to the next fix.
6. Update Drivers
Outdated drivers on your Windows 10 or 11 PC can also cause your Steam not to open. Try to update the drivers and for that follow these instructions:
Press the Window + R keys together.
The Run Dialogue Box will appear
Then type devmgmt.msc and press the Enter key Device Manager will open.
There will be Some devices with a yellow icon. Right-click on each device and select Update driver from the sub-menu.
Now click on Search automatically for updated driver software from the newly appeared window.
If there is any update then install it and repeat this for all the drivers. Restart your Windows PC to check if the problem is fixed.
Best Alternate To Update Driver on Windows 10/11 PC
Most of the time Steam not opening on Windows PC issue occurs if you have an outdated driver installed on your PC. Make sure you have updated your drivers to their latest version.
Also updating the Windows drivers is a time-consuming task, and if you are a newbie you can end up installing the wrong drivers.
So we recommend downloading Driver Easy software on your PC. This program is a professional system driver updater that automatically scans a PC’s old driver and updates them instantly.
The Driver Easy is an N0.1 software updater tool in its field and for 12 years users are using it to fix their PC errors.
Variations with the firewall settings can cause your Steam not to open. To add Steam as an exception to Windows Defender Firewall follow these instructions:
Type Control Panel in the Search bar by clicking on the search icon at the bottom, and then click Open.
Then set View by as Large icons from the top-right corner and click on Windows Defender Firewall.
Next, click on Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall from the newly appeared window.
Now find the Steam through the Firewall and checkmark the boxes Private and Public next to the Steam.
Lastly, click on OK and launch the Steam app as administrator and see if the problem is fixed.
8. Delete App-Cache Folder
Whenever you open the Steam app cache files are created repeatedly and automatically related to the applications and games. These cache files can create the problem of Steam not opening. To delete them follow the steps:
To open File Explorer, press Windows + E keys simultaneously.
Go to Local disk (C:) then Program Files(x86) and then go to Steam. OR go to the folder where Steam is installed.
Now right-click on the appcache folder and select the Delete option from the sub-menu.
Finally, restart your system and open Steam as administrator again.
9. Run SFC and DISM Scans
Maybe corrupt files on the operating system create this issue of the Steam app not opening on your PC. You can fix it by SFC & DISM scan which is an in-built tool to repair system files in windows.
Firstly, type Command Prompt by clicking the search icon at the bottom and then click on Run as administrator.
Next, select Yes in the User Account Control prompt and type sfc /scannow.
To run the System File Checker scan, hit the Enter key.
It will take some time to complete. But keep in mind to not close the window. Once the scan is completed, one of these messages will show up:
Windows Resource Protection did not find any integrity violations. Windows Resource Protection could not perform the requested operation. Windows Resource Protection found corrupt files and successfully repaired them. Windows Resource Protection found corrupt files but was unable to fix some of them.
Restart your PC.
Again type Command Prompt by clicking the search icon at the bottom and then click on Run as administrator and add these commands one after the other but to execute DISM commands, you should a stable internet connection:
If you have installed Steam in some other folder then mention that one.
Restart your PC, after the repair is completed message is displayed.
11. Change Steam File Extension
Check the extension of the Steam files whether it is right, otherwise, it will lead to the Steam Won’t open issue. If it is not correct then follow these steps to fix it:
Go to the directory where Steam is installed. Rename its extension from Clientregistry.blob file to ClientRegistry.old.blob.
12. Disable Overclocking
Activated overclocking could also lead to the Steam not opening issue, you should disable it. To do so, follow these guidelines:
Go to Settings by pressing the window key then navigate to Update & Security.
Go to the Recovery and to begin running Advanced start-up click on Restart now.
After that, go to Troubleshoot then Advanced Options.
Navigate to UEFI Firmware Settings.
Now, click on Restart.
13. Reinstall Steam Client
If none of the above methods help in resolving the issue then reinstall the Steam app. A fresh version of Steam will be better in performance and have more chances to resolve this problem. To reinstall it follow these steps:
How To Uninstall Steam on Windows PC
From the Windows search bar go to the Apps & features.
Then find Steam and click on the Uninstall option.
Next, click on Uninstall again.
Click on Uninstall to remove Steam from the bottom of the Steam Uninstall window and restart your PC.
