Steam Games Not Launching: How to Fix This Issue

A lot of users reported the Steam games not launching issues. Even though Steam is an excellent software, the user can have several issues while playing games. Problems like corrupt game files or outdated drivers can create such problems.

Worry not! If you have been experiencing the same problem, we have solutions for you. In this guide, we will provide the best methods to resolve them.

Fix Steam Games Not Launching Issue

Steam games can have different issues. It’s better if you identify it beforehand. If not, implement these methods to get the best result. Keep reading the following section as we share some best methods to fix this problem:

Method 1: Run Steam Client as Administrator

As some games require administrative privileges to launch in the Steam client, you have to make some changes. When Steam isn’t launching, you have to run that specific game as administrator to resolve this problem:

Step 1: Find the Steam client shortcut and right-click on it, click on the ‘Open file location’ option.

Step 2: Keep scrolling and find the ‘Steam’ folder and the exe file.

Step 3: Next, right-click on the Steam.exe file and select ‘Run as administrator’.

Method 2: Update Graphics Driver

When you find Steam games not launching, your graphics card driver is probably outdated. To fix this issue, you have to update the graphics driver. Follow these steps to learn:

Step 1: First, right-click on the Start menu and select Device Manager.

Step 2: Once the list is opened, locate the ‘Display adapter’ category and double-click to expand it.

Step 3: As you see your graphic card name, right-click on it and select the ‘Update driver’ option.

Step 4: Next, you can choose the ‘Browse my computer for drivers’ or ‘Search automatically for drivers’ option.

Step 5: Choose one option and follow the on-screen guide to complete the update process. Once done, reboot your PC before launching Steam games.

Method 3: Update The Steam Client

If the graphics driver is up-to-date, maybe your Steam client’s new version is available. In that case, check if there’s an update and complete the process:

Step 1: First, open your Steam client and go to the top left corner of your screen to select the ‘Steam’ option. Then, select the ‘Check for the Steam Updates’ option to check if there’s any update.

Step 2: If there’s a new update, click on the ‘Download’ option and wait for the Steam client to update.

Step 3: Once the updating process is done, open your Steam account and try running games.

Method 4: Verify and Repair Game Files

Sometimes, a game file can create issues. If you want to resolve this, you have to verify and repair game files. Let’s find out what you have to do:

Step 1: Open your Steam client and select the LIBRARY option on the top left corner of your screen.

Step 2: Browse and right-click on the game in your Library and select the ‘Properties’ option.

Step 3: Next, you have to select the option Installed Files on the left pan and select the ‘Verify integrity of game files’ option.

Step 4: Be patient as Steam will start verifying the game’s file and it will take a few minutes, depending on the file size.

Step 5: Once the verification process is completed, restart the Steam client and launch your game.

Method 5: Clear Game Caches

Sometimes, game caches can create a lot of issues while launching Steam games. Let’s find what you have to do to clear game caches:

Step 1: First, launch the Steam client and go to the main menu to select the Steam option.

Step 2: Under that option, select the Settings option.

Step 3: A left pan will be opened, you have to select ‘Downloads’ and click on the ‘Clear Cache’ button under the ‘Clear Download Cache’ option.

Step 4: After the process is done, relaunch the Steam client.

Method 6: Update Your Windows

Steam client games won’t launch when there are some updates available on your Windows system. So, first, check if there’s an update available and install them.

Step 1: Go to the ‘Settings’ option and select ‘Update & Security’

Step 2: Once the option is opened, select the Windows Update option. You can find available updates on the right pan.

Step 3: Follow the on-screen institutions and wait until the updating process is completed. Restart your PC before launching Steam client games.

Conclusion

As there can be various reasons for the Steam games not launching, you have to identify it first. There are several solutions to resolve this problem. If any of them are not working, contact Steam’s technical support team.

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