Steam Overlay Not Working: How to Fix This Windows 10 Issue

Steam Overlay is an in-game interface that lets gamers access different features while playing. However, this interface stops working if any issue occurs. There are various reasons why Steam Overlay isn’t working like corrupted game files, outdated Windows 10, etc. However, you can easily fix this problem by implementing some methods. In this guide, let’s learn how to resolve this Steam Overlay issue.

How to Fix Steam Overlay Not Working Issue

As the Steam Overlay not working can create several issues, you can easily fix it by applying some solutions. Keep reading the following section and discover the best ways to fix this problem:

Method 1: Grant Administrator Access

When your Steam Overlay isn’t working, the most effective solution is granting administration access to executable files. To implement this process, follow these simple steps:

Step 1: First, open your Steam directory which is located in C: Program Files (x86)Steam

Step 2: Here, locate a file named Stem.exe and right-click to choose Properties.

Step 3: After that, go to the Compatibility tab and check if the ‘Run this program as an administrator’ option is correct. If not, click the Apply and OK buttons.

Step 4: Once done, locate the file named GameOverLayUI.exe and repeat the process.

After granting administrative access to these two files, restart Steam and check if Steam Overly is working properly.

Method 2: Disable and Re-enable Steam Overlay

Another effective way to fix this issue is by disabling and re-enabling Steam Overlay. Follow these instructions to implement this procedure:

Step 1: First, launch your Steam client

Step 2: Next, click on the Steam option and then Settings.

Step 3: Go to the left pane and choose the In-game option. Review the ‘Enable the Steam Overlay while in-game’ box, if the option is unchecked, change it and click OK.

Step 4: Once done, open the Library and right-click the game that is not working before clicking Properties.

Step 5: Go to the General tab and check the ‘Enable the Steam Overlay while in-game’ box before clicking Close.

Step 6: Lastly, restart Steam and start the game to check if Steam Overly works properly.

Method 3: Update the Latest Version

When your Steam client isn’t updated, it can create issues and you can face the Steam Overlay issue. However, it’s easy to resolve the problem by updating the client to the latest version:

Step 1: First, launch Steam

Step 2: Next, click Steam and select Check for Steam Client Updates

Step 3: Wait for a few moments as the application starts updating automatically.

Method 4: Disable Third-Party Software

If you are using third-party apps, it can lead to Steam Overlay not working. That means, these apps need Steam Overlay when they are running. As a result, it can cause issues when you want to play a game.

To resolve this problem, you have to disable third-party software while gaming. Launching too many programs while playing a game will slow down the process.

Method 5: Check Antivirus & Firewall

Sometimes, you can face the Steam Overlay not working issue when the antivirus is conflicting with Steam. Even though Steam activates a lot of programs to enhance the gaming experience, some antivirus software identifies the process as a threat.

The good part is you can fix this error by putting Steam as an exception in the firewall. Keep reading the following section to learn how to make Steam an exception:

Step 1: Open Cortana’s search bar and type Firewall. Once you find the options, select Allow an app through Windows Firewall.

Step 2: Now, click the Change Settings button and keep scrolling to allow both Public and Private networks.

Step 3: Once the process is done, restart your PC and check if the problem is fixed.

Method 6: Check the Integrity of Game Files

In some cases, corrupted game files can be the primary cause of Steam Overlay not working. If this is the reason, you have to verify the integrity of those files:

Step 1: Open the Steam client and select Library. Here, you can navigate all the installed files and find the one that failed to work.

Step 2: Once you find the game, right-click the game and select Properties.

Step 3: Next, locate the Local Files tab and click the Verify Integrity of Game Files option. It will start verifying all the files to find if one file is corrupted.

Step 4: Choose Settings and open the Download tab.

Step 5: Now, click on the Steam Library Folder option and you can see all the information. Right-click and select Repair Library Files. Once done, restart your Steam client.

Method 7: Update Windows 10

If your Steam client is updated, maybe this issue occurred due to outdated Windows 10. In that case, you have to update Windows 10:

Step 1: Press the Windows key and select the Settings option.

Step 2: Next, choose Update and Security.

Step 3: After that, you have to click the Check for updates option and Windows will start downloading new updates.

Wait for a few minutes until Windows 10 is updated. Restart your PC and open the Steam client to check if it’s working well.

Conclusion

Since Steam Overlay not working isn’t a critical issue, you can resolve it by implementing several methods. If any of these methods aren’t working, reach out to the Steam support team or contact an expert.

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