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Fix: Steam games not launching 

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  • 5 min read

Steam, the leading platform for purchasing and playing games, occasionally encounters issues that prevent games from launching. This problem can be frustrating, especially when you’re eager to dive into a new game or continue an adventure.

This guide aims to address common reasons why Steam games may not launch and provides solutions to fix these issues. You can watch the video below or continue reading the article.

Below we have discussed:

Also read: How to share games on Steam?


Why are Steam games not launching?

There are a few reasons that might cause the issues with the Steam games and stop them from launching, and they are mentioned below:

  • Temporary system glitches
  • Outdated graphics driver
  • Corrupted game files
  • Corrupted download cache

How to fix the issue?

Here are five methods to help resolve the Steam games not launching issue:

Restart Steam and your Computer

Sometimes, Steam or your computer may have encountered a temporary glitch. Restarting both can resolve many issues. Close Steam completely, including any background processes, and then restart your computer.


Update the graphics card

Outdated or corrupted graphics drivers often prevent games from launching properly. To fix this, head over to the website of your graphics card maker (like NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel). Once you’re there, find and download the newest drivers specifically made for your graphics card model. This ensures compatibility and optimal performance when launching your games through Steam.

You can also update drivers from the device manager. To do that, follow the steps below:

Step 1: Press the Windows+X and tap on the Device Manager option in the dropdown menu.

Step 2: Find and then expand the device category in which you want to update the drivers, and right-click on the driver.

Step 3: In the pop-up menu, click on the Update driver option.

Step 4: In the new window, click on the Search automatically for drivers option.


Verify game files

Corrupted game files can cause launch issues. Steam provides a built-in tool to verify the integrity of game files:

Step 1: Open the Steam and click on the Library tab. In the library, right-click on the problematic game, then click on the Properties option in the drop-down menu.

Step 2: Find the Local Files and click Verify Integrity of Game Files.

It will re-install the corrupted or missing files and ultimately fix the issue caused by those files.


Clear Steam download cache

Clearing the Steam download cache can resolve various issues, including games not launching. To do this:

Step 1: Click on the Steam tab at the top left corner of the Steam app window.

Step 2: In the dropdown menu, click on the Settings option.

Step 3: In the Steam settings, click on the Downloads option in the sidebar and then on the right side click on the Clear cache button beside the Clear Download Cache option.


Reinstall the game

If none of the above solutions work, reinstalling Steam might resolve the issue. Before reinstalling, ensure you back up your game saves if necessary. To uninstall the game using Steam follow the steps below:

Step 1: Click on the Library tab, from the options at the top of the screen. In your Library find the game in the list of games on the left side of the screen and right-click on the game. Then in the drop-down menu, click on the Manage option, and then on the Uninstall option.

Step 2: A confirmation box will appear, click on the Uninstall button at the bottom left of the box.

After uninstalling the game reinstall it and check whether it’s launching now or not.

By following these steps, you should be able to resolve most issues preventing Steam games from launching. If problems persist, reaching out to Steam Support or the game’s official support channels may provide further assistance tailored to your specific situation.

Also read: How to check Steam storage space on Windows 11?

Akash Singh

Akash Singh

Akash is a law graduate who likes to go for bike rides on the weekends soul-searching for answers to his many existential questions. You can contact him here: singhakash95@pm.me

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