How to fix 'There was an error communicating with the Steam servers' error in Windows?

Users frequently encounter the “There was an error communicating with the Steam servers” error which blocks them from accessing online features on the Steam platform. They find themselves unable to access Steam features after this error occurs while attempting any Steam action including login and retail purchases and multiplayer gameplay.

Possible causes of the error

• The “There was an error communicating with the Steam servers” error appears because of multiple factors:
• Internet connectivity problems create unstable or poor networks which prevent Steam from contacting its servers.
• Steam server maintenance or excessive traffic sometimes causes the problem that leads to this error.
• Firewall and antivirus programs sometimes block Steam by mistake which leads to disconnection from the servers.
• Steam can experience interruptions from background applications which include VPN or third-party network utility programs.

How users experience this error

The “There was an error communicating with the Steam servers” error has become a common issue for numerous Steam users who try to access their accounts or perform updates. The error shows resistance to both Steam and computer restarts indicating that system-wide network configuration or deeper system problems exist.

Potential solutions

The resolution of this problem requires users to check their network status while confirming security applications do not block Steam and examining other programs which might interrupt connectivity. It is also worth checking whether Steam servers are up and running.

There are numerous other solutions that we suggest trying, all of which can be found below. Additionally, we recommend you try running a scan with a PC repair app FortectMac Washing Machine X9, which is designed to automatically tackle Windows issues related to corrupted DLL and other system files, broken registries, bugged caches, and more.

Fix 1. Check Steam server status

Sometimes, the error happens due to Steam's servers being down or undergoing maintenance. If the issue is on Steam’s end, waiting until the servers are back online is the only solution.

• Visit the website that monitors the Steam server status.
• If there’s an ongoing outage, wait for Steam to resolve the issue.

Fix 2. Run Network troubleshooter

If there is an underlying network issue affecting Steam’s connection, running the built-in Windows Network Troubleshooter can help diagnose and resolve it.

Windows 11:

• Type Troubleshoot in Windows search and press Enter.
• Select Other troubleshooters.
• Find Network & Internet troubleshooter from the list and select Run.
• Wait till the process is finished and apply the offered fixes.
• Restart your computer.

Windows 10:

• Right-click on Start and pick Settings.
• Go to the Network & Internet section.
• On the right side, find the Advanced network settings section.
• Click Network troubleshooter and wait.
• The fixes will be automatically applied.

Fix 3. Disable VPN and proxy settings

VPNs and proxies can interfere with Steam’s ability to communicate with its servers, causing connection failures.

• Disable a VPN to switch to your default network, if applicable.
• Right-click on Start and pick Network connections.
• Navigate to the VPN section and disable it if it's connected.
• Then select Proxy.
• Here, disable Proxy if it's enabled.

Fix 4. Allow Steam through Windows Firewall

Windows Firewall may be blocking Steam’s access to the internet, preventing it from connecting to the servers.

• Type in Control Panel in Windows search and press Enter.
• Go to System and Security and click on Windows Defender Firewall.
• On the left side of the window, click Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall.
• Click Change settings (if you are not on an administrator account, you will be asked to enter a password).
• Scroll down and enable Private and Public access to the following entries:
  Steam
  Steam Web Helper
• Finally, click OK.

Fix 5. Flush DNS and reset network settings

If there are network configuration issues, clearing the DNS cache and resetting network settings can help restore connectivity.

• Type cmd in Windows search.
• Right-click on Command Prompt result and pick Run as administrator.
• When the User Account Control window shows up, click Yes.
• In the new window, copy and paste the following commands, pressing Enter each time:
  ipconfig /flushdns
  ipconfig /registerdns
  ipconfig /release
  ipconfig /renew
  netsh winsock reset
• Reboot your system and check if the issue is resolved.

Fix 6. Change Steam’s download region

Steam assigns a download region based on your location, but switching to a different one can sometimes resolve connection issues.

• Open Steam and go to Settings.
• Click on the Downloads tab and find the Download Region option.
• Select a different region from the dropdown menu.
• Restart Steam and check if the issue is resolved.

Fix 7. Run Steam as an administrator

Insufficient permissions may prevent Steam from establishing a connection with its servers. Running the application as an administrator can help bypass these restrictions.

• Right-click on the Steam shortcut or executable file.
• Select Run as administrator from the context menu.
• Log in to your Steam account and check if the error is resolved.

If the issue is fixed, you can set Steam to always run as admin as follows:

• Right-click on the Steam shortcut or executable file and select Properties.
• Go to the Compatibility tab.
• Check the box next to Run this program as an administrator.
• Click Apply and then OK.
• launch the game as normal.

Fix 8. Reinstall Steam

If all else fails, a corrupted Steam installation could be the cause. Reinstalling Steam can help fix any corrupted files that might be preventing it from working properly.

• Type Control Panel in Windows search and press Enter.
• Go to Programs > Uninstall a program.
• Find Steam, right-click, and select Uninstall.
• Follow the prompts to remove the app.
• Reboot your PC and then reinstall Steam from the official website.

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