Steam Games Won’t Launch: 13 Solutions

Are you frustrated because your favorite Steam games won’t launch? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Many gamers encounter this issue, but luckily, there are several solutions to get your games up and running again. In this comprehensive troubleshooting guide, we will explore effective methods to fix the problem of Steam games not launching. From running games as an administrator to verifying the integrity of game files, we’ve got you covered. So, let’s dive in and get your Steam games back on track!

1. Force-Quit Steam Game and Try Again

Sometimes, a Steam game can get stuck during launch for no apparent reason. In such cases, force-quitting the game and trying again might resolve the issue. Here’s how you can force-quit a Steam game:

PC:

1. Right-click on the taskbar and select Task Manager.
2. In the Task Manager window, select “More details” to expand the view.
3. Under the Processes tab, locate the game-related process and click on it.
4. Finally, select “End task” to force-quit the game.

Mac:

1. Open the Activity Monitor by searching for it using Spotlight Search (press Command + Space).
2. Within the Activity Monitor, navigate to the CPU tab.
3. Find the game-related process and click the Stop button at the top of the window.

2. Restart Your Computer

If force-quitting the game doesn’t resolve the issue, the next step is to restart your computer. This simple action can often fix glitches within Steam or the operating system that may be preventing the Steam game from launching.

3. Apply Pending Updates

Updating both the Steam client and the game itself can help fix known issues with specific titles. Start by checking for Steam client updates. Here’s how:

1. Open the Steam menu and select “Check for Steam Client Updates.”
2. Follow the on-screen instructions to install any available updates.

Additionally, ensure that the malfunctioning game is set to update automatically. To do this:

1. Open the Steam Library.
2. Right-click or control-click on the game and select “Properties.”
3. Switch to the Updates side-tab.
4. Check the box next to “Always keep this game updated.”

4. Check Video Game Requirements

It’s essential to ensure that your computer meets the minimum system requirements specified by the game. If your PC or Mac falls short of these requirements, the game may not launch at all. To check the system requirements:

1. Visit the game’s Steam store page.
2. Scroll down to the System Requirements section.
3. Compare your computer’s specifications with the listed requirements.

If your computer does not meet the minimum requirements, you may need to consider upgrading your hardware or seeking a refund for the game.

5. Run Game as Administrator (PC Only)

Sometimes, running a Steam game with administrative privileges can resolve launch issues. To run a game as an administrator:

1. Open File Explorer and navigate to the game’s installation folder.
2. Locate the game’s executable file.
3. Right-click on the file and select “Run as administrator.”

You can also set the game to always run as an administrator. Right-click on the game’s executable file, select “Properties,” and check the box next to “Run this program as an administrator.”

6. Run Game in Compatibility Mode (PC Only)

If you’re playing an older game on Windows 10, running it in compatibility mode may help. Here’s how to do it:

1. Right-click on the game’s executable file.
2. Select “Properties.”
3. Go to the Compatibility tab.
4. Check the box next to “Run this program in compatibility mode for.”
5. Choose the appropriate compatibility mode, such as Windows 8.
6. If the issue persists, select “Run compatibility troubleshooter” within the same screen to identify the correct compatibility settings.

7. Update Windows/macOS

Outdated or missing system updates can cause Steam games to fail launching. It’s crucial to keep your operating system up to date. Here’s how to update Windows and macOS:

Windows:

1. Open the Start menu and go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
2. Click on “Check for updates.”
3. If updates are available, select “Download and install” to apply them.

macOS:

1. Open the Apple menu and go to System Preferences > Software Update.
2. If updates are pending, click on “Update Now” to install them.

If you encounter any issues while updating macOS, refer to the appropriate troubleshooting resources to resolve them.

8. Update/Roll Back Drivers (PC Only)

Outdated or incompatible graphics card drivers can cause Steam games to fail launching. Make sure your drivers are up to date by visiting the manufacturer’s website (NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel) and downloading the latest drivers for your specific graphics card model.

If the issue persists after updating the drivers, you can try rolling them back to a previous version. To do this:

1. Right-click on the Start button and select “Device Manager.”
2. Expand the “Display adapters” category.
3. Right-click on your graphics card and select “Properties.”
4. Switch to the “Driver” tab.
5. Select “Roll Back Driver” and follow the on-screen instructions.

9. Verify Steam Game Integrity

Corrupted game files can prevent a Steam game from launching. Verifying the integrity of the game files can help identify and fix any issues. Here’s how to verify the integrity of a game:

1. Open the Steam Library.
2. Right-click or control-click on the problematic game and select “Properties.”
3. Switch to the Local Files side-tab.
4. Click on “Verify integrity of game files” and wait for the process to complete.

10. Disable Third-Party Antivirus Software

Sometimes, third-party antivirus software can interfere with Steam games and prevent them from launching. Temporarily disable your antivirus software and try launching the game again. If the issue is resolved, add the game to the antivirus software’s list of exempted programs to avoid future conflicts.

11. Play in Offline Mode

Switching to Steam’s Offline mode can help overcome issues related to connectivity with Steam servers. Here’s how to play a game in Offline mode:

1. Open the Steam menu.
2. Select “Go Offline.”
3. Launch the game from your Steam Library.

To switch back to Online mode, open the Steam menu again and select “Go Online.”

12. Migrate to a Different Location

If all else fails, moving the game to a different location on your computer might resolve the issue. Follow these steps to migrate the game:

1. Open the Steam Library.
2. Right-click or control-click on the game and select “Properties.”
3. Switch to the Local Files side-tab.
4. Choose “Move install folder” and select a new location.

13. Reinstall the Video Game

If none of the previous solutions work, a corrupted game installation may be the cause. Reinstalling the game can often fix this issue. Here’s how to reinstall a Steam game:

1. Open the Steam Library.
2. Right-click or control-click on the game and select “Uninstall.”
3. Restart your computer.
4. Locate the game in your Steam Library and select “Install.”

Conclusion

By following these troubleshooting steps, you should be able to resolve the issue of Steam games not launching. If you continue to experience problems, you may need to contact Steam Support for further assistance.

Remember, gaming should be a hassle-free experience, and with these solutions, you can enjoy your favorite Steam games without any launch issues. Happy gaming!

Additional Information:

• Steam games won’t launch issue affects both PC and Mac users.
• It’s important to exclude the game from your antivirus software to avoid potential conflicts.
• Always ensure that your computer meets the minimum system requirements for the game.
• Running games as an administrator or in compatibility mode can often resolve launch issues.
• Regularly updating your operating system and graphics card drivers is essential for optimal gaming performance.