Fix Steam Keeps Crashing (2023)

Fix Steam Keeps Crashing (1)

Steam is a popular video game digital distribution service by Valve. It is the preferred choice for gamers when it comes to exploring and downloading online games. However, many Steam users have reported that Steam keeps crashing on Startup or while playing a game. These crashes can be pretty frustrating. If you are also dealing with the same problem, then you are at the right place. We bring to you a perfect guide that will help you fix Steam keeps crashing issue on Windows PC.

Before proceeding with the troubleshooting methods, you should do the following:

  • Firstly, make sure that no unrequired external devices are connected to your PC.
  • Exit all other apps that are running on your desktop/laptop to free up more CPU, memory & network resources for Steam and your game.

Fix Steam Keeps Crashing (2)

Contents

  • How to Fix Steam Keeps Crashing on Windows 10
  • Method 1: Run Steam as Administrator
  • Method 2: Verify Integrity of Game Files
  • Method 3: Run Compatibility Troubleshooter
  • Method 4: Launch Steam in Safe Mode with Networking
  • Method 5: Add Steam Exclusion in Firewall
  • Method 6: Delete AppCache Folder
  • Method 7: Update Windows
  • Method 8: Update System Drivers
  • Method 9: Reset Network Protocol
  • Method 10: Leave Beta Participation
  • Method 11: Reinstall Steam

How to Fix Steam Keeps Crashing on Windows 10

Here’s why Steam client keeps crashing on your desktop/laptop:

  • Background Tasks: When plenty of applications run in the background, it increases the CPU and memory usage, thereby affecting the performance of the system.
  • Third-Party Software Interference: Third-party software programs and modules often interfere with the manifest files.
  • Issues with Local Files: Verification of the integrity of games and game cache is essential to ensure there are no corrupt files in the system.
  • Windows Firewall issues: It too, may block connection with the server and cause problems.
  • Malicious Software: Several malicious software cause frequent crashing of the operating system and installed programs.
  • Inadequate Memory Space: Sometimes, this issue occurs when you do not have enough memory space on your computer.
  • Outdated Drivers: If the new or existing drivers in your system are incompatible with the game, then you will face such errors.

Method 1: Run Steam as Administrator

Sometimes, Steam needs elevated permissions to run certain processes. If Steam is not granted the required privileges, it will run into errors and keep crashing. Here’s how to grant admin privileges to Steam:

1. Navigate to File Explorer by pressing Windows + E keys together.

2. Click on Local Disk (C:) in the left sidebar, as shown.

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3. Next, double-click on Program Files (x86) > Steam folder.

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4. Here, right-click on steam.exe and select Properties, as depicted below.

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5. In the Properties Window, switch to the Compatibility tab.

6. Check the box next to Run this program as an administrator. Then, click on Apply and OK to save these changes, as highlighted below.

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7. Next, in Steam folder, locate the file titled GameOverlayUI.exe

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8. Follow Steps 4-6 to give GameOverlayUI.exe administrative privileges as well.

9. Restart your PC and then. relaunch Steam.

Also Read: Fix Steam Application Load Error 3:0000065432

Method 2: Verify Integrity of Game Files

If the issue Steam keeps crashing occurs when you are playing a particular game, you need to check the integrity of files and cache for that particular game. There’s an inbuilt feature in Steam to search for corrupt/missing game files and repair or replace these, as needed. Read our easy-to-follow tutorial on How to Verify Integrity of Game Files on Steam.

Method 3: Run Compatibility Troubleshooter

The issue Steam keeps crashing may be caused by the incompatibility of Steam with the current version of the Windows operating system. To check this, you will need to run the Program Compatibility Troubleshooter, as follows:

(Video) How to Fix Steam Games Crashing on Startup - [Tutorial]

1. Navigate to File Explorer > Local Disk (C:)>Program Files (x86) > Steam folder as before.

2. Right-click on the steam.exe file and select Properties from the given menu.

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3. Under Compatibility tab, click on Run compatibility troubleshooter button, as illustrated below.

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4. Here, select Try recommended settings option and try launching the Steam client.

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5. If the issue still persists, then repeat steps 1-3. Then, click on the Troubleshoot program option instead.

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Program Compatibility Troubleshooter will scan and try to fix issues with the Steam client. Thereafter, launch Steam to check if the problem is fixed or not.

If you encounter Steam keeps crashing when downloading issue even now, then follow Steps 6-8 listed below.

6. Once again, go to Steam Properties > Compatibility tab.

7. Here, check the box marked Run this program in compatibility mode for: and choose an earlier Windows version e.g. Windows 8.

8. Additionally, check the box titled Disable fullscreen optimizations option and click on Apply > OK to save these changes. Refer given pic to understand better.

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Also Read: How to Open Steam Games in Windowed Mode

Method 4: Launch Steam in Safe Mode with Networking

If Steam does not crash in Safe Mode, it would imply that a third-party application or antivirus software is causing conflicts with the app. To determine if this is the cause behind Steam keeps crashing on startup, we need to launch Steam in Safe Mode with Networking, as explained below:

1. Read 5 Ways to Start your PC in Safe Mode here. Then, press F5 key to Enable Safe Mode with Networking.

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2. Launch Steam client.

Note: If Steam crashes even in Safe Mode, then you can try to launch Steam as an administrator, as explained in Method 1.

If it works properly in Safe Mode, then it is clear that third-party antivirus or Windows Firewall is blocking its connectivity with the server and causing Steam keeps crashing issue on Windows 10. In this case, implement Method 5 to fix it.

Method 5: Add Steam Exclusion in Firewall

If Windows Firewall is not causing conflict with Steam, it is likely that the antivirus software on your system is blocking the Steam client or vice-versa. You can add an exclusion for Steam to fix Steam keeps crashing on startup.

Method 5A: Add Exclusion in Windows Defender Firewall

1. Press Windows key, type virus and threat protection, and click Open, as shown.

(Video) How to Fix Steam Keeps Crashing Issue - Complete Solution

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2. Click on Manage settings.

3. Then, scroll down and click Add or remove exclusions as depicted below.

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4. In the Exclusions tab, click on Add an exclusion and select Folder as shown.

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5. Now, navigate to Drive (C:) > Program Files (x86) > Steam and click Select folder.

Note: The above step path is according to the default storage location for Steam. If you have installed Steam elsewhere on your system, go to that file location.

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Method 5B: Add Exclusion in Antivirus Settings

Note: Here, We have used Avast Free Antivirus as an example.

1. Launch Avast Antivirus. Click on the Menu option from the top right corner, as shown.

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2. Here, click on Settings from the drop-down list.

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3. Select General > Blocked & Allowed apps. Click on ALLOW APP under List of allowed apps section, as highlighted below.

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4. Now, click on ADD > corresponding to Steam to add it to the whitelist. Alternately, you may also browse for Steam app by selecting the SELECT APP PATH option.

Note: We have shown App Installer being added as an exclusion below.

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5. Finally, click on ADD in the prompt to add the Steam app in Avast whitelist.

Method 6: Delete AppCache Folder

The AppCache is a folder that contains Steam cache files. Deleting it will not affect the application in any way but, might help fix Steam keeps crashing issue. Follow the steps below to delete Steam AppCache folder.

1. Go to File Explorer > Local Disk (C:)>Program Files (x86) > Steam folder as shown in Method 1.

2. Right-click on AppCache folder and select Delete, as shown below.

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(Video) How To Fix Steam Keeps Crashing Issue

Also Read: 5 Ways to Repair Steam Client

Method 7: Update Windows

If Windows has not been updated, then the old system files will conflict with Steam. Hence, you should update Windows OS as follows:

1. Launch Windows Settings > Update and Security, as shown.

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2. Click on Check for updates button.

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3A. If your system has Updates available, click on Install now.

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3B. If your system does not have any pending updates, You’re up to date message will appear as shown below.

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4. Restart your system after updating to the new version and confirm that Steam keeps crashing issue has been resolved.

Method 8: Update System Drivers

Similarly, update your system drivers to fix Steam keeps crashing problem by resolving incompatibility issues between Steam client & game files and game drivers.

1. Press Windows + X keys and click on Device Manager, as depicted.

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2. Here, double-click on Display adapters to expand it.

3. Next, right-click on display driver (e.g. AMD Radeon Pro 5300M)and select Update Driver, as illustrated below.

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4. Click on Search automatically for drivers.

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5. Windows will automatically search and update the driver.

Also Read: How To Fix No Sound On Steam Games

Method 9: Reset Network Protocol

Network adapters are components inside your computer that create a line of communication between the operating system and the internet servers. If it becomes corrupt, your computer will not be able to work with the drivers or Windows OS. You need to reset the network adapter to fix Steam keeps crashing on startup issue.

1. Type & search cmd. Then, click on Run as administrator to launch Command Prompt, as shown below.

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2. Here, type netsh winsock reset and press Enter key.

(Video) FIX Steam Errors Not Starting & Crashing On PC

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3. Now, restart your PC and launch Steam as it should not crash anymore.

Method 10: Leave Beta Participation

In case, you opted for Steam Beta program, the application may face instability issues and therefore, cause Steam keeps crashing issue. Thus, it is recommended to opt-out of it, as explained below:

1. Launch Steamapp.

2. Click on Steam in the top-left corner and click on Settings, as illustrated here.

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3. Select the Account tab from the left pane.

4. Under Beta participation, click on Change… as shown highlighted.

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5. Select NONE – Opt out of all beta programs to leave Beta participation, as depicted.

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6. Lastly, click on OK to save these changes.

Also Read: How to View Hidden Games on Steam

Method 11: Reinstall Steam

If you have tried all the methods mentioned above and are still experiencing this issue, you will need to reinstall Steam. Follow the given steps carefully so that you do not lose any important Steam game data while reinstalling it.

1. Go to File Explorer > Local Disk (C:)>Program Files (x86) > Steam folder as directed in Method 1.

2. Locate and copy steamapps folder to your Desktop or anywhere outside the Steam directory. In this way, you will not lose any game data even when you reinstall the Steam client on your Windows 10 PC.

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3. Now, delete steamapps folder from the Steam folder.

4. Next, search and launch Apps & features, as shown.

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5. Search for Steam in the search this list bar. Then, click on Steam and select Uninstall.

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6. Visit the official Steam website and click on INSTALL STEAM.

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7. Double-click on the Downloaded file, run steam.exe installer and follow the on-screen instructions to install Steam.

(Video) How To Fix Steam Keeps Crashing Issue Windows 11/10 - [2023]

Once Steam has been reinstalled, launch it and check for errors. Hopefully, Steam keeps crashing on startup issue is resolved.

Recommended:

  • How to Enter BIOS on Windows 10
  • 5 Ways to Repair Steam Client
  • How to Update Discord
  • Fix League of Legends Black Screen in Windows 10

We hope that you were able to fix Steam keeps crashing on Windows 10 and can enjoy glitch-free gameplay with your friends. Leave your questions or suggestions in the comments section below.

FAQs

Why does Steam keep crashing and not responding? ›

According to the reports from Steam users, their Steam keeps crashing when they are trying to launch the Steam client or playing games. This issue occurs might because your game cache is corrupted, your Steam client is blocked by your antivirus or your graphics driver is outdated.

Why do all my Steam games crash after a few minutes? ›

A crash after 5–10 minutes on PC games typically means either your CPU or GPU aren't properly cooled. Check that all the fans are spinning and the vents aren't full of gross dust and that sort of thing. A can of compressed air can work miracles.

Why does every game on Steam crash? ›

Update Required Drivers

Here comes the most common reason why your Steam app is crashing again and again. The outdated drivers can't bear the machine's needs but they oftentimes create issues during the process. This is why having up to date drivers is the key to have a smooth computing experience.

Why is my game crashing so much? ›

One common reason for games crashing is a problem with the power supply unit (PSU). This is commonly linked to the graphics adapter demanding more power than is available. There is one simple way to resolve this. Upgrade to the best PSU capable of providing enough power to play the game.

How to clear Steam cache? ›

  1. Open the Steam app.
  2. Go to the "Steam" menu in the top menu bar and select "Settings" if you're on PC, or "Preferences..." if you're on a Mac.
  3. In the sidebar on the left, select "Downloads."
  4. Click the "Clear Download Cache" button to clear your cache.

Why is my Steam not working properly? ›

Many Steam issues can be caused by a firewall, anti-virus, or a problem with your router or internet connection. Please use the Troubleshooting Network Connectivity guide to ensure that your network is properly configured for use with Steam.

Can you reinstall Steam without losing your games? ›

If reinstalling Steam and Steam games in the near future, please move the steamapps folder (C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps) outside of the Steam directory to prevent your games from being deleted. Additionally, backups of all game content can be created for reinstallation.

How do you repair Steam? ›

Step 1: In the start menu, please input cmd and choose Run as administrator. Step 2: Type the following command: “C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\bin\SteamService.exe” /repair” and then press Enter. Tip: If your Steam folder is in another location, you must change the path between the quotation marks.

Why does every game I play crash my PC? ›

One of the most common reasons for PC crashes while gaming is outdated or wrong drivers, as they cannot instruct your components properly. In essence, drivers function as digital translators that tell your hardware how to communicate with your OS, and without them, your components are rendered useless.

Can RAM cause games to crash? ›

Bad ram can cause all sorts of problems including game crashings, you're better off just getting new ram that's supported by your computer you don't want to get ram your PC doesn't support, I've already made that mistake once ahahaha.

Is it safe to delete Steam cache? ›

You can clear Steam's cache through the "Downloads" menu in the app's settings. Steam keeps temporary downloads and other files in a "download cache," which can become oversized if you use Steam often. Clearing Steam's cache can potentially help fix games that aren't running correctly.

Is deleting Steam cache Safe? ›

Some of you might ask if clearing Steam cache will delete your games. Of course not. It just removes unnecessary and unwanted junk files from your device to make the game run more smoothly, so you can rest assure on that.

How do I make Steam run better? ›

Go to control panel and open internet options. Go to connections then lan settings and untick Automatically detect settings. This instantly makes doing anything within steam miles faster than how it acted before you made the change.

Why does Steam keep stopping? ›

Steam download keeps stopping when the network drivers are not updated. So you have to update your network drivers occasionally. This fix is a little more complicated but it can also help your games run more smoothly once they are downloaded.

What is black Steam? ›

Industrial Steam (Black Steam)

A conventional boiler when fed with soft water produces Black Steam.

How do I uninstall Steam without deleting games? ›

Go into the Steam folder and delete every besides the Steam.exe and the steamapps folder. Keep those two. The steamapps folder contains all your games. After that is done, start the Steam.exe and Steam will rebuild itself.

Will reinstalling Windows 10 delete Steam games? ›

A fresh start won't remove your game. Instead, it makes sure they're running optimally. If you want to delete the game files from the hard drive, you'll still need to do that yourself.

Does Steam completely delete games? ›

Yes, uninstalling Steam will delete your game save files. You will need to manually back up the game save files to preserve your progress.

How do I clean and reinstall Steam? ›

Go into your steam/steamapps/commom folder and delete the Oblivion folder manually after uninstalling the game. Then reinstall the game from your library. That should give you a clean install.

Can you repair a Steam game? ›

Select the game that is facing issues. Click on the Gear icon next to the Play button and choose Scan and Repair from the menu that appears.

Why wont my Steam game run? ›

Restart Your Computer

If force-quitting still results in the game getting stuck, you should continue by restarting your PC or Mac. In most cases, that should take care of any glitches within Steam or the operating system preventing the Steam game from launching.

Where do I find Steam game cache? ›

Steam: 1. From the Library section, right-click on the game and select Properties from the menu. 2. Select the "Local files" tab and click the "Verify integrity of game cache..." button.

Can I delete Steam cache folder? ›

From the menu bar, go to Steam > Preferences. Select Downloads from the Preferences sidebar. Near the bottom, click Clear Download Cache. Click OK to confirm you want to clear the cache.

How do I clear my game cache? ›

How to clear app cache and data
  1. Open Settings.
  2. Scroll down and select Apps.
  3. Tap the See all option at the bottom.
  4. Tap the app name whose app cache you want to clear.
  5. Tap Storage and cache. 2 Images. Close.
  6. Select Clear cache.
  7. Tap Clear storage to clear data and cache. Close.
Nov 10, 2022

How do I clean out my cache? ›

Android:
  1. On your Android phone or tablet, open the Chrome app .
  2. At the top right, tap More .
  3. Tap History Clear browsing data.
  4. At the top, choose a time range. To delete everything, select All time.
  5. Next to “Cookies and site data” and “Cached images and files,” check the boxes.
  6. Tap Clear data.

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