[SOLVED] Steam Keeps Crashing | quickly & easily! - Driver Easy (2023)

Recently many Steam users have reported that their Steam client keeps crashing when they launch the Steam client or when they are in the middle of the game.

This is a very annoying issue! And trying to fix it can be just as annoying, because you’ll spend a lot of time reading suggestions on the Internet, and most won’t work.

But don’t worry! We’ve put togethersome methods to help you fix the problem. These methods have already helped many other Steam users. We believe one of these methods can also resolve this annoying issue for you!

Fixes to try

The following are a few methods that have helped many Steam users resolve this issue. You don’t have to try them all; just work your way down the list until you find the one that works for you.

  1. Verify the integrity of your game cache
  2. Add your Steam client as an exception to your third-party antivirus application
  3. Run the Program Compatibility Troubleshooter
  4. Update your graphics driver to the latest version
  5. Perform a clean boot
  6. Update your Windows system to the latest version
  7. Reinstall your Steam client

Fix 1: Verify the integrity of your game cache

If this issue occurs when you’re in the middle of the game, verify your game files on your Steam client and this issue may be fixed. Here is how to do it:

  1. Run your Steam client and click LIBRARY.
    [SOLVED] Steam Keeps Crashing | quickly & easily! - Driver Easy (1)
  2. Right click your game that keeps crashing, then click Properties.
    [SOLVED] Steam Keeps Crashing | quickly & easily! - Driver Easy (2)
  3. Click theLOCAL FILEStab, then clickVERIFY INTEGRITY OF GAME CACHE. After that, clickCLOSE.
    [SOLVED] Steam Keeps Crashing | quickly & easily! - Driver Easy (3)
  4. Launch your game and see if this issue get fixed. If not, try the next fix.

Fix 2: Add your Steam client as an exception to your third-party antivirus application

This annoying issue may also be caused by your third-party antivirus application. Since the third-party antivirus application hooks very deep into your system, it may interfere with your Steam client.

Since your Steam client consumes a lot of memory and CPU usage when you’re playing a game, many third-party antivirus application may regard your Steam client as a potential threat and your Steam client may not run as expected. You can try to add your Steam client as an exception to your third-party antivirus application. Many Steam users have resolved this issue by this fix.

Please consult your antivirus documentation for instructions if you don’t know how to do it.

If this fix doesn’t work for you, you should try to run the Program Compatibility Troubleshooter.

Fix 3: Run the Program Compatibility Troubleshooter

The Program Compatibility Troubleshooter can check whether that program is compatible for your current Windows operating system or not. Just follow the steps below to run the Program Compatibility Troubleshooter:

  1. Right click the shortcut of your Steam client on your desktop and selectProperties.
    [SOLVED] Steam Keeps Crashing | quickly & easily! - Driver Easy (4)
  2. Click theCompatibilitytab and clickRun compatibility troubleshooter.
    [SOLVED] Steam Keeps Crashing | quickly & easily! - Driver Easy (5)

  3. ClickTry recommended settingsto test-run program using recommended compatibility settings. Follow the on screen instructions to see whether this troubleshooting option works or not.
    [SOLVED] Steam Keeps Crashing | quickly & easily! - Driver Easy (6)
  4. If it still doesn’t work,then run compatibility troubleshooter again and select the second option to choose compatibility settings based on problems you notice.
    [SOLVED] Steam Keeps Crashing | quickly & easily! - Driver Easy (7)
  5. If the problem persists, adjust the following settings manually and selectOKwhen you’re done.
    • Compatibility mode:If your Steam client keeps crashing on your current Windows system,click the drop-down list to select a previous version of Windows system to test-run it.
    • Disable fullscreen optimizations:Some games on the Steam platform are particularly affected by the low FPS issue, and some of them even crash when the player enable fullscreen optimizations. Just disable it to see whether your Steam client will still keep crashing or not.
    • Run this program as an administrator:If your Steam client is not given administrator privileges, it may not run properly and may even crash. Try this setting to give the program the administrator privileges.
      [SOLVED] Steam Keeps Crashing | quickly & easily! - Driver Easy (8)

If this fix works, your Steam client won’t keep crashing again. If not, there are more fixes for you to try.

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

Fix 4: Update your graphics driver to the latest version

Updating your graphics driver to the latest version can make your game run smoother and prevents many issues or errors. If you don’t have the time, patience or skills to update your driver manually, you can do it automatically with Driver Easy.

Driver Easy will automatically recognize your system and find the correct drivers for it. You don’t need to know exactly what system your computer is running, you don’t need to risk downloading and installing the wrong driver, and you don’t need to worry about making a mistake when installing.

You can update your drivers automatically with either the FREE or thePro versionof Driver Easy. But with the Pro version it takes just 2 clicks (and you get full support and a 30-day money back guarantee):

  1. Download and install Driver Easy.
  2. Run Driver Easy and clickScan Now. Driver Easy will then scan your computer and detect any problem drivers.
    [SOLVED] Steam Keeps Crashing | quickly & easily! - Driver Easy (9)
  3. ClickUpdatenext to your graphics card to automatically download the correct version of this driver, then you can install it manually. Or clickUpdate Allto automatically download and install the correct version of all the drivers that are missing or out of date on your system (this requires the Pro version– you’ll be prompted to upgrade when you clickUpdate All).
    [SOLVED] Steam Keeps Crashing | quickly & easily! - Driver Easy (10)

If you need assistance, please contact Driver Easy’s support teamatsupport@drivereasy.com

Fix 5: Perform a clean boot

You may need to perform a clean bootif this issue persists. The clean boot is a troubleshooting technique that allows you to manually disable startups and services so that you can find out the problematic software. Once you find it out, just uninstall it, and then the this issue will be solved. Here’s how to do it:

  1. On your keyboard, press theWindows logo keyandRat the same time to open the Run Dialog. Typemsconfigand pressEnterto open theSystem Configurationwindow.
    [SOLVED] Steam Keeps Crashing | quickly & easily! - Driver Easy (11)
  2. Select theServicestab, checkHide all Microsoft servicesand then clickDisable all.
    [SOLVED] Steam Keeps Crashing | quickly & easily! - Driver Easy (12)
  3. Select theStartuptab and clickOpen Task Manager.
    [SOLVED] Steam Keeps Crashing | quickly & easily! - Driver Easy (13)
  4. On theStartuptab inTask Manager, foreachstartup item, select the item and then clickDisabled.
    [SOLVED] Steam Keeps Crashing | quickly & easily! - Driver Easy (14)
  5. Go back to theSystem Configurationwindow and clickOK.
    [SOLVED] Steam Keeps Crashing | quickly & easily! - Driver Easy (15)
  6. ClickRestartto restart your PC.
    [SOLVED] Steam Keeps Crashing | quickly & easily! - Driver Easy (16)

Run your Steam client and check whether the problem reappears when your PC restarts. If not, you need to open theSystem Configurationwindow again to enable services and applicationsone by oneuntil you find the problematic software. After enabling each services, you need torestartyour PC to apply the changes.

Once you find out the problematic software, you need touninstallit in order to resolve thisissue.

Fix 6: Update your Windows system to the latest version

Sometimes the crash issue may occur if your Windows system is not the latest version. Try to update your Windows system and this issue may get resolved. Here is how to do it:

  1. On your keyboard, pressthe Windows logo keyand typeupdate. In the list of results, clickCheck for updatesto open Windows Update window.
    [SOLVED] Steam Keeps Crashing | quickly & easily! - Driver Easy (17)
  2. Click theCheck for updatesbutton to update your Windows system.
    [SOLVED] Steam Keeps Crashing | quickly & easily! - Driver Easy (18)
  3. Restartyour PC when the Windows update process is completed. If this fix works, your Steam client won’t keep crashingagain.

Fix: 7: Reinstall your Steam client

If all the fixes above still don’t work, it’s time to uninstall your Steam client and reinstall it again.

  1. Uninstall your Steam client.

    This process will remove your Steam client and any installed game content from your machine.

    1. On your keyboard, press the Windows logo key and R at the same time to open the Run dialog. Then typecontroland press Enter to open the Control Panel.
      [SOLVED] Steam Keeps Crashing | quickly & easily! - Driver Easy (19)
    2. View the Control Panel by Category, and then clickUninstall a program.
      [SOLVED] Steam Keeps Crashing | quickly & easily! - Driver Easy (20)
    3. Double click Steamto uninstall your Steam client.
      [SOLVED] Steam Keeps Crashing | quickly & easily! - Driver Easy (21)
    4. Restart your Windows system when it is completed.
  2. Download the latest version of the Steam client and then double click the file you downloaded to reinstall it.

Hopefully you’ll be able to resolve this annoying issue using one of the fixes above. Please leave your comment below if you have any questions!

  • Steam

[SOLVED] Steam Keeps Crashing | quickly & easily! - Driver Easy (22)

(Video) How To Fix Steam Keeps Crashing Issue

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FAQs

Why does Steam keep crashing while downloading? ›

The failed downloads can be a result of bandwidth settings. This can be easily rectified by clicking on Steam then Settings. Select 'Downloads' then 'Limit Bandwidth'. This will allow you to adjust your bandwidth settings depending on your internet connection speeds then click OK.

Why does Steam constantly stop 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 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.

Why is Steam acting up? ›

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.

How do you check my drivers are up to date? ›

Update the device driver
  1. In the search box on the taskbar, enter device manager, then select Device Manager.
  2. Select a category to see names of devices, then right-click (or press and hold) the one you'd like to update.
  3. Select Search automatically for updated driver software.
  4. Select Update Driver.

How to clean your PC? ›

Use an anti-static cloth to lightly dust your computer casing. Do not use furniture cleaners or strong solvents. Use a can of compressed air to blow out debris from the air intake slots. Ammonia diluted with water—or glass cleaner comprised mostly of ammonia and water—is a safe cleaning solution for computer surfaces.

Why is my PC randomly crashing while gaming? ›

When you start to play a game, you put more load on your GPU and it produces more heat. Heat leads to instability and crashes. Check your system for airflow issues, make sure the fans on your GPU are spinning, clear any dust with canned air.

Is there a problem with Steam right now? ›

No, we are not detecting any problems with Steam right now.

We last detected an outage for Steam on Thursday, February 23, 2023 with a duration of about 38 minutes.

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.

How do I run Steam as administrator? ›

How do I run Steam as an Administrator to solve Rocket League issues?
  1. Right-click on the Steam icon on your desktop or Navigate to your Steam folder and right-click Steam.exe.
  2. Select Properties.
  3. Click on the Compatibility tab.
  4. Check Run This Program As An Administrator.
  5. Click the Apply button.
  6. Click the OK button.

Why is Steam so laggy all of a sudden? ›

This can be caused by overheating, or it can be caused by attempts to conserve battery power. Sudden slowdowns – where the game is running fine and then the frame rate drops quite suddenly – are sometimes caused by these CPU slowdowns.

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.

Why does my PC keep crashing when I play games Windows 11? ›

Sometimes games keep crashing on Windows 10/11 PC due to hardware issues and the common one is the power supply unit (PSU). If the graphics adapter on your computer requires more power than the available power on the PSU, PC games could keep crashing.

How do I 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.

How do I know if my drivers are corrupted? ›

Press and hold Windows + R keys to open the Run dialog box. Type devmgmt. msc and click OK to open the Device Manager menu. Look for the corrupted driver and right-click on it.

What happens if your drivers are out of date? ›

When device drivers are outdated, computers can start becoming sluggish and cause noticeable performance problems that can be a serious annoyance. Device drivers are an essential piece of software that helps different hardware components work smoothly with your computer.

What drivers need to be updated? ›

Updates to your computer's drivers and other components can overcome issues, enhance functionality, and increase stability.
  • BIOS updates. ...
  • CD or DVD drive drivers and firmware. ...
  • Controllers. ...
  • Display drivers. ...
  • Keyboard drivers. ...
  • Mouse driver. ...
  • Modem drivers. ...
  • Motherboard drivers, firmware, and updates.

What should you not clean your computer with? ›

To safely sanitize your computer surfaces, you could either use a disinfectant wipe, or alternatively spray disinfectant onto a paper towel to wipe down your computer. To clean your computer screen, avoid paper towels, rags, old t-shirts, or any of the usual materials you use to wipe down surfaces in your home.

How often should you clean PC? ›

How Often Should I Clean a Desktop Computer? As a rough guide, give your computer a clean every 3 to 6 months. Computers kept on the floor will need to be cleaned more often, as this low placement allows dust and dirt to creep in more easily. Our advice is to clean your computer now, then again in about 3-4 months.

Is it OK to not clean your PC? ›

So, what happens if you don't clean your PC for a year? The build-up of dust from a year can cause overheating because it clogs up the filters and fans. The negative effects of your computer overheating include your computer crashing, a shorter life span for your PC, and potential data loss.

Can overheating cause games to crash? ›

Overheating hardware can cause game lockups, crashes, and performance issues such as low FPS and stuttering. If you are experiencing these issues, try the troubleshooting steps below to diagnose and prevent overheating.

Why does my gaming PC keep freezing and crashing? ›

Here is a list of main reasons that may cause your games to freeze in Windows 10/8/7: High CPU or RAM Memory usage. Graphics card low performance. Low Internet speed, unstable network connection.

Why does my GPU keep crashing? ›

When your GPU is crashing, the potential causes are: Outdated graphics driver. Outdated DirectX. Incompatible in-game settings.

Why is Steam failing to launch? ›

Make sure you have the latest drivers for the various components of your machine. If a game won't launch, this is often caused by corruption in your extracted game files. Please see our Verify Integrity of Game Files article for instructions on verifying the integrity of your game files.

Why does Steam go down every Tuesday? ›

Basic routine maintenance on Steam servers is performed on Tuesdays, with some outages occurring generally around the afternoon to evening times — around 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. Pacific Time, more or less.

How to restart Steam? ›

To exit and restart Steam:

In the Steam client, press Steam on the top menu bar. From the menu, select the Exit option. Acknowledge any additional on-screen pop-ups or instructions. Once Steam has exited, re-launch the Steam app and sign in (if required).

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.

What does clearing the cache fix? ›

So if you clear your browser's cache and temporary internet files regularly, this helps your computer or device run optimally—and doing so can help fix certain problems, like a website loading slowly, or formatting issues on a web page.

Are Steam admins real? ›

Filling in these blind spots can help you spot scams. Know that: There is no such thing as “Steam admin”, false report, or a “Certificate of Eligibility”. There are Valve employees with Steam profiles.

Is it better to run games as administrator? ›

Run the game with administrator rights Administrator rights will ensure that you have full read and write privileges, which can help with issues relating to crashes or freezes.

Why can't I run a game as administrator? ›

Right-click the desktop icon of the application, or the executable file in the installation folder, and select Properties. Switch to the Compatibility tab, and choose Change settings for all users. Under the Privilege Level heading, check Run this program as administrator. Select Apply.

How do I optimize my Steam app? ›

Optimize Steam's Software

First, open Steam and locate the software in your Task Manager. Right-click on Steam Client entry and select Go to details. Next, from your Detail panel, right-click on SteamService.exe and select Set priority, then High.

What does crashing a computer mean? ›

A crash, in the context of computing, is an event wherein the operating system or a computer application stops functioning properly. It mostly occurs when: Hardware has failed in a non-recoverable fashion. Operating system data have become corrupted. Recovery from an error is not possible without loss of data.

How do I fix Windows 10 from crashing? ›

Quick Fixes for Computer Keeps Crashing on Windows 10
  1. Cool the computer.
  2. Reboot your computer.
  3. Make sure your CPU works properly.
  4. Boot in Safe Mode.
  5. Update your drivers.
  6. Run System File Checker.
  7. Upgrade RAM.
  8. Install or Upgrade Antivirus Software.
Feb 8, 2023

How do I start my PC in Safe Mode? ›

On the Windows sign-in screen, press and hold the Shift key while you select Power > Restart .

How can I reboot my computer? ›

Go to Start , select the Power button, and then select Restart.

Do blue screens damage your computer? ›

Remember, the Blue Screen of Death is not only inconvenient; it can also damage your PC. This is because to recover from the Blue Screen of Death you must often conduct a “hard restart” of your computer. This can damage your hard disk, reducing the lifespan of your computer.

Can crashing damage PC? ›

If left untreated, crashes can lead to data losses, file corruption, and even damage. Pinpointing the root of the problem can help you avoid buying a new computer or needing a costly repair down the line. If you often find yourself asking, “Why is my computer crashing on a regular basis?

Can dust cause PC crash? ›

Dust can block filters and prevent air from flowing through the computer and causing it to overheat. Dust also acts as an insulator which can add to the heat build up. Dust can also cause a short in circuit boards and integrated circuits causing computers to crash and in some cases- even catch fire!

Is Safe Mode f5 or F8? ›

To boot into Safe Mode, you need to press the F8 key while your Windows is booting, but before the logo appears. For Windows 8 and Windows 10, the combination of Shift and F8 keys might work, but it work for computers with UEFI/EFI.

How do I get to Safe Mode from command prompt? ›

This article will demonstrate how to restart a Windows computer in to safe mode using the command prompt.
  1. From the command prompt type in the following and press Enter. bcdedit /set {current} safeboot minimal. ...
  2. Restart the computer using the following command: shutdown /r.

How do you enter BIOS in Windows 10? ›

F12 key method
  1. Turn the computer on.
  2. If you see an invitation to press the F12 key, do so.
  3. Boot options will appear along with the ability to enter Setup.
  4. Using the arrow key, scroll down and select <Enter Setup>.
  5. Press Enter.
  6. The Setup (BIOS) screen will appear.
  7. If this method does not work, repeat it, but hold F12.

Can you force Reset a computer? ›

Ways to reset a desktop PC

If Settings is accessible: Click Settings > Update & security > Recovery > under Reset this PC, click Get started. Select either Keep my files to repair the PC, or Remove everything to prepare the PC for a new user. Note If the device is not responsive, try restarting it first.

Does a reboot wipe the computer? ›

Simply restarting your computer does not remove any of your important files and installed applications.

How do I force a system reboot? ›

It's likely your best option if the Start menu is not working. Start by pressing the Ctrl + Alt + Delete on your keyboard to open the options screen. Then, click the Power icon in the bottom right corner, and select Restart from the list. Your PC will restart immediately.

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