Alex Ruben
How to Fix the “Steam Must Be Running to Play This Game” Fatal Error
If you’ve encountered the frustrating “Steam must be running to play this game” fatal error while trying to launch your favorite game, you’re not alone. This issue can prevent you from enjoying your gaming experience, but fortunately, there are several methods to resolve it. In this guide, we’ll walk you through three effective methods to fix this error, ensuring that your Steam games run smoothly without interruptions.
Before starting, ensure you have administrative access to your Windows system and that your antivirus software is properly configured. You may also want to back up your game data before proceeding with any installations or modifications.
Step 1: Check Your Antivirus Settings
Sometimes, your antivirus software may mistakenly block essential Steam files, leading to the fatal error. To resolve this, follow these steps:
- Open Windows Security by searching for it in the Start menu.
- In the left pane, select Protection history.
- Look for any files related to Steam that may have been blocked (common files include
steam.dllandsteam_api64.dll). - If you find any blocked files, click the down arrow next to the file and select Allow device to grant access.
If you cannot find the relevant entries or if your protection history does not show any blocked files, proceed to the next method.
Step 2: Download and Use the Goldberg Emulator
If adjusting your antivirus settings does not resolve the error, you can use an emulator designed to bypass certain Steam requirements:
- Open your web browser and navigate to the Goldberg Emulator download page.
- Click on the latest build to download the emulator.
- Once downloaded, extract the contents of the downloaded file to a folder on your PC.
- Inside the folder, locate the files named
steam_api.dllandsteam_api64.dll. - Now, find your game’s installation directory. If you’re using Steam, right-click on the game in your library and select Properties, then click on Installed files and choose Browse.
- In the game directory, look for a folder named bin (it may also be labeled as bin32 or bin64).
- Open the bin folder and paste the two emulator files you copied earlier into this directory.
Close the folder and try launching your game again to see if the error persists.
Step 3: Reinstall the Game
If the previous methods fail, reinstalling the game can often resolve underlying issues:
- First, uninstall the game from your system. You can do this through the Steam library by right-clicking on the game and selecting Uninstall.
- After uninstalling, it’s crucial to turn off any real-time protection from your antivirus software during the reinstallation process.
- Reinstall the game from your Steam library. This ensures that all game files are freshly downloaded and any corrupted files are replaced.
- Once the installation is complete, ensure that Windows Security is re-enabled and try launching the game again.
Extra Tips & Common Issues
Here are some additional tips to help you avoid similar issues in the future:
- Regularly check for updates for both Steam and your games to ensure compatibility.
- Consider temporarily disabling third-party antivirus programs if they frequently interfere with your gaming experience.
- Always run Steam as an administrator to avoid permission issues that may prevent games from launching properly.
By following these methods, you should be able to resolve the “Steam must be running to play this game” fatal error and get back to gaming without interruptions. If you continue to experience issues, consider reaching out to Steam support for further assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if my antivirus keeps blocking Steam?
If your antivirus continually blocks Steam, make sure to add Steam as an exception in your antivirus settings. This will prevent it from being flagged in the future.
Can I use the Goldberg Emulator for all games?
The Goldberg Emulator is primarily designed for certain games. Not all titles may work with it, and using it may violate the game’s terms of service.
Will reinstalling the game delete my saved progress?
In most cases, reinstalling the game will not delete your saved progress, especially if the game saves data in the cloud. However, it’s always best to back up your save files before uninstalling.