Alex Ruben
How to Resolve the “An Error Occurred While Updating a Game” Issue in Steam
Experiencing the “An error occurred while updating a game” message in Steam can be frustrating, as it disrupts your gaming experience and prevents you from accessing the latest updates for your favorite titles. This guide will provide you with a step-by-step approach to resolve this issue effectively, ensuring that your games update properly and you can continue enjoying your gaming sessions without interruptions. By following these methods, you will learn how to check for Steam client updates, verify the integrity of game files, clear download cache, and, if necessary, uninstall and reinstall your games.
Before you begin, ensure that you have administrative permissions on your Windows operating system (Windows 10 or Windows 11 will work best). Make sure that your Steam application is fully installed and functioning. No additional downloads are needed, but it’s good to ensure your internet connection is stable for downloading updates.
Step 1: Update Your Steam Client
The first step in troubleshooting the update error is to ensure that your Steam client is up to date. Follow these instructions:
- Open the Steam application.
- Click on Steam in the top left corner of the window.
- Select Check for Steam Client Updates. This will prompt Steam to search for any available updates.
- If updates are found, allow Steam to download and install them. Ensure the client is fully up to date before proceeding.
Step 2: Verify Game File Integrity
If your Steam client is updated but the issue persists, the next step is to verify the integrity of the game files. This process checks for any corrupt or missing files that may be causing the update error. Here’s how to do it:
- Navigate to your Library in Steam.
- Find and right-click on the game that is giving you trouble.
- Select Properties from the context menu.
- Go to the Local Files tab.
- Click on Verify Integrity of Game Files. Steam will then check the game files and replace any corrupted files.
Step 3: Clear Steam Download Cache
Clearing the download cache can resolve many issues related to updates. This action will sign you out of Steam temporarily. Here’s how to do it:
- Open Steam and click on Steam again in the top left corner.
- Select Settings.
- Go to the Downloads section.
- Scroll down and click on Clear Download Cache.
- Confirm when prompted. You will be signed out of your account.
- Log back into Steam and check if the issue is resolved.
Step 4: Uninstall and Reinstall the Game
If all else fails, uninstalling and then reinstalling the game can be a last resort solution. Follow these steps to do so:
- In your Library, locate the game you want to uninstall.
- Right-click on the game and choose Manage.
- Select Uninstall and confirm your choice.
- Once uninstalled, go back to the Store tab in Steam and reinstall the game.
Extra Tips & Common Issues
If you continue to face issues, consider the following additional tips:
- Ensure that your firewall or antivirus is not blocking Steam or the game.
- Consider changing your Steam download region in the settings to see if that helps.
- Check your internet connection and restart your router if necessary.
By following this guide, you should be able to resolve the error and continue enjoying your games without further interruption. Each step targets common issues that can lead to update failures in Steam.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if the problem persists after trying all steps?
If the issue continues, it might be a problem with the Steam service itself. Check the Steam support page for any ongoing issues or maintenance updates.
Is there a way to prevent this error in the future?
Keeping your Steam client updated and regularly verifying game files can help minimize the chances of encountering update errors in the future.
Can I reinstall Steam if the problem isn’t solved?
Yes, if none of the solutions work, you might consider uninstalling and reinstalling the Steam client itself. Be sure to back up your game files if necessary.