How To Fix Steam Client Keeps Crashing On Startup

If you’re a gamer and you used Steam to play your games, you may have encountered an issue where the Steam client keeps crashing on startup.

This can be a frustrating problem to deal with, but there are several things you can try to fix.

In this guide, we’ll go through some of the most effective solutions to fix this issue and get you back to gaming in no time.

What Causes The Steam Client Keeps Crashing On Startup?

Before we dive into the specifics, it’s essential to recognize that understanding Steam crashes involves acknowledging the common issues that trigger them and how the Steam client operates.

With this insight, we can effectively approach and resolve these disruptions.

1. Software Conflicts 

Other programs running on your computer could interfere with Steam, leading to crashes. For example, antivirus programs or firewalls might incorrectly identify Steam as a threat.

2. Corrupted Game Files 

Damaged or incomplete game files can cause the Steam client to crash during startup or gameplay.

3. Outdated Drivers 

Another reason could be outdated graphic drivers of your system. These graphics card drivers that are out of date, can result in instability and crashes.

4. Resource Overloads 

Insufficient system resources or hardware limitations might lead to the Steam client’s inability to function correctly, triggering crashes.

5. Steam Server Issues

At times, technical difficulties with Steam’s servers might result in crash issues. These errors can occur during high-traffic periods or when Steam is undergoing maintenance.

How To Fix Steam Client Keeps Crashing On Startup?

To Fix the Steam Client Keeps Crashing On Startup issue, check Steam’s server status and restart your device. Additionally, clear the download cache and reinstall the Steam client to fix the crashing issues.

1. Restart Your Device

Sometimes, simply restarting your computer and attempting to open the Steam client again can resolve the issue.

To restart your device:

• Reboot your computer or laptop.
• After restarting, open Steam Client again to see if it still goes through crashes. 

2. Check Steam Server Status

Before attempting any fixes, ensure that Steam’s services are running normally. If there’s a technical issue on Steam’s end, it could affect transactions.

Use a third-party service like Steam DB Check for any outages or notices of maintenance that could affect Steam’s functionality, including payment processing.

If there is a reported outage or maintenance, you must wait until Steam has resolved the issue.

3. Check For System Updates

Ensuring our operating system is up to date is essential for maintaining system stability.

By keeping our system updated and hardware compatible, we minimize the risk of the Steam client crashing on startup due to system-related issues.

We must regularly install updates which can include critical patches to improve performance and security.

• Windows Users: Check for updates by going to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
• Mac Users: Open the App Store and click on the Updates tab.
• Linux Users: Use your distribution package manager to check for updates.

4. Update Your Graphics Drivers

Outdated or corrupted graphics drivers are a frequent culprit behind game crashes. It’s crucial to have the latest drivers as they contain important updates and bug fixes.

We ensure that our graphics drivers are up to date by:

• To update your drivers effectively, first, identify the make and model of your graphics card.
• Once you know your graphics card type, visit the website of our graphics card manufacturer (either NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel).
• Downloading the latest drivers and following the installation prompts.

5. Run Steam As An Administrator

Sometimes, Steam requires administrative privileges to operate correctly. Running Steam as an administrator is simple:

• Navigating to Steam’s installation folder (usually C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam).
• Right-clicking on steam.exe and selecting Properties.
• Under the Compatibility tab, check the box next to Run this program as an administrator.
• Click Apply and then OK.

By giving Steam administrative access, we can potentially resolve permission-related issues that cause the client to crash.

6. Clear Steam’s Download Cache

Steam stores temporary data in a download cache, which can become corrupted and lead to crashes. Clearing this cache may solve the problem:

• Open Steam and navigate to Settings.
• Click on the Downloads tab.
• Find and press the Clear Download Cache button.
• A prompt will ask for confirmation—proceed to clear the cache and then restart Steam.

7. Uninstall And Reinstall Steam Client

As a last resort, completely uninstalling and reinstalling the Steam client can resolve persistent crash issues:

• Back up your SteamApps folder (found in your Steam installation directory) to save your games.
• Uninstall Steam through the Control Panel.
• Download the latest version of Steam from the official website.
• Install Steam, then move your SteamApps folder back into the installation directory to restore your games.

8. Contact The Steam Support

If you are still unable to solve this issue, contact Steam Support with detailed information, including your Steam account name and the issue faced by you.