Fix Failed to add new Steam library folder

While changing the installation drive on Steam, many users have reported coming across Failed to add new Steam library folder error. The problem mainly occurs during the game’s installation on a different drive. For instance, if you have two drives installed on your system – SSD and a regular Hard Drive. And Hard Drive is set as the default game installation place. So, when you try to install the game on any other drive (SSD), you will face the mentioned error message. Worry not if you are also struggling with the same problem. Try the solutions below to get rid of the issue.

Failed to add new Steam library folder

Below is a list of all the effective solutions to try if you come across Failed to add new Steam library folder error.

1. Run as administrator
2. Pause the ongoing download
3. Clear Steam download cache
4. Repair the Steam library folder
5. Add a folder to the main directory

Now, let’s look at all the effective solutions in detail.

1] Run as administrator

The first thing you can try is to run Steam as an administrator. Sometimes, not having administrative privileges can be the primary reason you cannot add a new Steam library folder. You will have to run the Steam with administrative rights to eliminate the issue. Here’s how to do it.

1. Right-click on the Steam icon and choose Properties from the context menu.
2. Switch to the Compatibility tab.
3. Checkmark Run this program as an administrator.
4. Click on Apply > OK.

Launch Steam and check if you are still facing the problem. If yes, try the next solution on the list.

2] Pause the ongoing download

The next thing you can try to remove the issue is to pause the ongoing download. This method has helped many users get rid of the problem in the question. So, pause the ongoing download and try to create a new Steam library folder. Check if you still face the error message.

See: How to download, install, and use Steam on Windows 11/10 PC

3] Clear Steam download cache

You can clear the Steam download cache to get rid of the problem. As it turns, Steam stores cache data of all the downloaded games. But you will most likely deal with the problem if this data gets corrupted. So, below are the steps to clear the download cache on Steam.

1. Open Steam on your Windows PC.
2. Click on the Steam option present at the top left corner of the screen.
3. In the following window, select Settings.
4. Click on the Downloads option present on the left panel of the screen.
5. Click on the CLEAR DOWNLOAD CACHE option.

Restart Steam, and check if the problem continues. If yes, continue with the guide.

See: Fix Steam Friends List not working on Windows PC

4] Repair the Steam library folder

Steam comes with a built-in feature of repairing the Library folder. It is the best way to eliminate any issue revolving around the Steam Library folder. Here are the steps you need to follow.

1. Launch Steam and click the Steam option present at the top left corner.
2. Go to Settings and select Download from the left panel of the screen.
3. Click on STEAM LIBRARY FOLDERS.
4. In the following window, select the Repair Library Folder option.

That’s it. Wait until the process is complete. Once done, launch Steam and check for the problem.

5] Add a folder to the main directory

Another solution that has helped many users get rid of the problem is adding a folder in the main directory. Below are the exact steps you need to follow.

1. Open the C drive on your Windows PC, and create a folder named SteamLibrary.
2. Now, move the folder to C:\ Program Files (x86).
3. Give the permission if asked for administrative permissions.
4. Launch Steam, and go to Settings.
5. Click on Downloads, and then click on STEAM LIBRARY FOLDERS.
6. Add the newly created folder – SteamLibrary.

That’s it. You’ll see that you are no longer facing the problem.

Read: Steam downloads slow? Speed up Steam game downloads!

How do I fix Steam needs to be online to update error?

It’s very easy to fix Steam needs to be online to update errors on Windows PC. You can try these solutions to fix the problem:

1. Temporarily disable the Windows Firewall.
2. Add -tcp parameters to Steam.
3. Run Steam with administrative rights.
4. Clear the DNS cache.

You could try changing the DNS server if none of the steps were helpful.

How do I get Steam to recognize already installed games?

Sometimes Steam fails to recognize the installed game. You can solve the problem by manually adding the game to the list. Here’s how to do it.

1. Open Steam, click on Steam, and select Settings.
2. Click on the Downloads option present on the left panel of the screen.
3. Click on STEAM LIBRARY FOLDERS.
4. Tap on the + button and select the folder where the game is installed.

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