How to fix Access is denied error in Steam on PC

As a PC gamer, you heavily rely on Steam, and the application usually works fine. However, sometimes you may encounter random issues like Access is denied error in Steam. As a result, you cannot launch and play your favorite game. So, how do you fix the error? Well, here are a few straightforward methods that you can try out:

How to fix Access is denied error in Steam

Follow these suggestions to fix the Access denied error in Steam on your Windows PC.

1. Run Steam as an Administrator
2. Flush the DNS Cache
3. Use a VPN or Disable Existing VPN
4. Verify the Integrity of Game Files
5. Reinstall Steam

You may need admin permission to execute some of these suggestions.

1] Run Steam as an Administrator

To ensure that Steam is running with proper permissions, open it as Administrator.

• Press CTRL + ALT + Del to open Task Manager.
• From processes, look for Steam, right-click on it, and select End Task.
• Go to Windows Search, type Steam, right-click on the app and select Run as administrator to run it with full permissions.

2] Flush the DNS Cache

You can also try flushing the DNS cache as well as resetting WINSOCK. This will remove outdated or corrupted DNS records from your computer’s memory, which is essential for mapping domain names to IP addresses.

Right-click on the Start menu button and select Terminal (Admin).

Next, run the following commands one by one to flush DNS:

ipconfig /flushdns

ipconfig /registerdns

ipconfig /release

ipconfig /renew

netsh winsock reset

The process will take a few moments. Once done, reboot your PC and then check if you are still getting the same access is denied error in Steam.

3] Use a VPN or Disable Existing VPN

There is also a chance that Steam has temporarily blocked your IP address or your ISP temporarily restricted your access to VPN. To test this, you can use a VPN, which will assign you a new IP and allow you to access the platform. You can use a free VPN application like Windscribe or Proton VPN.

• First, download and install free Proton VPN.
• Next, connect to a VPN server.
• After that, launch the Steam app, try to access your account, and see if you are successful.

If you aren’t unsuccessful, check if Steam itself is down. If you can access Steam via VPN, wait for some time, and if the issue persists, contact Steam support or your ISP.

4] Verify Integrity of Game Files

If you get this error while trying to play a specific game, you should also check the integrity of game files. This will help you replace the corrupted files of that game.

• Open Steam and navigate to the library.
• Right-click on the Game that’s giving you the error and select Properties.
• Click on LOCAL FILES > Verify Integrity of game files.
• The job will take a few moments. Once finished, reload the game and then check if you are still getting the same error.

5] Reinstall Steam

In the end, if nothing works out for you, consider reinstalling Steam. This will remove any corrupted or outdated files that might be causing the error.

• First, press Windows Key + I to open Settings.
• Go to Apps > Installed Apps and search for Steam.
• Click on the three dots icon and select Uninstall to remove Steam.
• Once uninstalled, go to the Steam download page, download a new app version, and install it on your PC.
• Finally, check if you are still getting the same Access is denied error in Steam.

In most cases, running Steam as an administrator on Windows should fix the Access Denied error. However, it would be best to try flushing the DNS cache or using a VPN to troubleshoot the error.

Why can’t I access my games on Steam?

Your purchase might still be processed if you didn’t get a receipt. Check your purchase history and see if it’s there. If it is, you can click on it to see if it’s finished. If it’s done, but you can’t find the game, try closing Steam and opening it again.

Why am I unable to connect to a game on Steam?

Sometimes, problems with Steam can be caused by your firewall, antivirus software, or your router or internet connection. Try following our guide on fixing network problems to make sure everything is set up correctly for Steam.