Steam is a digital distribution platform where digital versions of PC games are installed quickly, instead of going to a store and purchasing the video game. Steam is used by gamers all over the globe, but sometimes gamers will experience Steam error code 118 or 138. The error messages you see are:
Steam Error Code 118, Unable to connect to server, Server may be offline or you may not be connected to the internet
Steam Error Code 138, Failed to load web page (Unknown error)
What is Steam error code 118?
Steam error code 118 indicates that users are not communicating with Valve’s storefront or are not granting access for Valve’s servers to reach them. Restaring your router is the first thing you should try.
What does Steam error code 138 mean?
Steam error code 138 means that the web page has failed to load or cannot load the server, so users cannot access the Steam server. Steam is a gaming platform that needs a strong internet connection.
How to fix Steam Error Code 118 or 138
To fix steam 118 or 138, follow the solutions below.
- Enable Steam through Firewall
- Restart the router
- Disable all third-party applications
- Scan computers for viruses
1] Enable Steam through Firewall
The reason behind error code 118 is that the Windows Firewall may be blocking the software from contacting the Steam servers. This is due to the Windows Defender Firewall’s function to automatically block potentially harmful software from your computer, although this is not always the case.
Follow the steps below to allow Steam through Windows Firewall.
Type Windows Defender Firewall in the search bar and press enter.
You will see an open panel displaying Windows Defender Firewall; click on it.
The Windows Defender Firewall window will pop up.
Click the Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall option on the left pane.
Click on the Change settings option.
Now scroll down the list and check both Private and Public options for the Steam client.
Click on Apply option and check if the problem continues.
If the issue persists, follow the other solution below.
2] Restart the router
If the internet speed is slow, Steam might have issues connecting to its servers or database. Resetting your router can improve the connection speed.
Follow the steps below to reset the router.
The first step is to unplug the cord from the router.
Wait for five minutes, and then plug the cord back in.
Wait until the internet access is granted and then launch Steam
3] Disable all third-party applications
Press the Win + R keys together to open the Run dialog box.
Type in the Run dialog box msconfig and press the enter key.
A System Configuration window will open, click on the Services tab and uncheck the Hide all Microsoft Services option.
Click on the Disable all option and then click on the Startup tab.
Click on the option Open Task Manager.
A Task Manager window will open.
Click on a listed application.
Click on the Disable button at the bottom right of the window to disable it from starting automatically at startup.
Repeat the process to disable all applications on the list.
Restart your computer and run only the Steam client.
Check if the issue goes away. If it does, you can start enabling one at a time until the problem returns. This way, you can easily isolate the issue to a single service or application and disable it permanently.
If the issue continues, try the other solution below.
4] Scan computers for viruses
If a virus or malware is on your computer, it can prevent the Steam client from functioning correctly and cause issues while connecting to the server. The solution for fixing this issue is to scan the computer for viruses.
We hope this tutorial helps you fix the Steam errors.
Related: Steam is having trouble connecting to Steam servers.
