Steam is a digital video game distribution service that allows users to purchase, download, install and play games. It also provides the user with automatic game installation and update, as well as community features such as friend and group lists, cloud backup, and voice and chat functionality. in the game. If when you try to install a game and you come across Missing application configuration Steam error on Windows 10, then this message could help you. In this article, we will identify some known potential causes that could trigger the error, and then provide possible solutions that you can try to resolve this problem.
This error is triggered during the installation of a game and generally appears for a particular game and prevents users from installing the game. Keep in mind that this problem is not limited to installing full games, some users have reported meeting missing application configuration error message when downloading / installing a DLC (downloadable content) for the game in question as well.
The most common cause of this problem is usually a bug in the Steam system – because bugs can be introduced during an update.
This problem can also be caused by Steam appinfo.vdf file. This file contains information about your downloaded games such as their full names, etc. – therefore a problem or corruption in this file can lead to problems with the installation.
No matter which game you’re having issues with, the same fix applies.
Steam application configuration error missing
If you are faced with missing application configuration error message on Steam in Windows 10, you can try our two recommended solutions in the order presented below.
1]Delete the appinfo.vdf file
Since appinfo.vdf can cause this missing application configuration error, deleting the file solves the problem in most cases. Indeed, Steam will recreate this file the next time it is started, so any corruption or modification that may have caused the problem will not be present in the new file created. appinfo.vdf file.
To delete the appinfo.vdf file, do the following:
- Stop the Steam app.
- Then press the Windows key + E to launch the file explorer.
Go to the location below:
C: Program Files (x86) Steam appcache
- Find the file named appinfo.vdf.
If you don’t see the file, click on the View in the ribbon of File Explorer and check Hidden objects box.
- Right click on the file and select To erase in the context menu.
- Confirm any additional prompts.
Now open Steam and try to install / download the game again and see if the issue is resolved.
If that doesn’t work, try running Steam with administrator privileges (right click on the executable file and select Execute as administrator) after deleting the appinfo.vdf file. This could solve the problem – if not see the next solution.
2]Find and install the Steam update
If the first solution fails to resolve the missing application configuration problem, there is not much you can do to rectify the problem, as it is very likely that the problem is caused by a bug in the Steam client. These bugs are usually fixed in future updates, so just wait for the next Steam update.
Steam automatically checks for the latest updates. Thus, the updates will be automatically installed as soon as they are available or you will be informed of new updates. Remember to open the Steam client so that it can check for the latest updates.
I hope this helps you!
PS: Check this article if your Steam downloads are slow.