Steam is a popular game distribution platform with a huge library of games. However, you may see the error “Steam must be running to play this game” when launching a Steam game. This error will mainly knock on your door if Steam is missing from your computer or its installation folder is corrupted.
Luckily, it’s easy to get rid of this error message. This guide introduces all working methods to fix “Steam must be running to play this game” error on Windows 11. So let’s get started.
1. Install Steam on your computer
As mentioned earlier, the “Steam must be running to play this game” error usually appears when Steam is absent from your computer. Many AAA titles require the Steam client for authentication. You will therefore have to keep the Steam client installed on your computer. If you deleted it or if it is missing. you will need to download and install the Steam client on your computer to fix the error. Here’s how:
Step 1: Head to the official Steam site using the link below.
2nd step: Click on the Install Steam option in the upper right corner.
Step 3: Click Install Steam.
Step 4: Once the executable file is downloaded, open it.
Then choose the default language, location, and other options in the setup wizard. Finally, check the Run Steam box and click Finish.
Now enter your credentials to log into your Steam account. After logging in, launch the game returning the error and check if it reappears.
2. Launch Steam with administrative rights
Another effective solution to get rid of the error message is to launch Steam with administrator rights and then open the game through the game library. To do this, follow the instructions below:
Step 1: Right-click on the Steam client and choose Properties.
2nd step: Switch to the Compatibility tab.
Step 3: Check the Run this program as an administrator box.
Step 4: Click Apply and OK.
Step 5: Double-click the Steam client to open it. If the User Account Control window opens, click Yes to grant administrative privileges.
Go to the Steam game library, launch the game and check if the problem still occurs.
3. Download the latest Steam client update
If you’re experiencing the problem even after launching Steam with administrative privileges, there’s likely a problem with the Steam version on your computer. You will need to download the latest Steam client update to fix this. Follow the steps below to do so:
Step 1: Launch the Steam client and click on the Steam option in the upper left corner.
2nd step: Choose Check for Steam Client Updates from the context menu.
The Steam Self Updater window will appear and download any available update. After that restart the client and check for the problem.
4. Verify Problem Gambling Integrity
The “Steam must be running to play this game” error can appear if the game you are trying to launch is missing important files. Luckily, you can use Steam’s Verify Integrity of Game Files feature to download missing files. Here’s how to do it for your game:
Step 1: Open the Steam client and go to Library.
2nd step: Right-click on the game that is throwing the error and choose Properties.
Step 3: Choose Local Files from the left sidebar.
Step 4: Click the Verify integrity of game files option in the right pane.
The Steam client will now start scanning the game files and compare them with those on its servers. After that, it will automatically download missing game files.
5. Deactivate Steam Beta Account
You can use a Steam beta account to access upcoming features before anyone else. But sometimes using an unstable beta can lead to various issues like this.
As a solution, you will need to deactivate your Steam beta account. You can do this by following the steps below:
Step 1: Open the Steam client, click on Steam in the upper left corner and select the Settings option.
2nd step: In the Settings window, choose Account from the left sidebar.
Step 3: Click the Edit button under the Beta Participation section.
Step 4: Click the drop-down icon, choose NONE – Disable all beta programs option, then click OK.
6. Delete Custom Files
Another main reason behind the error can be any custom file you downloaded for the game that is giving the error. For example, if you have downloaded a mod or applied a cheat code on GTA 5, you will most likely encounter the error when launching it.
To get rid of the error message, remove any mods, hacks or any other custom files you have installed on your game.
7. Reinstall the game
If you are still facing the error Steam must be running to play this game, you have no choice but to reinstall the game. Here is how to do it:
Step 1: Open the Steam client and go to Library.
2nd step: Right click on the game in the left sidebar, hover over Manage and choose Uninstall.
Step 3: Click Uninstall again.
After uninstalling the game, go to the Store and download the game again.
Enjoy uninterrupted games
No one likes being interrupted while playing their favorite game. But if you are facing the error Steam must be running to play this game error, now you know what is causing the error and how to get rid of it.