What Do I Do If My Steam Game Isn't Launching?

Steam users experience a great deal of frustration when games won't launch properly. When this happens, there are steps PC and Mac users can take to get their games to launch and perform correctly. If updating operating systems, equipment or disabling certain apps or functions doesn't work, gamers can contact Steam support for assistance.

Feb 6, 2024

Steam is a popular PC gaming platform, providing a lot of fun for gamers regardless of their experience level, but what happens when comes won't load or launch? If you are a Steam user, and your games won't launch, there are some things you can do to fix the problem. You can contact Steam gamer support here for more information on the platform, and you can follow the steps below to get your games to launch.

The steps for PC users are different from those joining Steam from a Mac. Below are ways for each type of computer systems to help gamers get back in the game.

PC Users

If you are using a PC, below are things you can do to try to get your Steam games to launch. You may have to try more than one option for the issue to be resolved.

  • Make sure you are using the correct version of Microsoft Windows for the game you are trying to play. Update Windows if it is out of date, and make sure the update is successful. Usually games do not launch because the Windows version does not support the game.
  • Update your computer drivers to make sure they support all the components of your system and can support the game you are trying to launch.
  • Make sure the game you have downloaded has been corrupted. Game integrity is vital to making sure it launches and performs properly.
  • Ensure your software isn't interfering with game launch, and, if it is, disable the software to enjoy your game.
  • Review the game system requirements and check your system against the requirements. If your system does not meet the game specifications, it will not launch on your PC.

Mac Users

Mac users can take steps to launch Steam games successfully on their systems as well. The steps below may help resolve the issue.

  • Check the version of macOS you are using on your system, and if it is outdated, go ahead and update it. Make sure the update is successful, and that the new version supports the game you are trying to launch.
  • Check game integrity to determine whether the files have been corrupted. If they have, you may need to completely delete the game files and download them again.
  • If some of your Mac applications are causing a disruption to downloading your game, disable the apps so your Steam game will launch properly.
  • Ensure the game system requirements are supported by your Mac system. If your system does not meet the minimum requirements for the game, it will not launch or perform correctly.

If the steps for PC or Mac above do not work, you can contact Steam gamer support for additional assistance. For more information, contact Steam gamer support here.

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What Do I Do If My Steam Game Isn't Launching?

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