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If a Steam game will not download or install, will not launch, or runs with low FPS or stuttering, troubleshoot the symptom in order: restart Steam and your computer, use Steam’s built-in repair checks, then investigate system, network, or game-specific causes. Record any exact error message and check the game’s Steam store page for its system requirements; if these general steps do not resolve the issue, contact the game’s developer.
When a Steam game will not download or install
Steam describes update and installation errors as something that can occur when a game is updated or installed. Start with client-level steps before changing security settings or investigating hardware.
- Note the error and restart. Write down the exact message, restart Steam, then restart the computer and try again.
- Clear the download cache. In Steam, open Steam > Settings > Downloads and choose the option to clear the download cache. Sign in again if prompted, then retry the download.
- Repair the library folder. Open Steam > Settings > Storage, select the library drive, and use the folder’s repair option if available.
- Verify the installed game files. In Library, right-click the game and choose Properties > Installed Files > Verify integrity of game files. Steam says this can identify and repair incorrect local files.
- Try another download region. Open Steam > Settings > Downloads, temporarily select a different download region, and retry. You can return to your usual region afterward.
- Test another library drive, if available. If the problem persists and you have another suitable drive, try installing there. A difference can help narrow the cause to the original library or storage device.
If these checks do not help, Steam’s advanced troubleshooting points to possible network hardware or connection problems, operating-system or driver updates, firewall or antivirus interference, background software that monitors or modifies disk or network activity, overclocking, and drive errors. Change one relevant factor at a time where practical so you can tell whether it affects the result. Steam recommends specialist help for advanced troubleshooting: Steam Support: Update & Installation Issues.
Do not casually uninstall Steam as a first fix. Steam warns that uninstalling the client can delete game content; check Steam’s instructions and protect or back up local content before considering a reinstall.
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1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors#1 Best Overall
- 1TB NVMe SSD
- 1280 x 800 HDR OLED display with premium anti-glare etched glass, 7.4" Diagonal display size up to 90Hz refresh rate
- Wi-Fi 6E
- 50Whr battery; 3-12 hours of gameplay (content-dependent)
- Carrying case with removable liner
When the game gets stuck at “Preparing to Launch” or closes immediately
After restarting the computer, work through these checks. The operating-system and driver steps differ by platform, so use the instructions relevant to your device.
- Update the operating system and device drivers. Install available system updates and current drivers for relevant hardware using the appropriate support route for your operating system or device.
- Verify the game files. In Steam, go to Library > right-click the game > Properties > Installed Files > Verify integrity of game files.
- Close nonessential background software. Temporarily exit applications that are not needed to run the game, then try launching it again.
- Check the game’s requirements. Compare your system with the requirements on the game’s Steam store page. A device at or near the stated requirements may still have launch or performance problems.
On Linux, first confirm that the game supports Linux. If it does not, do not assume Proton will make it work; Steam directs users of unsupported games to community discussion and bug-reporting routes. Steam’s general launch guidance includes separate checks for Windows, Linux, and macOS: Steam Support: Games do not run after “Preparing to Launch”.
Rank #2
- International (UK) Version
- 7.4” diagonal, HDR OLED, 1280 x 800 x RGB, up to 90Hz Refresh rate, High performance touch, <0.1 ms Response time, 1,000 nits peak brightness (HDR), 600 nits (SDR)
- SteamOS 3.0 (Arch-based)
- 512GB NVMe SSD, 16GB LPDDR5 on-board RAM (5500 MT/s quad 32-bit channels), microSD UHS-I supports SD, SDXC and SDHC
- 6 nm AMD APU, CPU: Zen 2 4c/8t, 2.4-3.5GHz (up to 448 GFlops FP32
If the game still fails after these general checks, contact its developer with the exact error, your operating system, and the steps you have tried. Game-specific launch failures may need the developer’s guidance.
How to troubleshoot low FPS or stuttering
Low frame rates and choppy gameplay can have different causes; none of these general checks guarantees a particular FPS increase. Start by checking whether the computer meets the game’s requirements, then reduce avoidable workload and adjust settings.
Rank #3
- Operating System: SteamOS 3.0
- Compare your system with the game’s requirements. Use the requirements listed on the game’s Steam store page. Meeting them does not guarantee high FPS in every scene or configuration.
- Close unnecessary applications. Exit background programs you do not need while playing to free system resources.
- Check available memory. Close other applications if little memory is available. Avoid treating a hardware purchase as the first step without identifying a specific bottleneck.
- Update component drivers. Install relevant current drivers for your system, particularly those for graphics hardware.
- Reduce demanding graphics settings. If performance remains poor, try a lower resolution or less demanding graphics options, changing settings gradually so you can identify what helps.
For integrated graphics, Steam suggests trying low shader detail and windowed mode as general measures. Third-party games expose different settings, so consult the game’s support if the available options or their effects are unclear. Steam’s software troubleshooting guide is at Troubleshooting Game Performance Issues – Software.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.When a general Steam fix is not enough
The right next step depends on the symptom and the game:
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- Valve is entering the gaming console marketplace with the new Steam Deck, a console geared towards PC gamers. The Steam Deck can be docked to a monitor, and used as a PC, or docked to a TV.
- Players can play a huge variety of games at any time with the comfort of a console and the freedom of a PC. Not anti-glare screen.
- Like the name suggests, the Steam Deck will include upgraded 1TB storage, and will include a carrying case. A micro SD slot will also enable expanded storage.
- Valve partnered with AMD to create a specialized APU optimized for handheld gaming, and Valve says the chip will deliver performance to run AAA gaming titles.
- The Steam Deck is outfitted with a 7-inch touchscreen, and two trackpads under the control sticks that allow gamers to operate games never designed outside of mouse and keyboard capabilities.
- Download or installation error: Keep the exact error text and note whether cache clearing, library repair, file verification, or a region change altered the result. Seek Steam or specialist support if network, security software, or drive problems appear likely.
- Launch failure: Contact the game’s developer if system updates, file verification, background-app checks, and requirements checks do not resolve it.
- Configuration trouble in a third-party game: Ask the developer for game-specific settings advice. Steam’s
-autoconfiglaunch option is described as an initial option for Valve-developed games, not a universal fix for third-party titles. - Linux compatibility issue: Check whether the game supports Linux and use Steam’s community discussion and bug-reporting routes for unsupported-game Proton questions.
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