How to Fix the Steam Disk Write Error?

Introduction

Steam is a renowned platform famous for downloading, purchasing, and playing video games. It acts like a central hub that allows user to download their games, manage their digital library, and participate in different forum activities. Steam is best known for its convenient ecosystem for gamers. But despite providing the best features and services, it is still not free from errors like any other software.

There are various reasons for steam errors. These errors vary in their nature and affect the functionality of software in different ways. One such error that users often face is “steam write error”. It is the type of installation error that occurs during the game download process.

Understanding the steam disk write error

Steam write error appears when game data is not stored properly on a hard drive. This error can occur anytime when a user is trying to download or install a new game. It can also occur while updating an already installed game.

Causes of Steam Write error

While downloading or updating, steam tries to write game data on the hard drive but sometimes it is unable to do so because of various reasons. These reasons can vary based on what issue your PC has encountered this time:

1. Corrupted Game files: If the game files are corrupted, then Steam fails the verification process for that file and tries to repair or replace it. However, if the file is important for game functionality and features, then the whole downloading process is stopped and results in a write error.
2. Insufficient disk space: Problems with the storage medium where game files are stored can also lead to steam write errors. The disk may be damaged or it may not have sufficient space for storing files.
3. Conflicts with anti-virus: If there is any anti-virus software installed on the computer, then there are chances that the security protocols of that software are causing steam disk write errors. Sometimes, Anti-virus software flags the valid files as corrupted ones which may stop the steam from proceeding further download.
4. Writing Permission issue: If Steam is trying to download in a directory that has restricted writing permissions, then this can also lead to a write error. Permission must be granted to Steam to write to a certain directory in case of any read-write restrictions.

How to fix Steam disk write error

Steam write error is a common issue that users often encounter and it can be solved easily without any professional help. If users know the root cause behind the error, they can easily fix it by following simple steps.

1. Restart Steam: If the steam write error is due to any temporary reason, then it will disappear once you have restarted the steam. Close Steam, reopen it after some time, and then try to download or update.
2. Reboot PC: Write steam error can also be caused if certain ongoing processes on a computer interfere with steam. Close the steam and reboot your PC.
3. Update Drivers: The old or outdated drivers can also create hindrances in downloads. Update the drivers manually or you can also do it with the help of online available software. The online tool will scan your system and automatically download the right drivers for it.
4. Allow write Permission: Check the directory where Steam is trying to download your game files. If that directory or any of its subdirectory’s has write protection on, turn it off and then try to install. Write protection enforces the directory not to add any new files in it and this might cause a write steam error.
5. Turn off the read-only setting: The whole steam folder may also be write-protected. To make the steam folder capable of writing, go to folder properties and make sure the read-only setting is disabled. If not then disable it yourself and start downloading again.
6. Delete 0 KB files: 0 KB files are the corrupted files that can cause disk write errors. These files are created when something goes wrong during the download process. To delete these files go to the steam folder and open steamapps/common directory. Delete all 0 KB files with the same name as your game.
7. Verify game files: To check the integrity of game files:
   In your Steam library, right-click the game causing a disk write error. A drop-down menu with multiple options will appear. Click Properties and then go to local files. Click “Verify integrity of Game Files”. Steam will scan all game files and will replace any corrupted files. Once the verification is complete, restart your download again.
8. Clear steam cache: Clearing the steam cache can also fix the steam disk write error. Open Steam, go to settings then to downloads, and then click clear download cache.
   Steam -> Settings -> Downloads -> Clear Download Cache
9. Move Steam to a different drive: The hard drive can have an issue like it might be corrupted or does not have enough space to store game files. If this is the case then moving steam to a different drive can fix the disk write error.
10. Turn off the anti-virus: Sometimes, the anti-virus software identifies Steam as a threat or problem to your PC. It blocks Steam from downloading any harmful files resulting in a Steam write error. To handle such a situation, try downloading a game after turning off your antivirus software. If the error gets resolved, add steam to the exception in antivirus scans.
11. Turn off the firewall: The operating system can also stop Steam from downloading your game. This problem is commonly faced by the users of Windows 10. Turn off the firewall temporarily to download the game. If it resolves the error, add an exception to the Windows firewall.
12. Run Steam as an administrator: Another possible solution for steam disk write error is to run Steam as an administrator. This will give Steam some extra authority to download the game properly.
13. Contact Steam Support Team: If you are still having disk write errors despite trying all possible solutions, then there might be an error in the game that the Steam team could fix. Their team will surely provide potential solutions for disk write errors and will guide you throughout the process. Another alternate to find help is to go through the Steam community forum.

Conclusion: Downloading or updating a game from Steam is pretty simple and a pleasant experience for the user. However, there is always the possibility that you might encounter a Steam disk write error which can easily be resolved with the above-mentioned techniques.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What to do if Steam fails to verify the integrity of files?

If Steam fails to verify game files, then try deleting the corrupted files manually. After deleting problematic files, verify the files again. If the problem still occurs, try reinstalling the game.

2. How to fix the no connection error in Steam?

To fix the no connection error on Steam, restart the Steam connection. If it does not resolve the error then update your network driver.

3. How to fix Windows cannot find steam.exe?

This error occurs when Windows can’t find the Steam executable file. To resolve this restart your PC and check if you are using any shortcut file. Open the stream.exe file from File Explorer. Turning off the anti-virus or adding Steam except a firewall may also solve the problem.

4. How to find Steam ID?

To view your Steam ID, open the Steam desktop application. Click on the username at the top right corner and then select Account Details. The steam ID is displayed below the steam username.