4 Ways to Fix Access Denied Error in Steam for Windows

Pankil is a Civil Engineer turned freelance writer. Since his arrival at Guiding Tech in 2021, he delves into the world of how-tos, and troubleshooting guides for Android, iOS, and Windows. Besides his new-found love for mechanical keyboards, he’s a disciplined footfall fan and loves international travel with his wife.

Try Basic Fixes

Fix 1: Run Steam as an Administrator

A lack of relevant permissions could cause Steam to show the Access Denied error on your Windows computer. First, close the Steam client and open it again as an administrator.

Press theCtrl + Shift + Esckeyboard shortcut to open the Task Manager. In theProcessestab, right-click onSteamand select theEnd taskoption.

Right-click on the Steam app shortcut and selectRun as administratorfrom the context menu.

Fix 2: Flush DNS Cache

Flushing the DNS (or Domain Name System) cacheis another thing you can try when Steam displays the Access Denied error or fails to verify the CAPTCHA. That will help resolve any issues caused by outdated or corrupted DNS data.

To flush the DNS cache on Windows:

Step 1:Right-click on theStart iconand selectTerminal (Admin)from the list.

Step 2:Typeipconfig /flushdnsin the console and hitEnter.

Restart your PC after this and check if the issue is still there.

Fix 3: Change DNS Server

Problems with the default DNS server offered by your internet service provider can also contribute to the Access Denied error in Steam. To avoid this, tryusing a different DNS server on Windowsby following the steps below.

Step 1:Press theWindows + Rkeyboard shortcut to open the Run dialog box. In the Open field, typencpa.cpl, and pressEnter.

Step 2:In the Network Connections window, right-click on your internet connection and selectProperties.

Step 3:Double-click theInternet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)option.

Step 4:SelectUse the following DNS server addressesoption. In the text fields next to the Preferred DNS Server and the Alternate DNS Server, enter8.8.8.8and8.8.4.4, respectively. Then, clickOK.

Fix 4: Allow Steam Through the Windows Firewall

Steam may fail to connect to the internetand display unusual errors if the Windows Firewall is blocking it on your PC. To fix this, you need to allow Steam to run through the Windows Firewall.

Step 1:Press theWindows + Skeyboard shortcut to access the search menu. Type inallow an app through Windows Firewalland pressEnter.

Step 2:Click theChange settingsbutton.

Step 3:LocateSteamon the list and tick thePrivateandPubliccheckboxes next to it. Then, clickOK.

4 Ways to Fix Access Denied Error in Steam for Windows

4 Ways to Fix Access Denied Error in Steam for Windows

Try Basic Fixes

Fix 1: Run Steam as an Administrator

Fix 2: Flush DNS Cache

Fix 3: Change DNS Server

Fix 4: Allow Steam Through the Windows Firewall

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4 Ways to Fix Access Denied Error in Steam for Windows#

Try Basic Fixes#

Fix 1: Run Steam as an Administrator#

Fix 2: Flush DNS Cache#

Fix 3: Change DNS Server#

Fix 4: Allow Steam Through the Windows Firewall#

Was this helpful?#

Leave a ReplyCancel reply#

Read Next#

More in Windows#

4 Ways to Stop Internet Explorer From Opening Edge#

How to Download HEIC as JPG in iCloud on Windows and Mac#

JOIN THE NEWSLETTER#

4 Ways to Fix Access Denied Error in Steam for Windows

Try Basic Fixes

Fix 1: Run Steam as an Administrator

Fix 2: Flush DNS Cache

Fix 3: Change DNS Server

Fix 4: Allow Steam Through the Windows Firewall

Was this helpful?

Leave a ReplyCancel reply

Read Next

More in Windows

4 Ways to Stop Internet Explorer From Opening Edge

How to Download HEIC as JPG in iCloud on Windows and Mac

JOIN THE NEWSLETTER