Steam a popular online platform where digital versions of PC games can be bought and installed easily. Instead of going to a store to buy a physical copy of the game you can just download it to your computer which is quite convenient for most people. Although this is a stable platform there are instances when certain issues can occur. In this latest installment of our troubleshooting series we will tackle the Steam error code 118 issue.
How To Fix Steam Error Code 118 Issue
Before performing any of the recommended troubleshooting steps listed below it’s best to restart your computer first. This action refreshes the operating system and remove any corrupt temporary data that could be causing the problem.
There are several factors that can cause this issue to occur ranging from a firewall setting to a virus. Listed below are the troubleshooting steps you need to do to fix this problem.
Allow Steam through the firewall
The first thing that you should do in this case is to check if Steam is being blocked by your computer firewall. If it is then you will need to allow it through.
- Press the “Windows” + “S” Keys simultaneously and type in “Firewall”
- Click on the first option and then click on the “Allow an app or feature through Firewall” option.
- Click on the “Change Settings” option.
- Scroll down the list and make sure to check both “Public” and “Private” option for “Steam Client“.
- Click on the Apply option .
Check if the Steam error code 118 issue still occurs.
Restart the router
This problem can also occur if your internet speed has suddenly become slow. Restarting the router can refresh its software and improve the connection speed.
- Unplug the power cord from the router.
- Wait for a minute and plug the cord back in.
- Wait until the Internet Access is granted then launch Steam.
Check if the Steam error code 118 issue still occurs.
Disable third party applications
There’s a possibility that an application installed and running in your computer is causing this problem. To check if this is the case, you will have to disable the extra services and applications.
- Press the “Windows” + “R” keys to open up the “Run Prompt”.
- Type in “msconfig” and press “Enter“.
- Click on the “Services” tab and uncheck the “Hide all Microsoft Services” option.
- Click on the “Disable All” option and then click on the “Startup” tab.
- Click on the “Open Task Manager” option and click on an application listed there
- Click on the “Disable” button to disable it from starting automatically at startup.
- Repeat this process and disable all applications on the list.
- Restart your computer and run only the “Steam Client”.
- Check to see if the issue goes away. In case it does, then you can start to enable the services one at a time until the problem comes back. This way you can easily isolate the problem to a single Service or Application and disable it permanently.
Check if the Steam error code 118 issue still occurs.
Scan your computer for viruses
One factor that can cause this problem is a virus. You need to make sure that your antivirus software has updated definitions before running a scan. If a virus is found then your antivirus software will know how to deal with it.