How to Fix Steam Error 16

Steam Error 16 is a generic Steam error that pops up while editing your account info or when the game client crashes. Typically, it’s a sign of a problem with the internet connection, graphics drivers, or your device’s memory. In other words, Steam Error 16 is a timeout error that lets you know the Steam app stopped working or that certain Steam features are currently unavailable. This guide will teach you how to troubleshoot the problem if you encounter Steam Error 16 and how to attempt to fix it.

1. Simply Wait for a While

There’s a big possibility that error 16 occurred due to a minor glitch in the Steam app, Steam services, or even your PC. Waiting a few minutes before you retry whatever you were doing in the app should resolve the issue.

In most cases, Error 16 is that simple to resolve. But if Error 16 keeps popping up, you should perform some of the slightly more complicated methods described below.

2. Check Your Network Connection

Another common reason for Steam Error 16 is a slow or disrupted internet connection. If you’re updating your account information and the internet stops working, the Steam app won’t be able to save your details and will display Error 16.

If this is the case, you must check your internet connection and ensure it’s in working order. Restart your router or reconnect to the WiFi network you’re using, and try whatever you were doing on Steam again.

3. Close Conflicting Apps

Some apps you use on your device conflict with Steam, causing error 16. If you suspect this is why you’re experiencing the Steam Error, try closing all the apps and services running in the background and see if this fixes the issue.

You can close all running processes with Task Manager if you’re using Windows OS:

1. Press Shift + Ctrl + Esc on your keyboard to open Task Manager.
2. Go to the Processes tab.

3. Right-click the running process you want to close, and select End Task from the list.

4. Alternatively, select the process you want to end, and then click the End Task button in the lower right corner of the Task Manager window.

5. Repeat the step above for all the running programs.
6. Go back to Steam and see if this fixed the problem.

If you’re using macOS, you can quit the running apps with the Force Quit tool. You’ll find it in the menu bar of the Apple logo in the upper left corner of the screen. Alternatively, you can use the keyboard shortcut Command + Option + Esc to open this tool.

When the Force Quit window opens, select the apps you want to close and click the Force Quit button.

4. Update Steam, your OS, and Graphic Drivers to the Latest Versions

For game clients such as Steam, you must keep your system up to date. To do this, you’ll need to install its latest version. Check if there are any pending OS updates and install them. This process will depend on which operating system you’re using.

Updating Your OS

For Windows:

1. Open the Settings and Select Windows Update.

2. Select Check for Updates.

3. If there are pending updates select Download & Install.

Once the process is finished, go back to Steam and see if you’re still getting Error 16 message.

For macOS:

1. Click on the Apple logo in the corner of your screen to open up the Apple menu.
2. Select System Settings, or System Preferences if you’re using an older macOS version.

3. Select General from the left sidebar, and then Software Update from the right menu.

4. If there are available updates, select the Update Now button.

Updating Graphics Drivers

The best way to update graphics drivers is to visit the website of the graphic card manufacturer you’re using (such as Intel, NVIDIA, or AMD), and check for the latest versions to download and install on your PC. Just make sure to install the correct version of drivers for the operating system you’re using.

Update the Steam App

Typically, Steam automatically downloads and installs any available updates when you launch the app. But if this doesn’t happen, do it manually. Here’s how:

1. Launch the Steam app on your PC and click on the Steam menu in the top-left corner.

2. Select Check for Steam Client Updates.

And that’s it. Steam will automatically find and install any missing updates. See if this fixed the issue.

5. Re-install Runtime Libraries

Corrupted files associated with Microsoft Visual C++ sometimes cause Steam to display Error 16 or even Error 80. Reinstalling the Visual C++ package on your device should help with this issue. Here’s how:

1. Press Win + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type Appwiz.cpl and hit Enter, or click the OK button to open Programs & Features.

3. Find Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable Package and right-click on it.
4. Select Uninstall.

5. Restart your PC.
6. Go to Microsoft Download Center and download the latest Visual C++ Redistributable Package.
7. Install the new version and restart your PC again.

Check if this helped with Steam Error 16.

6. Run Disk Cleanup

If you’re still experiencing Steam Error 16, perhaps your device simply doesn’t have enough storage space. Deleting unnecessary files and programs might help with this. Run a disk cleanup to get rid of temporary files. This is a semi-automated process and the Disk Cleanup app will scan your device and decide which files are safe to delete instead of you. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Go to Start and type disk cleanup in the search bar. Double-click the first result.

2. Select your main drive (typically its c:) and hit the OK button.

3. Wait until Disk Cleanup scans your PC and then select the Clean up system files button at the bottom of the window.

Hopefully, this will help with Steam Error 16.

If you’re using macOS, there are several tools available to you that can help you free some storage space. You can use the Optimize Storage function to delete files purchased on iTunes. Empty Trash Automatically feature will permanently delete all items in the trash bin after 30 days. Finally, the Reduce Cluster tool will help you go through your Mac’s files and help you decide which files can be moved to the Cloud or an external drive if you wish.

7. Authenticate The Integrity of Steam Files

If there’s an issue with the integrity of the Steam files, Steam may display Error 16. To tackle this:

1. Type Steam in the Windows search box and right-click the app, then select Run as Administrator. Alternatively, select Run as Administrator from the app’s menu in the Windows search.

2. Click on the Library tab in the Steam window.
3. This is where your games are stored. Right-click on the game which throws Error 16 when you try to run it, and select Properties.

4. Select Installed Files from the left tab.
5. Click the Verify Integrity of Game Files button.

6. Wait until Steam finishes the process. It’ll automatically replace all the files that have integrity issues.

When the process is done, open Task Manager and end all tasks related to Steam. Restart your PC, and once the system is up run Steam to see if the Error 16 problem persists.

8. Check Security Permissions for the Steam Folder

It might be that the wrong security permissions for Steam are causing it to display Error 16 for you. Checking the Steam Folder’s security permissions on Windows is very easy:

1. On your keyboard press Win + E to open File Explorer.
2. Navigate to the Steam folder on your system. By default, it should be located at C:Program Files(x86) if you didn’t change the installation location.
3. Right-click on the Steam folder and select Properties.
4. Uncheck the box next to the Read-only option under the General tab.
5. Click Apply and then the OK button to save changes.

Restart the Steam app and see if this fixes the issue.

9. Clear Steam’s Cache

Steam is using cache files to enhance your experience with the app. However, these files can get corrupted and cause problems such as Steam Error 16. Follow these steps to clear the cache:

1. Launch Steam and go to the Steam tab in the upper left corner of the window.
2. Choose Settings from the drop-down menu.

3. Select Downloads from the left sidebar on the Settings window.
4. On the right pane. Select the Clear Cache button next to the Clear Download Cache option.

5. Finally, select Confirm when prompted.

10. Reinstall the Steam App

If the Steam app core files are corrupted you might get the error 16 message. However, clearing the cache won’t help you if this is the case. You’ll have to uninstall and reinstall the Steam app.

On Windows 11:

Go to Settings, then select Apps, and finally Installed Apps. Click the three dots next to the Steam and select Uninstall. Select Uninstall again in the prompt.

On Windows 10:

Head to the Settings and select Apps. Select Steam from the list and then click on the Uninstall button. Confirm when prompted.

On Mac:

Head to the Finder and then click Applications. Right-click the Steam app and select Move to Trash.

Occasional errors are inevitable, but your ability to troubleshoot and apply these fixes ensures a smoother gaming experience on the Steam platform. Whether you’re an avid gamer or just diving into the gaming world, resolving Error 16 is a crucial step toward uninterrupted gameplay and a hassle-free Steam experience.