3 Ways to Fix “Steam Must be Running to Play This Game” Error

Quick Tips

• This problem often means that some essential DLL files are quarantined, so temporarily disabling your DLL could be a solution.
• You may also run Steam as an admin since most AAA games need Steam running.

Basic Fixes: 

• Ensure Steam is installed on your computer: If you play Steam games, ensure the client is installed on your computer.
• Update Steam: You should update your Steam client so that it fixes bugs causing the problem.
• Opt out of Steam Beta account: You may be trying out new features on Beta; if so, opt out, as the beta features could be buggy.
• Temporarily disable antivirus: A restrictive antivirus may trigger the problem; in this case, you may temporarily disable it.
• Run Steam as an administrator: Ensure you are running Steam as an admin, and if the problem continues, proceed to more elaborate solutions.

Fix 1: Ensure You’ve Purchased the Game

This error mostly occurs when running the Steam games without purchasing them. If you fall into this category, you will fix the problem by purchasing the game.

After purchase, launch it, and if the error persists, move to other solutions.

Fix 2: Add Game Folder to Exclusion List

Your antivirus or firewall may have quarantined some of the game’s DLL files, preventing the game from running. To fix this, add the game files to your exclusion list. Follow the steps below.

Step 1: Press the Windows key > type security > click Windows Security.

Step 2: Click Virus & Threat Protection.

Step 3: Under Virus & Threat Protection service, click on Manage settings.

Step 4: Scroll down and select Add or remove exclusions under the Exclusions category.

Step 5: Click the Add an Exclusion button, select the folder option, navigate to the path of the game folder, and double-click it to add it.

Note that these steps may differ if you use a third-party antivirus or firewall.

Fix 3: Verify the Integrity of the Problematic Game

This error can appear if important files are missing from the game you are trying to launch. Fortunately, you can use Steam’s Verify integrity of game file feature to download the missing files. Here’s how to do that for your game:

Step 1: Open the Steam client > go to Library.

Step 2: Right-click on the game that throws the error > choose Properties.

Step 3: Choose Local Files from the left sidebar.

Step 4: Click Verify integrity of game files option on the right pane.

The Steam client will now start scanning the game files and compare them with the ones present on its servers. After that, it’ll automatically download the missing game files.