Steam service component is not working properly

How To Fix “Steam service component is not working” Error

If you’re a pro gamer, you must have heard about Steam, one of the best-known platforms for playing games; to be honest, Steam is a must-have for PC gamers, especially those playing on Windows.

Well, the gaming community would agree with the fact that Steam offers thousands of games – to create a huge game collection, and yes, who can underestimate its option to share games with gaming partners through its organically-built platform.

Why praising Steam?

It’s worth the shot… as far as you’ve not encountered any of its rarely-occurred error, especially the Steam service error.

Worry not; this is what I am here for. Let’s check it out.

Before fixing Steam, let me burst the bubble why the “The Steam service component is not working properly” error occur?

The major cause for the Steam Service error is simple… you don’t have enough permissions to access a specific file or to perform an action.

Furthermore, the error could also occur due to broken services or if Steam Service simply not running; either the cause, solutions are super-easier, just have a look.

How to Fix “the Steam service component is not working properly” error?

Googling Steam-friendly support forums, I came to know that there are many users, including me, who have posted about the Steam service error that arises when launching the platform. 

The error message:

In order to run Steam properly on this version of Windows, the Steam service component is not working properly on this computer.

Steam service component is not working properly

Consequently, the Steam client gets unable to load, leading users inaccessible to their favorite gameplays and game-buys.

First thing first… turn off all the third-party software, especially Firewall. 

Fix 1: Run Steam as an administrator

  • Right-click Steam if you have a desktop shortcut for it and go to Properties (or right-click Steam EXE file in its folder – C: > Program Files> Steam x86.
  • Now, go to Compatibility.
  • Then, click Run this program as an administrator.
  • Click the Apply  OK.

Fix 2: Disable Third-Party Antivirus Software

Suppose you are facing the Steam component not working issue. In that case, the cause could be your third-party antivirus software, and to resolve the problem, you might have to disable the antivirus temporarily till the error is resolved. Thankfully, doing that is simple. Just right-click on the antivirus software icon on the system tray to access the context menu.

Then click on the disable option from the menu. This will switch off the antivirus protection. However, you must remember to turn on the safety because you are vulnerable to cyberattacks while the antivirus is disabled. We do not recommend that you don’t browse the internet while your AV is switched off.

Alternatively, you can select an antivirus software that provides adequate protection while being less restrictive. There are a number of services that will protect you during different digital activities and allow other reliable software like Steam to bypass blocks.

Always choose an antivirus software that offers a reliable, powerful firewall, which is integral for securing your internet connection. A good AV will come with several other useful features and protection layers to ensure safe online banking, shopping, and communication.

Multilayered protection is necessary for antivirus software to successfully detect different online security threats such as malware, spyware, viruses, ransomware, worms, and others. An AV should be able to block suspicious files before they cause any damage to your device while also allowing trustable software to work as needed.

Fix 3: Repair the Steam Client Service

The worst-case scenario is when the Steam client service breaks down and needs to be repaired using a simple command that can be done in the Command Prompt. 

This command prompt will reset it for sure!

  • Click Windows Logo Key + R key combination and open up the Run dialog box. Type in “cmd” in the box and use the Ctrl + Shift + Enter key combination – to run Command Prompt, key in with admin privileges.
  • Now, find the root folder of your Steam installation by right-clicking its shortcut on the Desktop → Open file location.
  • Copy the address bar at the top of the folder (the path would be “C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\bin\SteamService.exe”. 
  • Let’s use the default path to run the command, replacing it with your own path: “C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\bin\SteamService.exe”/repair.

Reopen Steam and check the status of the Steam service error. 

Fix “Steam service component is not working” Error – Video Tutorial

Final Note

These are the fixes I tried and tested in my search for fixing the “The Steam service component is not working properly” error; if you know any other working fix/es for the same error, feel free to share in the comment section below.

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