To fix the “Steam must be running” error, follow these steps:
1. Open the Steam client on your computer and go to your game library.
2. Right-click on the game that is giving you the error and select “Properties” from the drop-down menu.
3. In the Properties screen, go to the “Local Files” tab.
4. Click on the “Verify Integrity of Game Files” button. This will initiate a process where Steam checks the game files for any errors or missing files.
5. Wait for the verification process to complete. This may take some time depending on the size of the game and your internet connection speed.
6. Once the verification is complete, restart the Steam client. This ensures that any changes made during the verification process are applied correctly.
7. After restarting Steam, open the game that was showing the error and check if the issue has been resolved.
By verifying the integrity of the game files, Steam checks if all the necessary files for the game are present and in the correct state. If any files are missing or corrupted, Steam will automatically download and replace them.
It’s important to note that this method can fix many common issues related to game files, but it may not solve every problem. If the “Steam must be running” error persists, there might be other factors causing the issue.
If you continue to experience the error, you can try the following additional troubleshooting steps:
1. Restart your computer: Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve temporary issues with Steam or your computer’s system.
2. Update Steam: Make sure that you have the latest version of the Steam client installed. Steam often releases updates to fix bugs and improve performance.
3. Check your antivirus and firewall settings: Sometimes, security software can interfere with Steam’s operation. Temporarily disable your antivirus or firewall and see if the error persists. If the error goes away, you can add exceptions to your security software for Steam.
4. Clear Steam cache: Steam stores data in a cache folder, which can occasionally become corrupted and cause issues. To clear the cache, exit Steam and go to the Steam installation directory (usually located in C:\Program Files\Steam). Delete all files and folders except for the “SteamApps” and “UserData” folders. Restart Steam and try running the game again.
5. Reinstall the game: If none of the above steps work, you can try reinstalling the game. Right-click on the game in your Steam library, select “Uninstall,” and then reinstall it.
If you’ve followed all these steps and are still experiencing the “Steam must be running” error, it may be necessary to seek further assistance from Steam support or the game’s developer. They can provide more specific troubleshooting steps or investigate if there are any known issues with the game.