Imagine getting set to start an awesome gaming session only for Steam to report an error code 118, bummer, right? I recently had a similar experience and was able to solve the problem now, so you know what to do the next time that message appears on your screen, I will be sharing ways to erase the message and ultimately solve the problem.
What is Steam Error Code 118?
This message appears when there is a disconnection between your Steam provider and the Steam server. This can be a result of different issues; it can be-
- Poor Internet Connectivity– An issue with your Internet Service Provider (ISP) (this can be for varying reasons, it could be as a result of poor service at the time or a missing cable or a broken Wi-Fi connection), and when this happens, Steam won’t connect, and the message will appear.
- Windows Firewall Blockage– In cases where Steam is not properly set up to allow connections to run through, Windows Firewall can block and prevent access to it.
- Third-Party Services and applications– Steam's internet access can be blocked by Third-party applications in certain situations.
- Outdated Steam– This error can also appear when your Steam client is outdated and missing certain files on steam to operate fully. In cases like this, your access to Steam processes may have degraded over time.
- Virus or Malware– If your computer has a virus or malware, it can prevent your Steam client from working properly.
Now that you have a basic understanding of what might have caused the error with steam code 118 when trying to connect to Steam, sit back and keenly follow through on how the error can be cleared.
1. Start Steam by bypassing the firewall
The Steam client must have an active connection to its servers to function properly; Windows Firewall can sometimes block this connection and trigger the Steam code error 118 messages.
Here are the steps to take in this situation:
Step 1: Open Settings on your computer, then check for Updates & Security> Windows Security> Firewall and network protection
Step 2: When you select Firewall and Network Protection, click on “Allow an app” through Firewall.
Step 3: Select the Steam icon in the Allowed apps window
Step 4: Ensure that the dialog box next to Steam on the left is enabled and the checkbox in the Private column is enabled on the right.
Step 5: Select OK to save your choice
2. Restart the Router
The error can sometimes be a result of a faulty internet connection, and in this case, the first thing to do is restart your internet router.
Step 1: Switch off the power outlet modem, and the router plugged in before unplugging.
Step 2: Wait for five minutes; this should be enough for a modem to shut down completely
Step 3: Plug the modem back in and wait for the lights on the face to start flashing before continuing.
Step 4: Reattach the internet router and wait for the lights to steady after flashing for a few minutes.
Step 5: Reconnect Wi-Fi to the computer, and if successful, your network has been reset.
An active internet connection will see the Steam client connect swiftly to Steam servers.
3. Disable third-party applications
The error can sometimes appear as a result of third-party applications or services interference and, in this case, have this feature disabled. To do this:
Step 1: Simultaneously press the “Windows” + “R” keys to open the “Run Prompt”
Step 2: Type “msconfig” and click the “Enter” button
Step 3: Click on the “Services” tab to uncheck the “Hide all Microsoft Services” option
Step 4: Click the “Disable All” option and click the “Startup” tab
Step 5: Click the “Open Task Manager” option and click on the application listed there
Step 6: Click the “Disable button” to disable it from starting automatically at startup
Step 7: Repeat the process for other applications
Step 8: Restart the computer and run Steam Client
Step 9: Check if the issue has been resolved and enable applications one by one to know which exact application is the cause of the issue and disable it permanently.
4: Scan for Virus
The presence of malware and virus on your computer can also trigger the error code, and to solve this; the system should be scanned by the Windows Security Center.
Step 1: Click on the power button > Settings> Update & Security> Windows Security> Virus & Threat protection
Step 2: Under Current threats, select Scan options
Step 3: Select either Full scan (check all files and programs currently on the device), Custom scan (scan specific files or folders), or Microsoft Defender Offline scan (restarts your computer and runs a deep scan before Windows loads to catch especially sneaky malware).
Step 4: Select Scan now.
After scanning, the virus and malware should be cleared from your computer, and you then reopen the Steam client and connect to the server.
5. Reinstall Stream
In some cases, the error could result from an outdated or corrupt version of Steam; in this situation, reinstalling Steam fixes the problem. You uninstall the previous version and reinstall the new version.
Step 1: Right click start menu button and select Settings
Step 2: Select Apps > Apps & features
Step 3: Locate the Steam folder in installed apps and select uninstall
Step 4: Download the new version and run the installer. Follow additional instructions to complete the installation.
Step 5: Run a new version
6: Refresh the local DNS
The error might also be triggered due to the steam cache issue that, might be the steam client connecting to an old server or a change of domain or service providers, or even a change of configuration. In this case, the DNS cache will need to be cleared.
Step 1: Click on the start menu button and choose prompt admin from the menu.
Step 2: Type in the command ipconfig/flushdns
Step 3: The DNS is now flushed
Step 4: Type “exit” to close Command Prompt
With this DNS cache is closed, and Steam should start working.
7: Modify the host file
In some situations, the error can be resolved by modifying the host file items.
Step 1: Press Windows Key
Step 2: Open Notepad
Step 3: open c:\Windows\System32\Drivers\etc\hosts and make changes to the file.
Step 4: Select File> Save changes
FAQ
Q. Why am I getting error 118?
This might be a result of any of the examples stated above. When you get this error, try any of the solutions stated in the article, and it will work out just fine.
Q. What is a Steam Service error?
This is an error message that appears when Steam first loads. It occurs. If the Steam folder doesn't have the correct permissions to run, and the Steam client returns a Steam service error message.
Q. Will uninstalling Steam delete games?
Yes, and to prevent this, move the steam apps folder (C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps) outside of the Steam directory to prevent your steam games from being deleted.
In addition, the corrupt steam game files will be clean.
