One of the most widely used PC gaming platforms, Steam, occasionally experiences issues that make it impossible to play your favorite games. While launching their games, some Steam users experience a problem known as Steam Error Code E8 on Windows PC, which typically happens when you try to launch a game or update Steam.
Causes of Steam Error E8 on Windows
The reason for the occurrence of the error may be due to an issue with the Steam client or game files. So as a result, you will not be able to play your favorite games on Steam. So, in this article, I will explain the causes and the solution of the Steam error code E8 on your Windows PC.
- Network connectivity problems: If your Internet connection is poor or unreliable, you may experience connectivity problems contributing to this Steam error. To repair the problem, check your internet connection and try a different network.
- Firewall/antivirus settings: Firewalls or Antivirus programs occasionally interfere with Steam and prevent the Steam client from connecting to the internet, thus leading to the E8 error.
- Server maintenance: The error could occur if the Steam servers are offline or undergoing maintenance, preventing you from playing games on the platform. You must wait a while before attempting to connect again.
- Corrupt Steam files: This issue could arise if the Steam installation files are corrupt.
- Outdated Steam client: If the Steam client needs updates, that may prevent the client or Steam app from connecting to the internet, leading to the error. Check for a Steam client app update and download it if necessary to resolve this problem.
Fix Steam Error Code E8 on Windows PC
Here is the list of solutions that can help you fix the Steam error code E8. You must try them individually to figure out which works for you.
- Check Your Internet Connection.
- Uninstall and Reinstall the Steam Client
- Delete Steam Download Cache
- Add Steam to the Firewall List
- Force Open Classic Login
- Login Using the QR Code
- Ubuntu Login Issue
Some of them will need administrator permission.
1] Check Your Internet Connection
Network connectivity problems are one of the most frequent causes of Steam Error Code E8, as previously mentioned in the causes of the error. The E8 issue could appear if Steam cannot connect to its servers due to a slow pace or inconsistent internet connection.
A simple way to check is to open a browser and visit a few websites. It will show you if the speed is up to the mark or feels slow. If it’s the latter, restart the router, and if needed, connect to your ISP and resolve the issue.
2] Uninstall and Reinstall the Steam Client
A problem with your Steam installation might be the reason for the error. In this situation, you must entirely reinstall Steam, which will clean your PC of corrupted or out-of-date settings and data. To prevent losing progress or data, back up your game files before attempting this. So, this is how you reinstall the Steam Client:
- Open Windows Settings and click on the Apps option from the left pane.
- Click on the Apps & features option on the right.
- Under Apps list, search for the Steam app, click on the three dots menu, and click on the Uninstall option from the context menu.
- To install the Steam application, go to its official website, download the Steam app for Windows, and follow the onscreen instructions to complete its installation process.
So, after the installation process is complete, try logging into Steams app and check whether the error E8 appears.
3] Delete Steam Download Cache
Clearing the Steam download cache is another way to resolve Steam Error Code E8. Steam saves temporary files on your PC; if they are corrupted, it can result in problems like E8. Follow these steps to eliminate the Steam download cache.
- Open the Steam app on your PC. Click on the Steam tab at the top left corner of the application. Next, click on the Settings option from the context menu.
- On the settings page, locate and click on the Downloads option on the left pane. You will find a CLEAR DOWNLOAD CACHE button on the right. Next, click OK when prompted.
All the Steam app caches will be removed and automatically log out and restart. Once it restarts, fill in the login credentials and check whether the error code E8 reappears.
4] Add Steam to the Firewall List
In this method, add Steam to the Firewall list via Windows Settings. Here is how you do it:
- Type firewall into the Windows search bar and choose the Firewall & network protection option from the results.
- In the next window, scroll down and click on the Allow an app through firewall option.
- In the Allowed apps window, click on the Change settings button. Next, click on the Allow another app button below.
- Click the Browse button and choose steam.exe from the Program files in Local Disk (C:).
- Click Add. If the app is already added, you will get an alert that the Steam app is already added.
5] Force Open Classic Login for Steam
The Steam app has an alternate shell allowing users to log in if the primary is not working. You can launch it by adding a parameter to the Steam shortcut or execute it from the Windows Terminal.
- Open Windows Terminal with admin permission
- Navigate to Steam installation on your PC
- Execute the following command
steam.exe -noreactlogin
It will open the classic login screen where you enter the credentials and then sign in.
6] Login Using the QR Code
In this method, try logging into the Steam app using the Steam app on your smartphone. If your smartphone has a camera, you can use QR Sign-In to access your Steam account. You sign in to Steam using the Steam Mobile App QR code.
- Open the Steam app on your phone.
- On the login screen, tap the QR Sign-In button.
- Scan the QR code on your PC’s screen, and you are done! Check if the error code E8 still appears.
7] Ubuntu Login Issue
If you have the same issue on a Ubuntu installation, you can try loading Steam without local runtime. When the Steam app loads without local runtime, i.e., without the pre-bundled libraries, it can bypass any issue between the old and new installs.
- Open the Terminal window on Ubuntu with admin permission or root permission.
- Execute the following command into a terminal
STEAM_RUNTIME=0 steam
- A line should appear indicating the dependencies that are missing:
Error: You are missing the following 32-bit libraries, and Steam may not run: libXtst.so.6 libXrandr.so.2 libXrender.so.1 libgobject-2.0.so.0 libglib-2.0.so.0 libgio-2.0.so.0 libgtk-x11-2.0.so.0 libpulse.so.0 libgdk_pixbuf-2.0.so.0 libva.so.2 libbz2.so.1.0 libvdpau.so.1 libva.so.2 libva-x11.so.2 Can't find 'steam-runtime-check-requirements', continuing anyway /home/timothy/.local/share/Steam/ubuntu12_32/steam
Run this line below in the terminal for each missing dependency as soon as you have the missing dependencies.
sudo apt install (Dependency name)
EXAMPLE (sudo apt install libXtst.so.6) “libXtst.so.6”
Steam will launch after you have installed all those dependencies. Steam should work after you log in and let it install everything it needs to.
Conclusion
Several choices are accessible, whether you want to improve your gaming experience with different platforms or resolve a Steam error code. Keep up with the most recent features and upgrades, and do not be afraid to try various gaming platforms to find your new favorite game.
