Steam has changed the way people used to play games. There is no need to get those CDs or DVDs and no one cribs about the hard disk space anymore. Just log into your Steam account from any compatible machine and play the game after a quick automated download and install. However, despite so many benefits, there can arise a major issue while using Steam and that is the connectivity to its servers. If Steam Servers are not connecting to Servers, then you probably will not be able to play any game whatsoever. This article focuses on the best troubleshooting methods on how to fix Steam having trouble connecting to the Steam servers.
How to Fix Steam is Having Trouble Connecting to the Steam Servers
Method 1. Steam Server Status
The first step to fix Steam not connecting to servers is to check the current status of the servers. If the Steam servers are on a maintenance break, then you probably cannot do anything except waiting. This can be confirmed through Steam forums online or you can ask your friends via discord if they can play the same game. Steam rarely pulls its Servers down for maintenance like installing new features and patching bugs.
Method 2: Reboot your Network
All Internet Service Providers have been suggesting to their customers to reboot their network at least once a day. This helps fix many problems and maintains speed and performance. Here are the steps to reset your internet service:
Step 1: Turn off your router and unplug it from the electrical socket.
Step 2: It is advised to pull out all the wires from the back of the router provided you know where each one goes into. (else you may skip this step)
Step 3: Wait for 60 seconds for the cool-off period and in the meantime switch off your computer too. Step 4: Now plug in the wires one by one and turn the electrical socket. Once the flashing network lights are stable, turn on your computer.
Step 5: Now launch Steam and check if the Steam not connecting to servers issue has been fixed.
Method 3: Reset Winsock
The next step in the list of how to fix steam not opening and not connecting to servers is a bit of a technical method where you have to reset the Winsock of your PC.
Step 1: Press Windows + S to open the search box and type CMD. From the searches displayed select Command Prompt and click on the Run as Administrator option.
Step 2: A black and white window will now open where you have to type the following commands, each followed by the Enter key.
netsh winsock reset
netsh winteep reset proxy
Step 3: Close the Command Prompt window and restart your computer.
Step 4: Try to launch Steam and check if you are still facing the error where Steam is having trouble connecting to the Steam servers
Method 4: Renew your IP Address
The following steps will help to Flush your DNS and renew your IP address. All computers store IP addresses and Domain names to increase performance but this cache info might get corrupted over time and it is time to establish a new connection without cache. Here are the steps to resolve Steam not connecting to servers error:
Step 1: Press Windows + S to open the Search tool and type CMD. Open the Command Prompt application by choosing the Run as Administrator option.
Step 2: Type the following commands in the Command Prompt window, each followed by the Enter key.
ipconfig /flushdns
ipconfig /release
ipconfig /renew
Step 3: Now that your dynamic IP is all changed and renewed, try launching Steam and check if it connects to the Servers.
Note: Your active internet connection might disconnect for some time and will connect back again automatically.
Method 5: Allow Steam Through Firewall
Windows Firewall has increased its efficiency over the years by blocking incoming and outgoing traffic based on certain rules. If your Windows Firewall is stopping Steam from connecting to its servers, then you need to add an exception in the Firewall Settings. Here are the steps:
Step 1: Press Windows + R to Invoke the RUN box and type Control Firewall.cpl followed by Enter.
Step 2: A new window pops out where you will have to click on Allow an app or feature through the Windows Defender Firewall option in the left panel.
Step 3: Check the list of the allowed apps and features and locate Steam Launcher and its status. You can click on the Change Settings button and then, click on Allow Another App to add Steam if not added.
Step 4: Click on OK and restart your PC.
Check by launching Steam and check if the steam not connecting to servers issue has been resolved.
Method 6: Use a VPN Service
The final chapter in the book on how to fix steam having trouble connecting to the steam servers is to use a Virtual Private Network service on your PC. A VPN disguises your identity on the internet by masking your IP address and breaking the barrier of geo-location boundaries. There are many VPNs that you can use but in this case, to play games you need one that does not reduce your bandwidth and we recommend using Systweak VPN.
The Final Word On How to Fix Steam is having trouble connecting to the Steam Servers
The above methods described will help you fix the issue of Steam not connecting with Servers provided there is no maintenance activity going on. You can try each step and check the results and this will save the trouble of going through all the steps. Do mention in the comments section below the method that helped you resolve this issue. Follow us on social media – Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
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