6 Ways to Fix Steam Error Code E8 on Windows

You may get Steam Error Code E8 on Windows if your Steam app is unable to connect to servers due to factors such as an unstable Internet connection or corrupt installation files. This error makes it impossible to play a game, as there is no server connection to support the game play. If you’re experiencing the error yourself, read the following guide to fix Steam Error Code E8 on Windows.

Good to know: your Steam ID is an integral part of your identity on the platform. Learn how to find your Steam ID and customize it.

Preliminary Fixes

Try these quick fixes, that won’t eat a lot of your time, to resolve Steam Error Code E8 in Windows.

• Restart Steam – restarting Steam will clear temporary glitches or processes that may be causing the E8 error, giving the app a fresh start in establishing a stable connection.
• Restart the Wi-Fi router – restart the router or completely reboot your home network. Refreshing the connection could have the effect of fixing connectivity problems, allowing Steam to reach its servers.
• Update Steam – an outdated Steam client is more at risk of experiencing connectivity issues. Try updating it to take advantage of the latest bug fixes and improvements.
• Run Steam as Administrator – the E8 error on Steam may also happen because of permission-related issues, so try running Steam as administrator on your device to bypass this problem.
• Disable your VPN – using a VPN while running Steam can result in many issues in network routing, possibly causing the E8 error. Disable the VPN to establish a direct connection to Steam servers.
• Disable Windows Firewall – while the Windows Firewall is calibrated to block malware and cyber threats, it could mistakenly prevent Steam from connecting to servers. Consider turning off the firewall temporarily to see whether the error disappears. If disabling the firewall does not work, disable Windows Defender to see whether that resolves the Steam E8 error.
• Make sure you’ve entered the right credentials – incorrect login credentials can lead to authentication problems and may trigger the E8 error. Ensure you’re entering the right credentials to avoid errors.
• Change your Steam password – sometimes, you will see the Steam E8 error because of a password-related issue, in which case changing your password is the best course of action.

Still facing the E8 error on Steam, even after trying these solutions? Continue with the following more advanced troubleshooting methods.

1. Switch to an Ethernet Connection

If you’re using a Wi-Fi connection, switching to Ethernet may fix the error at hand. Wireless signals are often at risk of interference and signal fluctuations. Ethernet connections, on the other hand, offer greater stability and speed, as they use a physical cable to directly connect your PC to the Internet router.

If you have the option, try switching to an Ethernet connection to minimize potential disruptions.

Tip: if you’re experiencing issues with your Ethernet connection as well, learn how to resolve the issue.

2. Clear Steam Cache

Steam can accumulate a lot of cached data – including game files, updates and temporary files – which can sometimes become corrupted. This can lead to various issues, such as the E8 error. Clearing the cache can resolve the issue by forcing Steam to re-download and recreate the necessary files.

Note that clearing the cache will not affect your games or account data.

3. Clear Steam Web Browser Data

Steam has a built-in web browser that stores temporary data that can also get corrupted. As a result, it would be a good idea to clear Steam’s web browser data as well.

Launch Steam on your device. Click the Steam icon in the top-left corner of the screen, and select “Settings” from the drop-down menu.

Find and select “In Game” from the left sidebar in the new Settings window. Click “Delete” next to “Delete Web Browser Data” on the right.

Press “Confirm” on the verification pop-up to delete Steam’s web browser cache.

4. Change Steam’s Target Field

Changing Steam’s target field in its properties window can be another solution for the E8 error. Adjusting the target field enables Steam to launch with specific parameters and helps bypass issues that hinder its normal operation.

Right-click the Steam shortcut, and select “Properties” from the context menu.

Find the “Target” field in the “Shortcut” tab, and add “-login -noreactlogin” at the end of the current path.

Click “Apply” to save the changes, and launch Steam to see whether error E8 has been resolved.

FYI: learn how to add non-Steam games to your Steam library to access them all from one place.

5. Verify Game Files Integrity

If there is a particular game that triggers error code E8, verify its integrity files to remove problems caused by corrupted files, and ensure the game’s components work properly.

Launch the Steam app on your device, and click “Library” at the top.

Right-click the game from the left sidebar, and select “Properties” from the drop-down menu.

Go to “Installed Files,” and select the “Verify integrity of game files” button. The app will start verifying the integrity of the game files.

Run the game and check whether the issue persists.

6. Reinstall Steam

Reinstalling Steam should be your last resort when it comes to fixing error code E8 on Windows. If nothing has helped so far, start by uninstalling the client.

Open the Control Panel, and select “Uninstall a program” under “Programs.”

Find and select Steam from the installed applications list, and click the “Uninstall” button.

Once the application is uninstalled, go to the Steam website, and click the “Install Steam” button at the top right to download the app to your device. Always download Steam from an official source.

Open the downloaded Steam file, and follow the instructions on your screen to install it.

Tip: check out these cool games for Steam Deck.

Steam Server Connection Made Easy

Now that you know how to resolve Steam Error Code E8, you can go back to playing your games. You can also learn how to share your Steam games with family members by following our guide. Additionally, try these fixes if your Steam app suddenly starts crashing.

Image credit: Unsplash. All screenshots by Khizer Kaleem.