Try Basic Fixes
- Check if Steam is down: Just like any other service, Steam is vulnerable to occasional server-side glitches. When this happens, Steam may exhibit abnormal behavior and fail to load. To overrule this possibility, you can visit Downdetector and verify the status of Steam’s servers.
- Connect or disconnect VPN: Several users on Reddit reported fixing the Access Denied error in Steam by using a VPN connection on Windows. You can also give this method a shot. On the other hand, if you are already using a VPN connection, try turning it off. Steam might restrict your access to the store if it identifies your network connection as suspicious.
- Sign out and sign back in: Account-specific issues can block you from accessing Steam and result in similar errors. You can try signing out of the Steam app and signing back in to see if that helps.
Fix 1: Run Steam as an Administrator
A lack of relevant permissions could cause Steam to show the Access Denied error on your Windows computer. First, close the Steam client and open it again as an administrator.
Press the Ctrl + Shift + Esc keyboard shortcut to open the Task Manager. In the Processes tab, right-click on Steam and select the End task option.
Right-click on the Steam app shortcut and select Run as administrator from the context menu.
Fix 2: Flush DNS Cache
Flushing the DNS (or Domain Name System) cache is another thing you can try when Steam displays the Access Denied error or fails to verify the CAPTCHA. That will help resolve any issues caused by outdated or corrupted DNS data.
To flush the DNS cache on Windows:
Step 1: Right-click on the Start icon and select Terminal (Admin) from the list.
Step 2: Type ipconfig /flushdns in the console and hit Enter.
Restart your PC after this and check if the issue is still there.
Fix 3: Change DNS Server
Problems with the default DNS server offered by your internet service provider can also contribute to the Access Denied error in Steam. To avoid this, try using a different DNS server on Windows by following the steps below.
Step 1: Press the Windows + R keyboard shortcut to open the Run dialog box. In the Open field, type ncpa.cpl, and press Enter.
Step 2: In the Network Connections window, right-click on your internet connection and select Properties.
Step 3: Double-click the Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) option.
Step 4: Select Use the following DNS server addresses option. In the text fields next to the Preferred DNS Server and the Alternate DNS Server, enter 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4, respectively. Then, click OK.
Fix 4: Allow Steam Through the Windows Firewall
Steam may fail to connect to the internet and display unusual errors if the Windows Firewall is blocking it on your PC. To fix this, you need to allow Steam to run through the Windows Firewall.
Step 1: Press the Windows + S keyboard shortcut to access the search menu. Type in allow an app through Windows Firewall and press Enter.
Step 2: Click the Change settings button.
Step 3: Locate Steam on the list and tick the Private and Public checkboxes next to it. Then, click OK.
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Last updated on 27 July, 2024
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