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6 Ways to Fix the “Missing File Privileges” Error in Steam for Windows

Quick Tips
  • In most cases, restarting the igfxEM Module process on your PC should fix the “Missing File Privileges” error in Steam.
  • Changing the download region and clearing the download cache in Steam can also help fix this error.
  • If the error persists, you may have to uninstall and reinstall Steam on your Windows PC.

Fix 1: End the igfxEM Module Process

The igfxEM process is a component of the Intel Graphic Executable Main Module. Issues with this process can sometimes prevent Steam from functioning properly on Windows and lead to the “missing file privileges” error. You can try terminating this process using Task Manager to see if that helps.

Step 1: Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the Task Manager.

Step 2: In the Processes tab, locate and select the igfxEm Module on the list. Then, click on End task at the top.

End the igfxEM Module Process

Fix 2: Change the Download Region in Steam

By default, Steam connects you to the nearest server for optimal connection speeds. However, issues with the server in your region can trigger such unusual download errors n Steam. To fix this, try changing the download region on Steam.

Step 1: Open the Steam app on your PC > click the Steam menu at the top-left corner > select Settings.

Steam App Settings

Step 2: Select Downloads from the left sidebar.

Step 3: Click the drop-down menu under Download Region > select a different nearby region > click OK.

Change Download Region in Steam

Fix 3: Clear Download Cache in Steam

A corrupt download cache in Steam could prevent you from downloading or updating games, resulting in errors. You can remove the existing download cache to see if that helps.

Step 1: Open the Settings menu in Steam.

Step 2: Navigate to the Downloads tab > click the Clear Download Cache button > click OK.

Clear Download Cache in Steam

Fix 4: Repair the Steam Library Folder

If clearing the download cache doesn’t help, try repairing the Steam Library folder, where the app stores all the downloaded game data. Here are the steps for the same.

Step 1: Open the Settings menu in Steam.

Step 2: In the Downloads tab, click on Steam Library Folders.

Steam Library Folders

Step 3: Click the three-dot menu icon next to the library folder and select Repair Folder.

Repair Steam Library Folder

Step 4: Click Close once the process is complete and check if the error still appears.

Complete Repair Steam Library Folder

Fix 5: Verify the Integrity of Game Files

If you only get the “missing file privileges” error while opening or updating a specific Steam game, some of the installed or downloaded game files are likely corrupt or missing. To fix this, check the integrity of the files associated with that game by following the steps below.

Step 1: In the Steam app, navigate to the Library tab > right-click on the problematic game > select Properties.

Game Properties in Steam

Step 2: Switch to the Local Files tab > click the Verify integrity of game files button.

Verify Integrity of Game Files in Steam

Fix 6: Reinstall the Steam Client

If nothing works, consider uninstalling the Steam client from your PC and installing it again. Here’s how to do it.

Step 1: Right-click on the Start icon > select Installed apps.

Installed Apps on Windows

Step 2: Scroll down to locate the Steam app > click the three-dot menu icon > select Uninstall.

Uninstall Steam From Windows

Step 3: Select Uninstall to confirm.

Confirm Uninstall Steam From Windows

Step 4: After removing it, download and install the Steam app again. After this, you will not see any errors.

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Last updated on 26 July, 2024

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