Fix eFootball PES 2021 Unable To Initialize Steam API

eFootball PES 2021 Unable To Initialize Steam API is a widespread error and has existed in the previous versions of the game. Here in this guide, we will help you resolve the error and get back to your game. Keep scrolling for more.

Reasons of eFootball PES 2021 Failed to Initialize Steam Error?

The primary cause of this error is due to the improper installation of the game, but that’s not all. Other things such as the permissions provided to the game, bugged Steam client, outdated graphics drivers, firewall settings, etc. can also contribute to the error. 

Fix eFootball PES 2021 Unable To Initialize Steam API

Fix 1: Force Restart Steam

As a first course of action, you should force restart Steam, this clear some minor errors and allows the game to restart all over again. To do this, follow these simple steps. If you have Steam running with eFootball PES 2021.

1. Open Task Manager from the Task Bar
2. Go to Processes Tab if it’s not selected by default
3. Select Primary Steam Client and click End Task
4. Watch the Steam Application disappear from the Task Manager. If not, select the running application again and click End Task.

Once the application closes, restart the computer > open Steam > Launch eFootball PES 2021 > Check if the error has disappeared.

Fix 2: Run Steam with Administrator Permission

Here are the steps to provide admin privilege to Steam client.

1. Go to the folder where you have installed the Steam client, it usually installed here – This PC > Local Disk (C:) > Program Files (x86) > Steam
2. Look for the file named Steam with the Steam icon and file type .exe
3. Right-click on Steam and select Run as administrator

Fix 3: Updating Drivers

A corrupted or faulty driver can also be the cause of this error, so update the drivers to resolve the problem. Doing this is simple enough, follow the steps:

1. Right-click on My Computer or This PC and select Properties > Click on Device Manager (you can also follow this path Control Panel > System and Security > System > Click on Device Manager)
2. Go to Display Adapter > select the Graphics card and right-click
3. Click on Update driver and follow the on-screen instructions to update the drivers.

Fix 4: Verify Game Integrity

As this error mainly correlates to the improper installation of the game, checking that the files of the game are not corrupted and installed as intended, you should check the game integrity. Thankfully, on Steam you can do this very easily. Follow the steps to check the integrity of the game files on Steam.

• On Steam, go to eFootball PES 2021 and right-click to open a menu.
• Click on Properties.
• From the taps, click on Local Files.
• Click on Verify integrity of game files.
• Let the process complete.

Fix 5: Disable Firewall or Antivirus Momentarily or Add Exception

For PC users, the Firewall is a great antimalware software integrated in the OS to defend your system against malicious software, but often it’s the cause of most problems. Turn off the antivirus you have installed or the Windows Firewall. To turn off the antivirus, simply open the antivirus program you have installed and find the button to switch it off.

For Windows Defender:

1. Go to Control Panel > System Security > Windows Defender Firewall
2. Click “Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off”.
3. Turn off Windows Defender Firewall for both options Private and Public and click Ok

Try running the game and check if the eFootball PES 2021 failed to initialize Steam error still appears. Do not forget to reinstate the settings of the Windows Defender or it can put your system under risk. If you can play the game, try allowing an exception for Steam on Windows Defender. To do so, follow these steps.

• Go to Control Panel > System Security > Windows Defender Firewall
• Select Allow an app through Windows Firewall
• Click on Change Settings and tick both private and public option for Steam
• Click Ok

Now, enable the Firewall and you should be able to play the game.

Fix 6: Reinstall Visual C++ Redistributable

For some users, reinstalling the Visual C++ Redistributable can get the game going. So visit the official website of Microsoft, download and install. Once done, restart the computer and try playing the game. If you still get the error, we are not out of solutions. Move to the next one.

Fix 7: Reinstall Steam

Although your error must have resolved by now. If it hasn’t, try reinstalling Steam. There are various ways you can uninstall the game. Go to Control Panel > Uninstall a program > Steam > Right-click > Uninstall

Alternative Method: You can go to the folder where you have installed the Steam client, it usually installed here – Local Disk (C:) > Program Files (x86) > Steam > uninstall > Right-click > Open > Yes and follow the onscreen instruction to uninstall Steam.

Once uninstalled, restart the Steam and install a fresh copy downloaded from the web. Run the game and the error eFootball PES 2021 failed to initialize Steam would be fixed.