Fix Steam Error Code 53

Steam is extremely popular and one of the widely used digital distribution platforms for online games. Steam has more than 120 million monthly active users and over 300 million registered users around the world. But unfortunately, users encounter several bugs and errors that disrupt the overall gaming experience. One of the common errors encountered by many Steam users is the error code 53. This particular error code usually appears while attempting to launch a game on Steam. The main reasons behind this error are conflicts with antivirus or firewall program or issues with the game’s files. Thankfully, here we show you multiple methods to fix this error.

How to Fix Steam Error Code 53

Before you head straight to the following troubleshooting steps, make sure to go through the below quick workarounds and check if any of these generic workarounds helped to fix Steam error code 53.

1. Simply restart Steam and your PC.

2. Make sure your graphics drivers are updated to the latest version. Visit the official website of your graphics card manufacturer and download the latest drivers.

3. Disable all applications and software running in the background unnecessarily and then relaunch Steam.

If these basic workarounds don’t help to resolve Steam error code 53, then here we show you additional steps. 

1. Run Steam as an Administrator

The very first solution we recommend to fix Steam error code 53 is to run Steam as administrator. This will help to resolve any permission-related issues. Simply right-click o the Steam shortcut and choose ‘Run as administrator’.

2. Disable Your Antivirus or Firewall Program

Antivirus or firewall programs can sometimes block Steam from accessing necessary files or connecting to the internet. So, it is advisable to disable these programs and check if that helped to solve the issue.

3. Repair Game Files

Corrupted or missing game files can also cause error code 53 in Steam. To verify the game files, follow these steps: Go to Steam Library >> Right-click on the game that is causing the error code 53 >> Properties >> Local Files >> Verify the integrity of game files. Wait for some time until the scanning is done, and then access Steam.

4. Check Your Internet Connection

A poor and unstable internet connection can also cause Steam error code 53 so make sure it doesn’t have any connection-related issues. To troubleshoot, you can try resetting your router/modem or try switching the connection from WiFi to Wired for a reliable and stable connection.

5. Change Your Download Region

Sometimes, the download region you have set on the Steam profile can also cause this error. So, try changing your download region to resolve the error. Below are the steps to do this method on your Windows OS and Mac OS.

– For Windows OS: Go to Steam Settings >> Download tab >> Under the Download region, change the region to a different one.

– For Mac OS: Go to Steam app >> Preferences >> Downloads >> Choose a different region 

Once done, save the changes and then try relaunching the game.

6. Use Command Prompt

Some players have managed to resolve this error simply by using command prompt on PC. To do this:

– Click on the search icon on the taskbar and then type ‘cmd’

– Then click on it and select ‘Run as administrator’

– Type ‘sfc /scannow’ in the Command Prompt and then press Enter

– Once done, exit from the window and then try running Steam to check if the error is resolved.

7. Reinstalling the Game

If none of the above methods help to fix the error, you might need to uninstall the problematic game and then reinstall it.

8. Contact Steam Support Team

At last, you can try reaching out to the Steam support team for further assistance. They may provide you with additional troubleshooting steps to resolve the error.

That’s all you can try fixing Steam error code 53.Read next: How to fix Steam error code 21.