7 Ways to Resolve the “Missing File Privileges” Error on Steam

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A quick and easy guide to fix the Steam missing file privileges error
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Are you getting a "Missing File Privileges" error on Steam? This error appears to be Windows-specific, so follow this list of troubleshooting steps to fix the "Missing File Privileges" error on your PC.

Easy Ways to Fix "Missing File Privileges" Error on Steam

  • Reopen Steam as an administrator so it can access the Steamapps folder.
  • If your PC has an Intel-based graphics card, stop the igfxEM Module in Task Manager.
  • Clear Steam's download cache, check the integrity of your Steam files, repair the library folder, or uninstall and reinstall the game.
1

Restart your computer.

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    Go to the Start menu, select the Power icon, and click Restart . Once your PC boots up again, open Steam to see if the issue is resolved.
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2

Run Steam as an administrator.

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    If the account your using doesn't have permission to write to certain folders, you'll see a "Missing File Privileges" error. To do this, close Steam completely, then right-click the Steam icon and select Run as administrator .
    • If this fixes the error, you can make Steam open as an administrator every time by right-clicking the Steam icon, selecting Properties , and clicking Run this program as an administrator in the Compatibility tab.
    • You also should ensure administrators have permissions for the Steamapps folder. Right-click the Steamapps folder in the Steam directory, go to Properties > Security > Advanced , and ensure administrators have full control.
3

Close the igfxEM Module in Task Manager (Intel Graphics).

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    You will only see this process in Task Manager if you're using an Intel graphics card.
    • First, open Task Manager by pressing Ctrl + Shift Esc on your keyboard.
    • Right-click "igfxEM Module" and select End Task .
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4

Delete Steam's download cache.

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    Once you clear the download cache in Steam, the "Missing File Privileges" error will often go away. In Steam, go to Settings > Downloads > Clear cache . [1]
5

Check the integrity of your Steam files.

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    Go to your Steam library, right-click the game you're getting the error in, and select Properties . Go to Installed Files > Verify integrity of game files and allow the file checker to find and repair corrupt or missing files. This process will take a few minutes. [2]
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6

Repair the Steam library folder.

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    If other solutions haven't fixed the error, this step often will. In Steam, go to Settings > Storage , click the three-dot menu next to your current storage location, and select Repair library .
7

Reinstall the game in Steam.

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    In Steam, you can right-click a game to uninstall it, then you can reinstall it from the library.
    • If you're using Steam VR , this is the only solution available.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://help.steampowered.com/en/faqs/view/29A6-F529-F956-6292
      2. ↑ https://help.steampowered.com/en/faqs/view/0C48-FCBD-DA71-93EB

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