Steam Disk Write Error: 8 Simple Fixes to Try Right Now

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Troubleshoot Steam's disk write error with a few easy steps
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Temporary glitches, read-only statuses, and anti-virus software protecting your computer can all be the cause of the "Disk write error" message in Steam. However, you can easily solve this error by using the troubleshooting steps in this guide.

The Most Common Fix for Steam Disk Write Errors

Open the Steam folder in File Explorer (Windows) or Finder (Mac) and make sure the permissions aren't set to "read-only." If the folder continues reverting to "read-only," run Steam as an administrator to get it to work.

1

Remove the Read-Only setting.

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    A read-only status allows Steam to play what's currently installed without being able to install or add new content.
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2

Run Steam as an administrator.

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    If you're on Windows, right-click the program icon and select Run as administrator . For Mac users, you'll need to be logged into the computer as an administrator .
3

Restart Steam.

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    Temporary glitches can prevent the Store from loading properly, so closing it and opening it again can fix the error. To completely close the platform , go to Steam > Exit . Just make sure Steam still isn't running in the background with Activity Monitor or Task Manager , then open Steam again.
    • If this happens whenever Steam auto-starts whenever you turn on your computer, disable that feature so you manually open Steam.
    • If you're using a Steam Deck, you'll need to restart your device instead. Press and hold the Power button for 4(LCD) or 7(OLED) seconds to prompt the restart.
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4

Restart your computer.

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    This will also close any programs that may interfere with Steam as long as they don't automatically start when the computer reboots. In the Power menu (in the Start menu for Windows and the Apple menu for Mac), select restart .
5

Delete corrupted files.

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    If you see a game file that's 0kb in size, you know there's corrupted data with that file. Follow these steps to delete the 0kb file and make room for the undamaged data:
    • You will lose any custom mods or custom content doing this.
    • Close Steam and go to your Steam library. ( C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common is the default for Windows, Users/[username]/Library/Application Support/Steam/steamapps/common is default for Mac).
    • Look for a game file that's 0kb.
    • Right-click the file and select Delete .
    • Relaunch Steam to see if the error is resolved.
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6

Check for interfering programs and apps.

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    Anti-virus software, VPNs, P2P Clients and File Sharing software, Firewalls, and security applications are installed on your computer to prevent fraudulent or malicious activity, but these can also prevent your Steam client from accessing the servers and your computer.
    • Check if any of them are preventing Steam from downloading data to your computer, then turn it off or allow Steam to continue working to solve the "disk write error" issue. [2]
7

Move Steam games to a different drive.

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    In that case, a new drive will resolve any issues. Moving games from one drive to another isn't a difficult process! You can move games individually in the "Steamapps" and "User" folders of File Explorer or Finder, or you can use the Storage Manager in Steam to select a location.
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8

Check file integrity.

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    Go to your Steam library and right-click the game you're getting the error with. Click Properties > Installed Files > Verify integrity of game files .
    • This process will take a few minutes and any corrupted or missing files will automatically be replaced. [3]

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      References

      1. ↑ https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/change-permissions-for-files-folders-or-disks-mchlp1203/mac
      2. ↑ https://help.steampowered.com/en/faqs/view/1F39-DCB4-FF28-5748
      3. ↑ https://help.steampowered.com/en/faqs/view/0C48-FCBD-DA71-93EB

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