Experiencing the dreaded “Content File Locked” error on Steam can be frustrating, especially when you’re eager to dive into your favorite games.
This error often occurs during updates or installations, preventing you from accessing your gaming library.
However, do not worry, as we will show you several effective methods to resolve this issue of steam content file locked on Windows.
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What is the Steam “Content File Locked” Error?
Most of the reports for this error come from updating different games. In other words, Steam can’t access the files it needs to update. This usually happens due to a problem with permissions.
While Steam isn’t the best about providing error details, there are several tried-and-true methods you can try to correct the problem.
Games updates are a big part of the gaming world, but what do you do if you try to update a Steam game and get the “content file locked” error?
This may happen due to incorrect permission settings or corrupted cache data, among other reasons.
How to Fix Steam’s “Content File Locked” Error in Windows
The solutions below will help you fix the issue in no time.
1. Check for Conflicting Apps
There’s a chance you keep running into the “content file locked” error on Steam due to conflicting apps. Even if you’ve closed potential conflicting apps, their processes might still be running in the background and interfering with Steam’s functionality.
Instead of searching through Task Manager for interfering processes, restart your computer to stop them from running.
Additionally, try temporarily turning off Windows firewall and the third-party antivirus, if you’ve installed one. If Steam now works as usual, you should allow it through the Windows firewall or add it to your antivirus exception list.
2. Run Steam With Administrative Privileges
As we’ve mentioned, permission issues might cause the “Content file locked” error on Steam. If you’ve signed in using a guest account, Steam might lack the necessary permission.
In this case, switch to an administrator account. If you’re already using an administrator account, there’s one more thing you should try. Right-click Steam’s executable file and select Run as administrator. Then, try to update the problematic game.
If this solves the issue, you should have Windows always run Steam with administrator privileges.
3. Clear the Steam Download Cache
Steam downloads and stores cache data for every game in your library whenever it installs a new update. But if the stored cache gets corrupted or Steam can’t access it, you’ll run into the locked content error.
In this case, deleting Steam’s cache data should fix the issue.
1. Launch Steam’s client.
2. Click Steam in the top-left corner and head to Settings.
3. Open the Downloads menu.
4. Click on Clear Download Cache.
5. Confirm the action in the subsequent pop-up window.
After rebuilding its cache, Steam should have no issue updating your game. But if that’s not the case, move on to the next solution.
4. Check the Game’s File Integrity
If the “content file locked” is limited to a specific game, there might be a problem with the game’s files. Fortunately, you don’t have to reinstall your Steam games to fix the issue. You can have Steam check the file’s integrity and fix the issue for you.
To do so, right-click the problematic title and select Properties. Then, from the left pane, choose Installed Files. Click Verify integrity of game files and Steam will now search and automatically fix any detected issues.
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5. Reset Winsock
Winsock (short for “Windows Socket API”) is an application programming interface designed to establish communication between your Windows network software and network services.
If Winsock isn’t working as usual, Steam might have trouble connecting to its servers and fail to update your games. Fortunately, you can reset Winsock and get it back working using a command line.
Launch Command Prompt as administrator and type in the netsh winsock reset command. Then, press Enter to run it. Reboot your computer and check if the issue is now fixed.
6. Reinstall Steam
If you still can’t update any game in your library and still can’t find a way to fix Steam, you should reinstall the app. Press Windows key + I to launch Windows Settings and go to Apps > Installed apps. There, click the three-dot icon next to Steam and select Uninstall.
Then, head to the Steam website and download the app. Of course, you’ll have to reinstall every game.
Conclusion
The “Content File Locked” error on Steam can be resolved through a series of troubleshooting steps on Windows.
By following these steps above and understanding the potential causes of the error, you can enjoy uninterrupted gaming experiences on your Windows system.
Remember to regularly update Steam and your games to prevent future issues and optimize performance.