Are you encountering Error Code 105 on Steam? If so, you have come to the right place. This error typically occurs when the Steam server is down or your internet connection is experiencing issues. In this article, we will describe what this error is, why it occurs, and, most importantly, how to fix it. Let’s start!
How to Fix Steam Error Code 105
Steam Error Code 105 is a common issue encountered by Steam users, which manifests as an error preventing them from connecting to the platform. This error is often accompanied by the message Unable to connect to the server. The server may be offline or you may not be connected to the internet. To get it fixed using some simple solutions, keep reading the guide till the end!
Quick Answer
Disable Steam web browser data using these steps and get the connection error fixed:
1. Launch the Steam client and click on Steam in the top left menu bar.
2. From the dropdown menu, select Settings.
3. Now, open the In Game tab.
4. You will see an option to Delete Web Browser Data. Click on the Delete button next to it.
Steam Error Code 105 Causes
Steam Error Code 105 can be caused by various factors, and understanding these causes is essential for effective troubleshooting. Here are the common causes of Steam Error Code 105:
- Unstable Internet Connection
- Firewall or Antivirus Interference
- DNS Configuration
- Corrupt Steam Files
- Server-Side Problems
- Adblocker Browser Extensions
Now that you know what Error Code 105 is and its causes, let’s move on to the most important section: how to fix it. Since we know it’s caused by connectivity issues, we’ll cover all the necessary connectivity fixes, both simple and advanced.
Method 1: Preliminary Fixes
Before diving into more technical solutions, it’s a good idea to start with these preliminary steps:
- Ensure Stable Internet Connection: Ensure you have a stable and strong internet connection. Steam requires a reliable connection to function correctly.
- Wait for Server Resolution: Sometimes, the issue may be on Steam’s end. Check their server status on Steam Status websites to ensure the servers are operational. If Steam is having problems on their end, you can only wait patiently.
- Restart Router: Power cycle your router and try connecting to Steam again.
- Run Steam as Administrator: Right-click on the Steam shortcut and select Run as administrator. This can help Steam access necessary resources.
- Update Steam: Make sure that the Steam client is up to date. Outdated software can lead to errors.
Method 2: Disable Adblockers
Some adblockers might also block specific network requests that Steam needs to establish a connection with its servers. This can result in Error Code 105, which typically signifies a DNS resolution problem or difficulty establishing a network connection. Disabling the Adblocker browser extension varies depending on your web browser:
For Google Chrome:
1. Click on the extensions (puzzle) icon in the upper-right corner.
2. Click on Manage extensions.
3. Find the ad-blocking browser extension you want to disable and toggle the switch next to it to turn it off.
For Mozilla Firefox:
1. Click on the extensions (puzzle) icon in the upper-right corner.
2. Click on Manage extensions.
3. Find the ad-blocking browser extension you want to disable and toggle the switch next to it to turn it off.
For Microsoft Edge:
1. Click on the extensions (puzzle) icon in the upper-right corner.
2. Click on Manage extensions.
3. Find the ad-blocking browser extension you want to disable and toggle the switch next to it to turn it off.
For other browsers: The process is similar. Look for the browser’s settings or extensions menu and find the option to disable or remove ad-blocking browser extensions.
Also Read: 9 Ways to Fix Steam No Internet Connection Error
Method 3: Delete Steam Web Browser Data
Cookies and temporary internet files stored by your browser can sometimes interfere with website connections, including Steam. Deleting these files can help fix Steam error code 105. Here’s how to delete web browser data in the Steam client:
1. Launch the Steam client on your computer.
2. Click on Steam in the top left menu bar.
3. From the dropdown menu, select Settings.
4. In the Settings window, go to the In Game tab.
5. You will see an option to Delete Web Browser Data. Click on the Delete button next to it.
A confirmation dialog will appear; confirm the deletion to clear the browser cache.
Method 4: Force Steam to Use TCP
Steam primarily uses UDP (User Datagram Protocol) for communication. UDP is faster but can sometimes lead to connectivity issues, network problems, or firewalls blocking UDP traffic. TCP (Transmission Control Protocol), on the other hand, is more reliable as it ensures data delivery and can bypass certain network restrictions. To switch from UDP to TCP, follow these steps:
1. Right-click the Steam shortcut on your desktop and select Properties.
2. In the Target field, add -tcp at the end of the existing path. It should look something like this: C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\Steam.exe -tcp.
3. Click Apply and then OK.
Launch Steam and it will now use TCP for connections.
Also Read: Fix Steam freezes When Installing Game
Method 5: Flush Steam Config Files
Sometimes, temporary glitches in Steam’s configuration files can lead to connectivity errors. Flushing the files essentially gives Steam a fresh start, eliminating these glitches. Here’s how to resolve it:
1. Open the Run dialog by pressing Windows key + R.
2. Enter the command steam://flushconfig and press Enter.
Wait for the process to complete.
Method 6: Change DNS Settings
If there’s a problem with your DNS configuration, such as incorrect settings or issues with your DNS server, your computer may struggle to resolve domain names like store.steampowered.com to their respective IP addresses. This can lead to Error Code 105. To change DNS settings in Windows, follow these steps:
1. Press Win + R, type ncpa.cpl, and press Enter.
2. Right-click on the network adapter you want to configure (e.g., Wi-Fi or Ethernet) and choose Properties.
3. In the properties window, locate Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and double-click on it.
4. In the TCP/IPv4 properties, click on the option that says Use the following DNS server addresses.
5. Now, you can enter the preferred and alternate DNS server addresses provided by your DNS service provider. Alternatively, you can use public DNS services like Google DNS (Preferred: 8.8.8.8, Alternate: 8.8.4.4) or Cloudflare DNS (Preferred: 1.1.1.1, Alternate: 1.0.0.1).
6. Click OK to save the DNS settings.
Restart your computer for the changes to take effect.
Method 7: Reset Internet Connection
Steam Error Code 105 often occurs due to network-related issues, and resetting the internet connection can address some of these problems. A reset can correct misconfigurations, corrupted settings, or temporary issues that could be causing connectivity problems. To reset your internet connection, follow these steps:
1. Click on the Start menu and search for Command Prompt, then run it as administrator.
2. Reset Winsock: Type the following command and press Enter: netsh winsock reset
3. Reset IP: Type the following command and press Enter: netsh int ip reset
4. Reset TCP: Type the following command and press Enter: netsh int tcp reset
5. Release IP: Type the following command and press Enter: ipconfig /release
6. Flush DNS: To flush the DNS resolver cache, type the following command and press Enter: ipconfig /flushdns
7. Renew IP: Type the following command and press Enter: ipconfig /renew
Restart your computer for the changes to take effect.
Also Read: Where is Steam Data Stored?
Method 8: Disable Proxy Servers
If your computer is configured to use a proxy server for internet access, and if these proxy settings are incorrect or outdated, it can lead to connectivity problems. Steam may not be able to connect to its servers through the proxy. To disable proxy servers in Windows 11 and fix Steam error code 105, follow these steps:
1. Open the Settings app by pressing Win + I.
2. In the left sidebar, select Network & Internet.
3. Select Proxy.
4. Under Manual proxy setup, click on Edit.
5. Toggle off the switch for Use a proxy server and click on Save.
Method 9: Allow Steam through Firewall and Antivirus
Firewalls and antivirus programs can block Steam for various reasons, including false positives, outdated security definitions, or changes in Steam’s network behavior. Allowing Steam through these security measures ensures that it functions correctly. To allow Steam through the firewall, follow our guide on Allow or Block Apps through the Windows Firewall.
To add a Steam exception to Windows Defender (Microsoft Defender Antivirus), follow these steps:
1. Open Windows Security by searching for it in the Start menu.
2. Click on Virus & threat protection.
3. Under Virus & threat protection settings, click on Manage Settings.
4. Scroll down to the Exclusions section and click on Add or remove exclusions.
5. Click on Add an exclusion, then select Folder.
6. Browse to the location where Steam is installed (usually C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam) and select the Steam folder.
7. Click Select Folder to add it as an exclusion.
Method 10: Reinstall Steam
If none of the above solutions work, you can try reinstalling Steam. This will ensure you have a fresh installation of the client, potentially resolving any underlying issues. Before reinstalling, make sure to back up any important game files.
1. Navigate to the Control Panel on your PC and click on Uninstall a program.
2. Now, right-click on Steam and select Uninstall.
3. In the UAC prompt, select Yes and then click on Uninstall.
4. Next, click on Start, type %localappdata%, and press the Enter key.
5. Right-click on Steam and select Delete.
6. Now, locate the %appdata% and delete it.
7. Restart your PC and visit the Steam official website to INSTALL STEAM.
Once done, log in to your account and check if it works fine now.
We hope this guide helped you fix Steam error code 105. Let us know which method worked for you because this could save others time. If you have any other questions or suggestions, feel free to share them in the comments section.