Steam is one of the most popular gaming platforms that provides access to thousands of games. However, like any online service, it’s not immune to technical glitches. One common issue users encounter is when their Steam purchase gets stuck on the working status. In this guide, we’ll take you through the various methods to troubleshoot this issue.
Fix Steam Purchase Stuck on Working
On making purchases via Steam, users often get stuck on the working screen which keeps their transactions pending. Whether it’s due to server-related issues or local firewall configurations, we’ve listed a set of solutions to swiftly get you back into the gaming world. Follow these methods step by step and your issue will be resolved in no time.
Quick Answer
Follow these steps to cancel pending transactions in Steam and successfully complete your purchase:
1. Open the Steam launcher and click on Account details.
2. Select View purchase history.
3. Identify any games with a Pending tag and click on Cancel this transaction.
Why Isn’t My Purchase on Steam Working?
Here are concise bullet points outlining potential reasons why a purchase on Steam might not be working:
- Steam servers may be down.
- Unresolved pending transactions.
- VPNs or proxy services can disrupt purchases.
- Incorrect or outdated payment information.
- Insufficient funds in your payment method.
- Overzealous firewall or antivirus settings.
- Outdated Steam client software.
- Too many purchase attempts in a short time.
Method 1: Basic Troubleshooting Methods
Before trying out any of the troubleshooting methods you must make sure a few things that you have tried out. If the issue does not resolve with this or you are not able to decipher the root cause then you may go with other troubleshooting methods.
1A. Wait and Retry
Sometimes, transaction issues can be temporary and may resolve themselves if you wait for a while. If none of the above methods work immediately, there may be a minor issue on the Steam end. Give it some time and then try your purchase again later.
1B. Verify Steam Server Status
The first step when you encounter a purchase issue on Steam is to check if the problem is related to Steam’s servers. Sometimes, server outages or maintenance can disrupt your transaction. To verify the server status, follow these steps:
1. Go to the Steam server status page.
2. Check if there are any reported issues for your region.
3. If servers are down, you may need to wait until they’re back up and running.
Method 2: Cancel Pending Transactions
Often, a previous pending transaction can interfere with new purchases. If you have any pending transactions, you should cancel them to clear the way for your new purchase.
1. Open the Steam launcher and click on Account details.
2. Select View purchase history.
3. Identify any games with a Pending tag and click on Cancel this transaction.
Once done, restart Steam and try to purchase your desired game again.
Also Read: How Long Does It Take to Get a Refund from Steam?
Method 3: Verify Payment Details and Account Balance
Sometimes, purchase failures can be attributed to incorrect payment details or insufficient account balance. Ensure that your payment details are accurate and up to date. Double-check that you have sufficient funds in your payment account. Here are the steps to verify your payment details:
1. Review your payment method information in your Steam account settings.
2. Make sure your credit/debit card information is correct.
3. Check your account balance to ensure you have enough funds for the purchase.
Method 4: Clear Steam Cache
Sometimes, corrupted cache files can lead to purchase issues on Steam. Clearing the Steam cache might help resolve the problem.
1. Open the Steam client and click on Steam in the top-left corner.
2. Click on Settings.
3. Select the Downloads tab from the left pane.
4. Click on Clear Cache in the Clear Download Cache section.
Method 5: Update Steam Client
Outdated Steam client software can sometimes cause transaction problems. Ensure that you’re using the latest version of the Steam client. Here’s how to update it:
1. Open the Steam client.
2. Click on Steam in the top-left corner.
3. Select Check for Steam Client Updates.
If an update is available, follow the prompts to install it.
Once done, relaunch Steam and retry your purchase.
Also Read: How Much Does Steam Charge to Sell a Game?
Method 6: Disable Steam Overlay
The Steam overlay feature can sometimes interfere with purchases. Disabling it might help to fix the Steam purchase stuck on working. To do so, please refer to our guide on How to Disable Steam Overlay in Windows 10.
Method 7: Disable Proxies and VPNs
If you use proxies or VPNs while browsing the internet, they might affect your Steam purchases. Steam’s policy restricts the use of VPNs for purchasing games at lower prices, and they can cause transaction issues. Therefore, to perform this method, follow our detailed guide on How to Disable VPN and Proxy on Windows 10.
Method 8: Verify Firewall and Antivirus Settings
Firewall or antivirus software on your computer can sometimes block Steam transactions. Make sure that Steam is allowed through your firewall and is not being blocked by your antivirus. Check your firewall and antivirus settings to ensure Steam has the necessary permissions.
Change Firewall Settings
1. Press the Windows key on your keyboard.
2. Type Firewall and select Windows Defender Firewall from the search results.
3. In the Windows Defender Firewall window, click on Allow an app or feature through Firewall on the left-hand side.
4. Scroll through the list of allowed apps and features to find Steam. If you don’t see it, it might not be allowed through the firewall.
5. If Steam is not listed, click on the Change settings button at the top of the window. You might need administrator privileges for this step.
6. Click the Allow another app… button.
7. A new window will appear. Click the Browse button and navigate to your Steam installation folder (usually C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam).
8. Select Steam.exe and click Open.
9. Click Add to add Steam to the list of allowed apps.
Change Antivirus Settings
Note: The process may vary depending on your antivirus program.
1. Open your antivirus software.
2. Look for settings related to application or program permissions.
3. Ensure that Steam is listed as a trusted or allowed program. If not, add it to the list of trusted applications.
After making these changes, restart your computer for the settings to take effect. Launch Steam and attempt your purchase again to see if the issue is resolved.
Method 9: Contact Steam Support
If you’ve tried all the above steps and are still experiencing the working issue with your Steam purchase, it’s time to reach out to Steam Support. They can provide personalized assistance and help resolve your problem. Here’s how to contact Steam Support:
1. Visit the Steam Support website.
2. Sign in with your Steam account.
3. Select Purchases as the category.
4. Explain the issue you’re facing in detail, submit your support ticket, and wait for a response from Steam Support.
Dealing with a Steam purchase stuck on working can be frustrating, but it’s usually solvable by following these troubleshooting methods. If you follow the steps diligently, you’ll be back to enjoying your favorite games on Steam in no time. If you have any queries or suggestions for us, do let us know in the comments box below.
