Steam is a robust and comprehensive video game distribution service and platform that offers a plethora of features to its users. It provides a platform for gamers to interact with each other, play and stream gameplay, and much more. As the go-to destination for gamers worldwide, Steam verifies installations to cross-check game files and download missing parts. However, issues arise when it takes Steam game verification too long. In this article, we will explore how to fix Steam stuck in verifying installation.
How to Fix Steam Stuck in Verifying Installation
Let’s fix the issue if the verification pop-up window on the Steam platform has become an obstacle between you and the game. Sometimes, it does not launch and start at all, and sometimes for other users, it does not finish verification anytime soon once started. Before we fix the error, it is critical to look at the reasons that trigger it.
Quick Answer
Try clearing Steam download cache and restart Steam as administrator. Also, you can temporarily disable your antivirus and firewall to download and install the games.
Why Steam Not Launching Verifying Installation?
The following can be the potential reasons that the verification process on Steam is withered for you.
- Poor internet connectivity
- Server issues in your region
- Corrupt program files
- Antivirus and firewall interference
The following solutions can be considered to fix this error with the Steam client service.
Method 1: Basic Troubleshooting Steps
Instead of going for complex procedures, let us first attempt some common and advisable solutions in hopes of getting rid of Steam not launching verifying installation problem.
1A. Restart Steam Client
Restarting the program is the most basic step to fixing any minor error on a program. Most of the time it is not an issue but just that the program files did not load properly despite a good internet connection. Close it and launch the Steam app again.
1. Click on Steam at the top-left corner.
2. From the dropdown menu, select Exit.
3. Now launch Steam again from the desktop. If you are logged out, log in again.
1B. Restart PC
If restarting the Steam program did not resolve the issue, the next attempt is by restarting the PC. It gives the system files a fresh chance to boot up and the programs load from scratch, undergoing thorough optimization.
1. Press the Windows key and click on the Power icon at the bottom-right corner.
2. Select Restart.
3. After the PC boots up, launch Steam again.
1C. Wait for Steam Server Uptime
Before proceeding with any further fixes, it is crucial to verify that the Steam server is functioning correctly. Any inconsistencies in the server, such as congestion due to high traffic, can result in such problems of Steam game verification. If this is the case, it is necessary to wait until the server status returns to normal before proceeding. You can check the status of Steam servers on the Steamstat.us page or on the Steam Downdetector page.
Also Read: Fix Could Not Connect to Steam Network Error
1D. Troubleshoot Internet Connection
If the Steam server shows no fault, it might be possible that the error lies from the user’s end. We already know that the forehand culprit behind the Steam stuck in verifying installation issue is a poor internet connection. Ultimately, to fix this issue, the internet connection needs to be re-established and the speed needs to be amplified.
1. Disable the internet connection from the device.
2. Reboot the Wi-Fi router/modem.
3. Connect the device to it again.
Note: If you are connected to Wi-Fi, ensure that the device is connected to the 5GHz network.
Suggested hardware changes to further improve internet connection:
- You can install a Wi-Fi signal booster for better connectivity.
- You can connect to the internet through an ethernet cable or a LAN instead of using a Wi-Fi router for a drastic improvement in speed.
You can also check our guide to increase the network speed of Windows.
1E. Update Network Adapters
Because this is deemed to be a network-related error, we can somewhat claim that there might be a chance of insufficiency caused by network adapters. Proper connectivity and speed fall short due to outdated network adapters. Update them to regain proper performance. Check our guide to update network drivers on Windows.
1F. Update Steam Client
An outdated version of Steam potentially turns out to be a reason to attract minor or major issues. To ensure that no such malfunction occurs in the Steam app, it is important to keep it updated.
1. Launch the Steam app from the desktop of the PC.
2. Click on the Steam option at the top-left corner of the app.
3. From the dropdown menu, choose Check for Steam Client Updates.
4. Steam will automatically search for updates, download and install them. Restart the program now.
Method 2: Perform Clean Boot
A clean boot involves disabling all non-essential programs and services, allowing the system to start with only the necessary components. Conducting a clean boot on the PCs has proven to be an effective solution for many users experiencing technical difficulties causing the error. Follow our guide on How to Perform Clean Boot on Windows 11.
Also Read: Can You Play Offline with Family Share on Steam?
Method 3: Launch Steam With Administrative Rights
Launching the Steam client with administrative rights enables it to have administrative privileges that clean out the permissions required to access and verify the files, thereby resolving the Steam stuck in verifying installation issue. Follow these steps to launch Steam in the administrator mode:
1. Right-click on the Steam icon on the Desktop.
2. Select Properties from the list of options.
3. Switch the tab to Compatibility.
4. Check the tick box next to Run this program as an administrator.
5. Click on Apply and then on OK.
Now, launch Steam and check if this resolved Steam not launching verifying installation issue. If this error of stuck in Steam validation is now fixed, follow the undermentioned steps to configure the launcher to always launch in administrator mode.
6. Once again, right-click on the Steam icon and select Properties.
7. Click on the Shortcut tab.
8. Click on Advanced.
9. Check the box next to Run as administrator and click on OK to save the settings.
Method 4: Change Download Region in Steam Client
Steam allows the user to choose and change the download region as per preference. If there has been any sort of discrepancy in the server of your region, you can download and verify the files from a different region as well.
1. Launch the Steam client on the PC.
2. Click on the Steam option at the top-left corner of the window.
3. Click on Settings from the context menu.
4. Choose Downloads settings from the left sidebar.
5. On the right-hand side, click on the dropdown arrow under Download Region and select any other preferred region to download files.
6. Click on OK to save changes and Relaunch the program.
Also Read: Where is Steam Data Stored?
Method 5: Clear Cache & Repair Steam Files
Often games and application files on a device get corrupt for multiple reasons and that causes improper behavior of such software. If you have been facing Steam not launching verifying installation, this can also be a reason that corrupt files are not able to detect the process of verification. Moreover, even cache data on Steam can contain corrupted data downloaded with the program or while updating. This needs to be cleared out and repaired.
1. Launch Steam on the device and click on Steam at the top-left corner of the device.
2. Click on Settings in the dropdown menu.
3. Choose Downloads from the left sidebar in Settings.
4. In the right pane, click on CLEAR DOWNLOAD CACHE.
5. Click on OK to confirm.
Now, after deleting the cache data, it is time to repair corrupt files from the Steam library. Follow these steps to perform the same:
6. In the same Downloads section, click on STEAM LIBRARY FOLDERS.
7. Click on the three horizontal dots and choose Repair Folder.
Method 6: Clear Steam Content Folder
Any program when used creates temporary files that are stored by the app on the device itself. Steam stores temporary data in Depotcache and Appcache folders on the PC. These temporary files are also vulnerable to getting corrupted. To fix the issue of Steam stuck in verification process, it is crucial to clear out these files and allow the program to create new ones.
1. Launch This PC on the device.
2. We have to navigate to the Steam installation directory. For this, double-click to open the drive in which the app files save by default for you. In our case, it is Windows (C:).
3. Double-click on the Program Files (x86) folder.
4. Scroll down and double-click on the Steam folder.
5. Double-click to open the appcache folder.
6. Select all the files in the folder and click on the Delete icon at the top.
7. Follow the same steps for the Depotcache folder.
Also Read: How to Disable Shader Pre Caching in Steam
Method 7: Clear Content Package for Steam
More corrupt and distorted files could be present in the package folder for Steam. The package folder stores installed and updated files for Steam. Deleting this will allow Steam to launch smoothly in a fresh start and fix the error of Steam stuck in verifying installation.
1. Restart the PC first.
2. Right-click on the Steam icon on the desktop.
3. From the context menu, click on Open file location.
4. Scroll up/down and navigate to the package folder. Double-click and open it.
5. Select all files by pressing Ctrl + A and click on the Delete icon to delete all files.
6. Launch the Steam client again.
Method 8: Set Steam to High Priority
When a program or an application is set to high priority, it shifts all the attention of the hardware and software components, drivers, network adapters, and so forth towards the one prior to other background applications. If the network issue prevails to cause the issue you are experiencing currently, this can be an applicable solution.
1. Launch Task Manager on the PC.
2. At the top-right corner, click on the three horizontal lines (Hamburger) icon.
3. Choose Details from the list of options.
4. Navigate to steam.exe and right–click on it.
5. From the context menu, click on Set priority and choose High.
6. Follow the same steps for steamservice.exe to set it to high priority mode.
Also Read: How to Make Steam Delete Cloud Saves
Method 9: Disable Windows Firewall (Not Recommended)
Windows Firewall is a built-in service in Windows PCs that enables to protect the Windows system and PC from network-based threats like access to malware from online games or files or unauthorized links, and problematic websites. The Firewall filters out the information and blocks potentially erroneous programs. This might also cause interference in the Steam verification process, thereby causing Steam stuck in verifying installation.
1. Launch the Windows Security app on the PC.
2. Click on Firewall & network protection from the left-hand side.
3. On the right, click on the network that shows active, i.e., Private network or Public network. In our case, it is the Public network.
4. Turn off Microsoft Defender Firewall from its toggle. Click on Yes in the UAC prompt to confirm.
It is important to prioritize the security of your device and avoid any actions that may compromise its safety. It is not advised to disable any security program that ensures the safety of your device. However, if this method proved effective for you in resolving the issue, you can undo the changes and try the next method instead.
Method 10: Add Steam as Exception to Windows Firewall
This method adds the Steam program only as an exception from being protected by the firewall framework.
1. Launch the Windows Security app again and click on Firewall & network protection.
2. Click on the Allow an app through the Firewall option.
3. Click on Change settings.
4. Tick both the checkboxes (Public and Private) for: Steam and Steam Web Helper.
5. Click on OK to save the settings.
Also Read: Fix Steam Stopping Downloads on Windows 10
Method 11: Uninstall Third-Party Antivirus (Not Recommended)
If you have an active third-party antivirus program on the PC, even that could block the Steam files from loading properly and trigger Steam stuck in verifying installation error for you. In such cases, you would have to ensure that the antivirus is the reason. For that, you will have to uninstall the app.
Note: We do not recommend disabling or uninstallation any software that is meant to keep your device secure from threats. Follow the steps at your own discretion.
1. Press the Windows key and in the search bar, type the name of the third-party antivirus software that is installed and active on the PC. In our case, it is McAfee Personal Security.
2. Click on Uninstall from the right pane.
3. Click Uninstall again to confirm.
Check if this fixes Steam not launching verifying installation issue.
Method 12: Reinstall Steam
Reinstalling Steam can patch any fault installation of the client and allow the files to download and install once again.
Note: Directly Uninstalling the Steam client app using the Control Panel or Start menu will result in a loss of game data. To prevent this, it is imperative that you carefully follow these steps. Moreover, ensure to keep a backup before uninstalling.
1. Launch the Steam client and click on Steam at the top-left corner.
2, Choose Settings from the context menu.
3. In the Downloads tab on the left, click on STEAM LIBRARY FOLDERS in the right pane.
4. Click on the three horizontal dots icon and choose Browse Folder.
Note: If you have any other drive where the games are installed, select it first and then click on the three horizontal dots and proceed further. In our case, it is the Windows (C:) drive, which is the default one.
5. You will be directly redirected to the steamapps folder. Copy all the content from it and paste it into another location.
6. Now, launch Control Panel on the PC and click on Uninstall a program under Programs.
7. Navigate to Steam, right-click on it, and choose Uninstall.
8. Choose Yes in the UAC prompt and click on Uninstall again to confirm.
9. Now, press the Windows key and search for %localappdata% on the PC to Open it.
10. Navigate to the Steam folder and delete it by clicking on the Delete icon.
11. Now, search %appdata% and delete the Steam folder.
12. Restart the PC.
13. INSTALL STEAM from the official Steam website.
14. Run the downloaded setup file.
15. In the installation wizard, click on Next >.
16. Select the desired language and click on Next >.
17. Then, click on Install.
Note: If you do not want the app installed on the default folder mentioned, choose the desired destination folder by clicking on the Browse option.
18. Wait for the Steam to be installed and click on Finish.
19. Now, log in with Steam credentials.
20. Next, copy and paste the steamapps folder that you deleted earlier to the default location.
C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam
Note: You might have installed the game in some other location. If so, make sure to locate the appropriate Steam installation folder and paste the steamapps folder there.
Now, check if reinstalling the client app has resolved stuck in Steam validation issue for you.
Also Read: Fix Steam Game Randomly Uninstalled Itself on Windows 10
Method 13: Contact Steam Support
Finally, if none of the above solutions work for you in effectively fixing the Steam not finishing installation error, we would highly advise you to reach out to Steam support for further personal assistance. You can also contact them through the app directly.
1. Click on Help and choose Steam Support.
2. Choose Steam Client and follow the further instructions.
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With this, we end the article here. Thank you for reading. We hope that this guide was helpful and you were able to fix the Steam stuck in verifying installation issue. Let us know which method worked for you the best. If you have any queries or suggestions, then feel free to drop them in the comments section below.