Errors can be displeasing when you are all in the mood to play games on Steam with your friends. Many users have complained of facing the error code 50 on Steam while downloading or updating a game. So, what exactly is Steam Error Code 50, and what are its underlying causes? More importantly, how can you fix it? Well, this article will answer all your queries, so make sure you read till the end. Let’s get started.
What is Steam Error Code 50 and What are Its Causes?
Error Code 50 occurs when Steam is unable to complete a download or update a game due to failed HTTP requests. Moreover, it also appears while trying to boot a game.
Quick Answer
To fix this error in Steam, Restart the client service and then the PC. If that does not help, update network drivers following the steps below:
1. Open Device Manager and expand Network adapters.
2. Right-click on the appropriate network adapter and select Update driver from the menu.
3. Select Search automatically for drivers and follow the instructions.
4. Restart the PC.
Here are some of the causes that often trigger the error:
- Network and connectivity issues
- Server downtime issues
- Corrupt game files
- Use of VPN
Let”s fix it!
Method 1: Basic Troubleshooting Solutions
We’ll start with some easy-to-follow methods that can fix the error in almost no time. Let’s see if they help.
Method 1.1: Restart Steam, then PC
Often such errors are due to minor temporary glitches caused due to improper loading of files or programs. You can fix this just by restarting the Steam client app. If that does not help, restart the PC and then Steam.
Method 1.2: Wait for Steam Server Uptime
As a result of heavy traffic or undergoing maintenance, Steam servers in your region might be facing discrepancies, which could affect the functionality of the app for the time being. Check for the status on the official Steam status page. If any downtime issues are reported, wait until it’s fixed.
Method 1.3: Kill Background Processes
Active but unused background processes still consume system resources including CPU, Memory, and Network. Ultimately, high-intensity apps like Steam do not get enough bandwidth to work smoothly, hence the error. So, we suggest you close all the background tasks.
1. Open Task Manager on the PC.
2. Right-click on any background task which you do not need to stay active and select End task.
3. Similarly close all the applications, then launch Steam and check if the error is fixed now.
Method 1.4: Run Steam as Administrator
Running Steam with administrative privileges helps it better manage game files and system resources, often resulting in smoother gameplay and thereby fixing the discussed error. Follow the steps below:
1. Right-click on the Steam shortcut on the Desktop.
2. Select Run as administrator from the context menu.
3. Select Yes in the UAC prompt to confirm.
Method 2: Improve Network Connectivity
Poor and unstable internet is one of the major factors causing Steam error code 50. Now, network connectivity issues can be caused by a variety of factors such as hardware problems, software, and configuration issues. Troubleshooting and improving the network speed and strength can fix such errors. You can refer to our guide on Slow Internet Connection? 10 Ways to Speed up your Internet!
Method 3: Update Network Drivers
Network drivers are important to enable fluent internet connectivity. Outdated drivers could cause issues and poor signal strength, thereby leading to the discussed error. Follow the steps to update them:
1. Open Device Manager.
2. Double-click to expand Network adapters.
3. Right-click on the appropriate adapter from the options and select Update driver from the context menu.
4. Select Search automatically for drivers and follow the on-screen instructions.
Once the driver is updated, open Steam and check if the issue is resolved now.
Also Read: Top 9 Popular Free New Game Releases on Steam
Method 4: Clear Corrupt Steam Files
We already know that applications and programs often store temporary files to help them load data faster. However, over time these files are vulnerable to being corrupt and cause errors. Let’s clear them up.
Method 4.1: Clear Steam Downloads Cache
First is the cache files stored from your Steam downloads and updates. Follow the steps to delete them:
1. Open Steam. Click on Steam at the top-left corner and select Settings from the menu.
2. Click on the Downloads tab on the left.
3. Click on Clear Cache next to Clear Download Cache.
4. Click on Confirm to delete.
Method 4.2: Delete Web Browser Data
Follow the steps below to clear the temporary data saved by Steam’s built-in browser:
1. Navigate to Settings on Steam.
2. In the In Game tab, click on Delete next to Delete Web Browser Data.
Also Read: 23 Games Like Mario Kart for PC
Method 5: Change Steam Download Region
Steam’s Download Region could also be a reason why you might be facing the error code 50 while downloading games. You can change it and see if that helps. Follow the steps:
1. Open Steam, click on Steam at the top left corner, and select Settings.
2. Move to the Downloads tab and expand the drop-down menu for the Download region option.
3. In the Restart Required pop-up, click on Restart Now to save the changes.
Method 6: Disable VPN & Proxy (If Applicable)
VPNs and proxies often assign unique IP addresses to your connection. Steam may detect this change as suspicious or conflicting with your previous connection, leading to HTTP request failures and thereby Error Code 50.
Disabling them basically allows Steam to connect directly to its servers using your original IP address and location. This can eliminate the potential conflicts and inconsistencies introduced by these services. Refer to our guide on How to Disable VPN and Proxy on Windows 10.
Method 7: Flush DNS
When the DNS cache files on a device go corrupt or are incorrect or outdated, it leads to issues with various online applications. Flush them out to fix the discussed Steam error, following the steps below:
1. Press the Windows + R keys to launch the Run dialog box.
2. Type ipconfig /flushdns in the text field and press Enter.
That’s it. The DNS cache will be cleared. Now, launch Steam and check if the error is fixed.
Also Read: 21 Best Online Games for Long Distance Relationships
Method 8: Allow Steam through Windows Firewall
In order to prevent unauthorized access and potential threats, Windows Firewall obstructs certain network traffic, which occasionally leads to Steam facing issues in functioning smoothly. Although we do not suggest you disable the firewall completely, you can add Steam as an exception. Refer to our guide on Allow or Block Apps through the Windows Firewall.
Method 9: Update Steam, then Windows
An outdated Steam client or Windows OS could also potentially lead to error code 50 as they’re vulnerable to bugs and glitches. Updating both can help.
1. Open Steam and then click on Steam at the top left corner followed by Check for Steam Client Updates…
2. Wait until Steam checks for available updates. If there are any, Download and install it.
3. Lastly, Update Windows on the PC and Restart it.
Method 10: Reinstall Steam
Lastly, 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. Refer to our guide on How to Backup Steam Games.
Once the backup process is complete, follow the steps:
1. Open the Control Panel and under Programs, select Uninstall a program.
2. Right-click on Steam and select Uninstall.
3. Select Yes in the UAC prompt to confirm.
4. Now launch Steam’s official website on your PC and click on INSTALL STEAM.
5. Follow the on-screen instructions.
Once installed, log in to your account and check if you are now able to download games without any errors.
Recommended: How to View Hidden Games on Steam
We hope this guide has helped you fix Steam Error Code 50. If you have any queries or suggestions, feel free to share them in the comments section. For solutions to more such tech and app-related issues, stay connected to TechCult.
