Many gamers use an app called Steam. It is a trading platform combined with a gaming center. Also there is everything for communication and joint games. A very convenient, useful and safe program. But sometimes it crashes. Users often see that steam_api.dll is missing. What kind of mistake is this? And how to get rid of it?
Why is it needed?
First, we’ll try to understand why "Steam_Api" is needed at all. What it is?
The .dll extension is a Windows library. Files with this ending are necessary for the correct operation of applications. "Steam" at startup first connects steam_api.dll, and then it starts to work normally. Without this file, it will not be possible to use the studied trading platform through the game manager.
Causes of error
Missing steam_api.dll? Why did this message suddenly appear? You should not be afraid of it. Indeed, many gamers face a similar mistake. What can cause it?
There are many reasons. But most often the following circumstances stand out:
- library lock by antivirus;
- firewall operation;
- system failure
- Removing a library from the operating system
- the presence of viruses on the PC.
Writes "Missing steam_api.dll"? The specific algorithm of actions will depend on why the studied error appeared. Consider the most effective methods to deal with the problem.
Antivirus system
"Steam_Api" .dll could be blocked by antivirus system. As soon as the previously mentioned error pops up, you can safely turn off the antivirus program for a while. After completing work with the PC security software, it is recommended to resume the attempt to launch "Steam".
Everything worked out? Then you need to go into the antivirus and put the "Steam_Api" library into exceptions. In addition, it is recommended that you scan your PC for infection. Often the letter "steam_api.dll is missing" appears when there are malicious files in the operating system. Anti-virus will often recognize the mentioned library as a potentially dangerous object. After treatment, Steam will start working normally.
Delete
Sometimes it happens that the library under study is deleted by the antivirus or by the user. In the first case, everything is simpler than it seems. You just need to go to the Quarantine of the antivirus program and extract the file of interest to us.
You can also try to completely reinstall the game, which does not start. Before that, you will have to disable the antivirus and firewall. Only in this way will Steam be able to recover.
Some problems may arise with licensed games. If steam_api.dll is missing, the user should:
- Go to C: / Program Files / Steam.
- Copy steam.exe and steamapps.
- Open "Control Panel" - "Uninstall Programs."
- Select the desired game and click on the corresponding line with the right mouse button.
- Click on "Delete". It is advisable to do the same with "Steam".
- Complete the process by following the instructions of the uninstall application wizard.
- Reinstall the game.
- Paste steam.exe and Steamapps into the previously specified folder.
That's all. Now you can try to start the game again. Anyway, the error "Missing steam_api.dll" pops up?
Reboot
Then you can go the simplest and most common way - download and upload the missing file to the right place. This technique often eliminates the error called "Missing steam_api.dll".
It is very easy to get such a library. And where to download it? You will need to transfer the document to:
- C: / Windows / system32 - for 32-bit OS;
- C: / Windows / SysWOW64 - for 64-bit Windows.
Next, users will need to click on Win + R, in the appeared line type regsvr steam_api.dll, and then click on "Run". It remains only to restart the computer and Steam.
There are no more special tips and recommendations regarding the issue under study. The loss of the library "Steam_Api" will be eliminated. The error will no longer bother the gamer. And if this happens, the user will know how to deal with it. Often it is the repeated loading of the missing library that helps correct the situation.