Any application at some point may throw an error related to one or another library in the system. So, Windows users, when starting the game from Steam, may stumble upon the error "steam_api.dll is missing." This is what will be discussed. In this article we will talk about what kind of error is steam_api.dll and how to fix it. We will go through in detail all aspects related to this topic, so that by reading the article you will not have any questions.
Definition
To begin with, before understanding the problem itself, it’s worthwhile to find out what the error is - steam_api.dll, because you need to know what we are dealing with.
In fact, everything is simple. Steam_api.dll is a dynamic library that is installed with the Steam digital distribution program itself. This file is required for game authentication. In other words, steam_api.dll controls that the game was purchased, and not, so to speak, stolen.
It can be noted that most often failures in working with this library occur due to attempts by the user to interact with this file. For example, an attempt to launch RePack games through Steam.
Reasons for the appearance
Having figured out what this error is - steam_api.dll, you can go to the reasons for its occurrence. It was said above that it most often occurs due to an attempt to hack the game’s license, but this is far from the only reason. So let's try to understand in more detail.
By downloading and installing the hacked game, you also install the modified steam_api.dll file. Sometimes everything goes well and no error appears, but it happens that the antivirus notices something wrong and puts the library in quarantine, that is, it blocks it. In this case, the Steam program does not see the library on the computer, therefore, it refuses to start the game.
But there are other cases, here are the most common:
Solution # 1: loading the library
Having found out what this error is - steam_api.dll, and having studied the causes of its occurrence, you can proceed to the solution methods. The first is a method that involves manually installing the library on a computer. Here is a detailed instruction on what to do to fix the problem:
Search for download steam_api.dll.
Go to the trusted site.
Download the library to your computer.
Move or unzip it to the System32 folder (for 32-bit systems) or SysWOW64 (for 64-bit systems).
Here is such a simple instruction, but this is no less effective.
Solution # 2: Using DLL-Files.com
The second way, how to fix steam_api.dll error, will seem to many to be much simpler than the previous one. This time a special program called DLL-Files.com will be used. First download and install it on your computer, then follow the instructions.
Launch the app.
In the search bar, type steam_api.dll.
Perform a search.
Click on the found library.
Click on the "Install" button.
As soon as you do this, the program will automatically download and install the necessary component. In fact, this method is no different from the previous one, only the program will do everything for you.
Solution # 3: Antivirus Manipulations
Even knowing the two previous methods on how to fix steam_api.dll error, you can still not achieve the desired result. This is due to the action of the antivirus. It can continue to consider the file infected and move it to quarantine. However, there is a solution. You need to open your antivirus, go into its settings and add the library file to the exceptions. Thus, the antivirus program will ignore all threats associated with it. It also does not hurt to check the system for viruses, because the antivirus may not just block this file, it may be affected by the virus itself.
Solution # 4: System Restore
Continuing to figure out what to do with the steam_api.dll error, it is worth highlighting another very effective way - system recovery. But it should be noted that it will help only in those cases when the recovery point was created before the incidents with an error, otherwise all the actions taken will be useless.
So, to restore the system, you need to do the following:
Click on the "Start" button.
Go to the "Standard" folder.
Next, go to the "Service" folder.
From there, run the "System Restore" utility.
Next, using the advice of the wizard, roll back your OS.
Solution # 5: reinstall Steam
If at startup the steam_api.dll error still appears, then as an option you can reinstall the program itself. In rare cases, this helps to get rid of it. However, before uninstalling, it is recommended that you move all the games and files associated with them to a separate folder so as not to delete them. To do this, go to the root directory of the program, select the Steamapps folder and the steam.exe file and move them to another location. Next, you need to open the "Toolbar" and go to the "Programs and Features" utility. From there, uninstall the Steam program, well, after downloading and installing it from the distributor's official website. After the done manipulations do not forget to move all the copied files back to the program directory.
Solution # 6: reinstalling the game
If the system still does not stop generating the steam_api.dll error, then you can try reinstalling the game itself. Sometimes it helps, and especially in cases with RePacks. It’s not worth explaining how to reinstall the games, because every user knows this, but giving recommendations will be appropriate.
Before deleting the game from the computer, save all the save files, so that after installation, continue from where you left off.
Also save the game data of the Steam program itself.
Before installing the game, just in case, turn off the antivirus so that it does not block the steam_api.dll library.
After installing the game, the problem should disappear, if this did not happen, then the cause of the problem is buried deeper, the OS itself may be “broken”. Try reinstalling it - this will definitely help fix the problem.