Windows 10 · Windows
Troubleshoot a Steam Disk Write Error
Source-checked About 10 minutes
Answer
Open Steam's Downloads page, retry the affected download once, and record the game and exact “Disk write error.” Identify its library under Steam > Settings > Storage, restart the computer, then verify that game's files through Library > Properties > Installed Files. If the library drive is full, use Steam's Storage controls to move the game to an existing library with space; do not delete the library or run Steam as administrator as a blanket fix.
Identify the failed write
Select Downloads at the bottom of Steam, or open View > Downloads, and retry the affected item once. Record the game name and exact “Disk write error” shown for the failed install or update.
Identify the affected library
Open Steam > Settings > Storage and select each listed drive until you find the affected game. Note that library and whether another listed library has enough space before moving anything.
Restart the computer
Close Steam normally, restart Windows, and reopen Steam. Return to Downloads and retry the same item; if it completes, launch the game and stop here.
Verify the affected game
In Library, right-click the game or select its gear, then choose Properties > Installed Files > Verify integrity of game files. Wait for Steam to finish without verifying another game or running another disk-intensive task.
Retry the same download
Return to Downloads and select Resume or Retry for that game. Confirm progress moves beyond the point that failed and the item finishes without another disk write error.
Use another Steam library if space is the problem
Open Steam > Settings > Storage and select the affected drive. If it lacks room and another Steam library has space, select the game and Move; create a new library with the plus control only when needed, then retry from Downloads.
Confirm the repaired write
Launch the game from the library that now contains it and return to Downloads. Confirm no disk error remains for that title before moving or repairing any other library.
Video walkthrough
If it does not work
- If several games fail only on the same library drive, stop retrying writes to that drive. Preserve the exact errors and use Steam Support or the drive manufacturer's diagnostic guidance before moving or deleting the library.
- If verification reports that one or more files failed, Steam says this can be normal for local configuration files; judge the result by whether the download completes and the game launches.
- If a move is unavailable, first create another library under Steam > Settings > Storage. Do not drag game folders in File Explorer or delete steamapps as the first repair.
- If security software reports a specific game file, review that named detection in the security product. Do not disable protection globally or permanently run Steam as administrator.
Sources and verification
Checked against official documentation on . Scope: Windows.
Valve documents the current Downloads, Installed Files verification, and Storage paths used here; a persistent write failure still requires drive-specific diagnosis or Steam Support.