Valve’s Steam is the world’s largest digital video game provider, with millions of users worldwide. Many people adore Steam because of the unique and intriguing features it offers that most other gaming platforms lack. It offers video streaming, server hosting, cloud storage, in-game speech, content selection, and much more to its users. However, many users are encountering the Steam Content File Locked issue when trying to update their games. The Steam Content File Locked problem merely indicates that the hard disc is unable to write the updated files and requires repair. The Content File Locked problem can have a variety of causes, which we will go over in this article.
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How to Fix the Error “Steam Content File Locked”
Do you have the Steam Content File Locked problem and don’t know what to do about it? Then you’ve come to the right location, since we’ll give you every viable and relevant solution to your problem. There’s no need to be concerned about this blunder because it’s much easier to correct than you might imagine. We’ll start from the beginning, and all you have to do now is go through the solutions listed below and choose the one that best meets your needs. So, let’s get started…
Method 1: Repairing Corrupted Files
To begin, look for corrupt or broken files on your computer, as these corrupt or damaged files are the source of not only the Content File Locked issue, but also the majority of other errors that users encounter. To avoid similar issues in your device, it’s a good idea to repair these files on a regular basis. You must also troubleshoot those corrupt files in order to resolve the problem. So, here’s how it works:
Step 1: First and foremost, close Steam.
Step 2: Now go to your PC’s Steam directory and find it. Follow this path to do so: Steam > Local Disk (C:) > Program Files (x86)
Step 3: Go to the logs folder, open the.txt file, and look for errors. Afterwards, go to the root folder.
Step 4: Restart Steam and navigate to the download directory. If you followed the processes correctly, an update choice will appear; accept it.
Step 5: The update will start, and it will fix all of the Steam issues.
Method 2: Retune Winsock
If the error was not caused by corrupt files, the netsh winsock reset command is the best solution. This script will fix any socket issues that arise while downloading or upgrading games on your computer. It is absolutely risk-free, as it will not cause any issues with your computer. So, to retune Winsock, follow the instructions below –
Step 1: Open the Start menu and type cmd into the search box. Run as Administrator by right-clicking on the Command Prompt option.
Step 2: A Command Prompt window with administrative rights will appear. Now type netsh winsock reset into the command prompt and hit Enter.
Step 3: Finally, restart your computer to apply the modifications.
Check to see if the error is still there or if it has been addressed.
Method 3: Move Steam installation and game files to a new location
Now let’s talk about a quick and straightforward way to fix the problem: relocating Steam’s installation and game files. In this step, you’ll learn how to alter the stream file’s location from the default to anywhere you want it to be. So, follow these instructions –
Step 1: To begin, launch Steam and navigate to the Settings menu in the left panel. Select Download from the drop-down menu.
Step 2: Next, go to Steam Library Folders and choose it. The default path for Steam files may be found here. Additionally, by selecting the Specify Library Folder option, you can add any path you wish.
Step 3: Create the new folder path you like and right-click it to make it the default location for all Steam-related files and instals in the future.
Step 4: Now close Steam and navigate to your previous Steam folder. All folders except the Steam.exe extension file and the SteamApps and Userdata folder should be deleted.
Step 5: Next, copy and paste all of the Steam folders into the newly formed directory.
Step 6: When Steam is restarted, it will prompt you to log in. Log in with your username and password.
Hopefully, this strategy has assisted you in resolving your problem. However, if the problem persists, there is no need to be concerned because there are numerous other solutions available. So, let’s go on to the next technique.
Method 4: Disable Antivirus
In many circumstances, your PC’s third-party antivirus programme will conflict with the Steam software. The Steam software is quarantined in the blacklist, resulting in issues such as the Steam content file being locked.
A false positive is the term for this situation. To fix the problem, make sure Steam is on your antivirus software’s whitelist. Every antivirus application has a different technique for disabling it. As a result, adapt the procedure to your antivirus. Now, follow the steps outlined below:
McAfee Antivirus is an antivirus programme developed by McAfee.
If you’re running McAfee Antivirus, you can disable it by following these steps:
Step 1: Right-click the McAfee icon on your Windows desktop.
Step 2: Select Change settings from the options menu, then Real-time Scanning from the menu.
Step 3: The status pane for Real-Time Scanning will appear. Choose Turn off from the drop-down menu.
Continue with the steps below to ensure the integrity of the game files:
Step 1: Restart your computer and then launch Steam.
Step 2: Select the Library option from the drop-down menu. Right-click on your game in the Games section and select Properties from the menu.
Step 3: The Properties window will now appear. Select the Verify integrity of game files option from the Local files tab. The procedure will begin and take approximately 15-20 minutes to finish.
Kaspersky Anti-Virus
If you’re using Kaspersky Antivirus, follow these steps:
Step 1: Launch the Kaspersky antivirus programme. A gear icon can be seen at the bottom of the window. To access the Settings, click on it.
Step 2: Select Additional, then Self-Defense from the left column. Uncheck the Enable Self-Defense option in the Self-Defense settings window that appears.
Step 3: To finish the procedure, click Continue.
Verify the integrity of game files with all antiviruses by following the steps.
NOD32 by ESET
If you’re using ESET NOD32 Antivirus, follow these instructions:
Step 1: Right-click the ESET NOD32 Antivirus icon on your Windows desktop.
Step 2: A window for ESET NOD32 Antivirus will appear. Select the Setup option from the left panel. Select the Temporarily disable Antivirus and Antispyware protection option from the Setup section. Then, for confirmation, pick Yes.
Step 3 : You’ll be given the choice to disable the antivirus for a specific period of time. Finally, click Yes after selecting the duration.
Method 5: Run a Disk Scan
If none of the other procedures worked, scanning the hard disc will be your best bet for resolving the problem. So, to scan the hard disc, follow these steps:
Step 1: Select Start from the Start menu. Type cmd into the search bar. Select the Command Prompt option with a right-click. Now, from the drop-down menu, choose Run as Administrator.
Step 2: A Command Prompt window with administrative rights will appear. Press Enter after typing chkdsk c: /fcommand.
Step 3: When it asks “Would you like to schedule this volume to be checked the next time the system restarts? (Y/N),” select “Yes.” By clicking the Y key on your keyboard and pressing Enter, you can answer yes to that question.
Your computer should be restarted. The disc checking operation should begin after resuming. Wait for Windows to do a disc check to see if there are any issues.
Conclusion
Steam is a well-known gaming platform that is well-liked by its players. However, it gets more difficult for users when an error occurs while updating games. All of the various causes of this mistake, as well as their solutions, have been covered here. Hopefully, like all other users who have benefited from these methods, you will be able to get rid of the issue. Steam now allows you to enjoy games and other interesting features.