There are several instances where you might come across the Steam disk write error, especially while downloading or updating any game within the Steam platform. This error predominantly appears while downloading or installing a game on top of the existing one. Updating your current title might also end up with the Stream disk write error. So, that is why in this article we are going to discuss some of the most prominent ways in which you can fix the issue.
Related: Steam Not Opening? Here’s How to Fix!
What Causes the Steam Disk Write Error
The Steam Disk write error message might appear while Steam fails to save the game data on your computer’s storage while installing an update or downloading a new title. In case of the Steam Disk Write Error you might come across the following error messages:
- There are defects in the hard drive
- The driver or Steam folder is write protected
- There are corrupt or outdated files in the Steam directory
- Your antivirus or firewall blocks Steam from downloading and saving data
7 Effective Ways to Fix ‘Steam Disk Write Error’
Note: This guide is only applicable to Steam Client for Windows.
1. Update Your Current Drivers
One of the primary reasons due to which the Steam Disk Write Error occurs is due to outdated drivers or installing wrong drivers for that matter. So, the first and foremost thing to do is update your drivers. One way you can install drivers is to download them manually via the manufacturer’s website. But, if you are running short on time, you can always use Windows Update.
Step 1: Open ‘Settings’ and select ‘Update & Security.’
Step 2: Click on ‘Windows Update’ and select the ‘Check for updates’ button.
Step 3: Select ‘View optional updates’ and click on the ‘Driver updates’ tab.
Step 4: Now, simply select the drivers and click on ‘Download and install.’
2. Try Deleting the 0 KB Files
The 0 KB file is yet another reason due to which you might come across the Steam disk write error. In order to delete it, follow the steps down below:
Step 1: Press ‘Windows Key + R’ to open the Run dialog box. Type in ‘%ProgramFiles(x86)%’ and hit enter.
Step 2: Head over to Steam > steamapps > common.
Step 3: Find the file with 0 KB in size, and delete it.
3. Get Rid of Corrupted Files in Log
Corrupted files within the Steam log sometimes cause the disk write error. So, it is better to check the same and delete accordingly. Simply follow through the steps down below:
Step 1: Press the ‘Windows Key + R’ to open the Run dialog box. Now type in ‘%ProgramFiles(x86)%’ and hit enter.
Step 2: Navigate to the Steam folder and go to logs > content_log.
Step 3: Now scroll down to the bottom of the file, and look for failed to write error. If you find any, follow through the path of the folder and delete the file.
Step 4: Download/upload to repeat the process again.
4. Check Game Files Integrity
Sometimes nothing more than a corrupt download file can also provoke the error. So, it is important to verify the integrity of the game files to check if the error still exists.
Step 1: Head over to Steam and go to LIBRARY.
Step 2: Select the game with Steam Disk Write Error, right-click to choose Properties.
Step 3: Select the ‘LOCAL FILES’ tab and select ‘VERIFY INTEGRITY OF GAME FILES.’
Step 4: Now, you need to wait until the game cache verification is completed.
Step 5: Exit Steam and relaunch it to check whether the error has been fixed or not.
Note: If you are playing a game with the launcher, downloading additional updates, make sure to ignore this step. Resetting back to the base launcher, you need to re-download the game once again.
5. Run Flushconfig
Flushconfig is by far one of the most effective ways to clear any downloaded cache whatsoever. This, in turn, can actually solve the Steam disk write error. Follow the steps as mentioned.
Step 1: Exit from the Steam app, open the Run dialog box. Press the ‘Windows + R’ and type in steam://flushconfig and hit enter.
Step 2: Steam will ask for permission to clear the local download cache. Click on ‘OK’ to confirm.
Step 3: Now simply restart your computer and run Steam again. Make sure to download the game and hopefully the Steam Disk Write Error should be gone.
6. Remove Any Disk Write Protection
There might only be very fewer chances of such instances, but it is still worth giving a shot. With disk write protection, you might actually come across Steam Disk Write Error. Follow the steps down below to remove the protection:
Step 1: Press the Windows key, and look for ‘cmd.’ Right-click on Command Prompt to ‘Run as administrator.’
Step 2: Once you are in Command Prompt, type the following commands and press enter.
diskpart
list disk
select disk #
attributes disk clear readonly
Step 3: Now, simply close the command prompt.
Step 4: Reboot your system and try installing and updating the game, your error will get fixed.
Note: If this method doesn’t work, try installing Steam to a different drive and check for the error again.
7. Disable Your Antivirus Program
Your last resort to fix the disk write error might underline within your antivirus program. In fact, there are at times, when antivirus might jeopardize your software. Try temporarily disabling your antivirus and check whether the error disappears. Similarly, you can also add Steam for exceptions within the AV configuration. Simultaneously make sure whether the firewall is preventing Steam from contacting the server or not.
Also Read: 5 Best Steam Deck Cases You Can Buy
The Bottom Line
So that was our curated guide on how you can solve the Stream Disk Write Error. Make sure to follow through with all the above-mentioned steps, and your game will be up and running in no time. Let us know in the comment section below if you have any other fixes to share.
