The Steam game service is not new to PC gamers, having been around since 2003. Over the years, however, Steam has become the gold standard for digital game distribution services. If you don’t feel like going old school and using a DVD installation disc for your games, Steam (and alternatives like Epic Games) are the best way to meet your gaming needs.
However, Steam is not perfect, and error messages can appear if your Steam installation or connection is not working properly. If you see a Steam error code 118For example, you will have to solve a connection problem on your PC. For Fix Steam Error Code 118, this is what you will have to do.
What is Steam Error Code 118?
Steam error code 118 is a sign that there is a problem between the Steam client you are running and the Steam servers. If Steam is unable to connect to your servers, you will see a Steam error code 118 (or error code -118, as it may appear).
Depending on the action you are taking, a “cannot connect to server” message may also appear. There are several reasons why this error message can appear, including:
- Broken internet connectivity: If your internet connection has failed (for example, a broken WiFi connection or a missing cable, or there is a problem with your ISP), Steam cannot connect and this message will appear.
- Blocked by Windows Firewall: Windows Firewall will block specific applications, including Steam if it is not configured correctly to allow connections through it.
- Conflicting services and applications: Some third-party applications and services may block Steam from accessing your Internet connection. For example, a VPN app can cause Steam to stop working if the connection is lost. Make sure you get out of them first.
- Steam is outdated and missing files: If Steam is missing or corrupt files, or if the Steam client is out of date and not updating, your access to Steam services may degrade over time.
How to fix Steam error code 118
Although the Steam error code 118 is troublesome, most users can easily fix it. Here’s how.
1. Check that your connection works
Before trying any other solutions, you may want to see if your internet connection is working. This includes the connection between your PC and your home network router, for example.
If an Ethernet cable is unplugged or loses WiFi connectivity, you may see this error message from Steam. Perform some basic troubleshooting steps, such as a visual inspection of your connection (if you’re using a wired connection).
If you are using WiFi, check that you are connected to the correct network and that your WiFi signal strength is good enough. You should also test your internet connection to make sure your network can successfully connect to your internet service provider. If there is an ISP issue, such as DNS issues, you may need to talk to your ISP or switch to a public DNS provider to restore connectivity.
2. Enable Steam through Windows Firewall
The Steam client depends on an active connection to its servers to function. If that connection is blocked by Windows Firewall, for example, you will see an error code 118 message from Steam (or similar).
To avoid this problem, you will have to make sure that incoming and outgoing Steam connections are not blocked by Windows Firewall. For it:
- Right-click on the Start menu and select Setting.
- On the menu Setting, select Update & Security> Windows Security> Firewall and Network Protection.
- In the window of Windows security, on Firewall and network protection, select Allow an application through the firewall.
- Locate Steam in the window of Allowed applications.
- Make sure the box next to Steam, on the left, is on. On the right, make sure the box in the column Private it’s activated.
- Please select To accept to save your choice.
At this point, Steam should have unrestricted access to your internet connection (as long as your network profile is set to private), although you may need to reboot for the changes to take full effect.
3. Reinstall Steam
If you keep having problems with the Steam error code 118 on your Windows PC, reinstalling Steam may fix the problem. A corrupt or updated installation will eventually stop working with Steam.
- To remove Steam, right-click on the Start menu and select Setting.
- In the menu Setting, select Apps> Apps and Features.
- Locate Steam in the list of installed applications (or use the search bar). Select it and press Uninstall> Uninstall.
Once Steam is removed, download the latest version and run the installer. Follow the additional instructions on the screen to complete the installation.
Using Steam on a Windows PC
A Steam error message, such as Steam error code 118, can seem troublesome. However, with the simple fixes described above, you should be able to get back up and running quickly.
After all, the time you save on downloads is more time spent in the game (as long as you have fixed any other Steam bugs you find).
