The Steam Disk Write Error is one of the most common gaming errors that your computer faces. It usually happens when you want to download games like Grand Theft Auto, Dota 2, and so on. The error also takes place when your machine is trying to update specific files under the installation folder.
We will be getting into the details of this error. Usually, the steam disk write error appears when Steam is not able to download or save newly added game data. The location of the game data saving is the storage drive that you assign for the game during installation. Therefore, the remedy for this error is simple. You got to understand why Steam is failing to save the required data to your storage drive. Once you do that, fixing the problem is a cakewalk.
So, in the following paragraphs, we will be showing you in detail what are the tips to cure this error. But before that, we will cover a bit of why people face this issue.
Why does the Steam Disk Error happen?
The Steam Disk Write error gets triggered when Steam doesn’t have the ability to save newly generated data in the designated folder. But why does this happen? Usually, this problem occurs because the Steam folder is write-protected. But many users face this even after removing the write-protection element. Other than this reason, physical defects in your hard disk can also cause the problem.
You will face this problem primarily while the game updates. So, if you are facing this problem, here are a series of recommended fixes for the problem.
How to Fix Steam Disk Write Error?
Try the following solutions one by one to fix the steam disk write error on your computer.
1. Run Steam as Administrator
- At first log in to your Windows Operating System via the Administrator account
- Find the file location of Steam. It’s default location is in the C drive, and its pathname is C:/program files[86]>Steam. There you will find the file by the name steam.exe.
- Right-click on Steam.exe and click on Properties.
- Find the Compatibility tab, and you will find an option “Run this program as an administrator”.
- Make sure it is checked or ticked.
- Click Apply and close the Properties dialogue box. Verify whether the Steam write error is fixed.
Ideally, this should fix the problem.
2. Delete the 0 kb file
If the above process doesn’t work, you can try this solution we have mentioned here. Delete the 0KB file on your computer. You can follow the steps below to do so,
- Locate the 0 kb file inside the Steam folder. Here is the path to the file: Program Files (x86)>Steam>steamapps>common
- In this folder, you will find a file with a similar name as that of the game you are facing a problem. So, if you are playing Fallout, the file will be named Fallout. The distinguishing factor here from the other files is the file size will be 0 kb.
- Delete the file and restart the game.
However, if this doesn’t work, don’t get disheartened yet. There are many solutions still left to cater to the problem.
3. Remove the Write-Protection
It is common knowledge that you won’t be able to modify the formatting, writing, or any other Administrator property if the disk you are trying to change is write-protected. And this is also a very common reason behind the Steam Disk Write Error. So, merely removing the write-protection from the Steam directory will do the trick.
Follow these steps to remove write-protection:
- Ensure the Steam directory is not marked read-only. To do that, right-click on the folder and click on Properties. You need to have Administrator access for doing the job.
- Once you deselect the read-only option, you will be able to see whether the disk is write-protected or not. If it is write-protected, you can use the command prompt to clear it.
Not to worry because we have covered the steps in detail. You will also find a screenshot of the most complex bit of the procedure. Here we have demonstrated the solution in Windows 10 interface. Here are the steps:
- Open Command Prompt as Administrator. Please note having Administrator access is compulsory for the process. Now enter the following commands in this specific order:
- Enter ‘diskpart’
- Then enter ‘list disk’
- After that enter select disk $ (here $ refers to the number of the hard drive where the Steam folder is located)
- Then type ‘attributes disk clear read-only)
Close the command prompt and restart the updating process of Steam. Check whether the update gets downloaded successfully.
If this process failed to fix the issue, maybe you have a corrupted file issue.
4. Delete the corrupted files
- Go to the following pathname and open the given log file: Steam/logs/content_log
- Scroll directly at the bottom of the page.
- In all probability, there will be a ‘failed to write’ error at the bottom. In error, the name of the file and its pathname will be provided.
- Follow the pathname and delete the specific file that failed to write.
- After you are done deleting the file, restart the update process. If even this doesn’t solve the issue, you can try the final user-defined solution. It is checking your hard drive for errors.
5. Try reinstalling Steam
Redownloading and reinstalling the Steam client fix the Steam Disk Write issue at times. Be careful to keep the installation files of the games as they are as well as the service files. Note the pathname of the original location of the Steam client and reinstall it there only.
6. Repair the library folder
There is a library folder under Steam which is a repository of all the installed games in any given system. It is supposed to be writable provided the user has administrator access. But at times, the permissions automatically change, and repairing it does the trick. With repairing the folder, the Steam update would again run seamlessly.
For repairing take the following steps:
- Go to Steam
- Click on Settings
- Click on Downloads
- Go to Steam Library Folders and right-click
- Click on Repair
7. Check the local files
To do this, follow these steps:
- Find Game under Steam Library
- Right-click on Properties
- Go to Local Files
- Click on ‘Verify Integrity of Game Files’
This option often comes to use because game folders usually get corrupted due to software crashes, the creation of bad sectors, and hardware issues. This option helps to verify the validity and integrity of the local files.
8. Change the geographical location
This is a common error that Steam servers keep facing. The Steam client chooses its current region by detecting the location of your computer. Many a time, the servers of your geographical location might be facing huge traffic. This is what leads to the Steam Disk Write Error while downloading the file. Switching to a different geographical location may solve the purpose. Try out these steps to change the location:
- At first, go to Steam
- Then open Settings
- Next, go to Downloads
- Now, click on the option Download Region
- Select a region of your choice. You may have to continue the trial and error process before stumbling upon the correct server.
- Click on Change Download Region
9. Check whether the system files and drivers are up to date
If hardware drivers are not updated, the issue might interfere with the information that is loaded in the Steam client. Therefore, making sure all the different elements of your OS, as well as hardware, is regularly updated is mandatory.
For Windows users, follow these few steps:
- Click on Start
- In the search section, type ‘update’.
- Click on Check for Updates and if any update is found, do it.
Mac users cannot update hardware drivers separately. They have to update the entire OS at once for the purpose.
10. Check the Firewall restrictions
If Windows Firewall constantly prevents your Steam Client and there is nothing you can do about it, try switching it off altogether for some time. Allow the update to happen and then add Steam in the Exceptions list.
11. Disable overclocking
Extensive Overclocking, at times, harms the memory and file systems causing the steam disk error. There is a reason manufacturers recommend some user settings which shouldn’t be tampered with too much. So, another possible reason behind the Steam Disk Write Error is overclocking the CPU. To downclock it, you have to change the settings from the BIOS.
While you are at it, also check your RAM for any error. The temporary memory also causes problems at times for Steam updates. But if it’s a hardware issue, it is better to consult professionals.
For simple RAM check, follow these steps:
- Click on Start
- In the search bar, type ‘mdsched’
- Click on Windows Memory Diagnostic
- Complete the test
Conclusion
So, we have covered all the primary remedies of the Steam Disk Write Error. As there are a lot of reasons that can cause this issue, it is necessary to tick all the checkboxes. So, before you call for tech support, make sure you have tried all these methods. Good luck!
