How To Fix ‘Steam Needs To Be Online To Update’ Error

Steam is used by Windows 10 users regularly but quite a few of the users have been complaining and have reported the ‘Steam Needs To Be Online To Update’ error. This problem is especially a pain for gamers because it presents the user from playing their favorite games. Fortunately, there are solutions to every problem.

In the world of online gaming, Steam reigns supreme. It’s a digital platform that provides players access to thousands of games, but like any software, it occasionally encounters hiccups.

One such issue that has garnered attention is the “Steam needs to be online to update” error. This article will dissect this error, exploring its causes, implications, and solutions.

What does “Steam Needs To Be Online To Update” Mean?

When a user tries to open Steam, they might be greeted with this error message, suggesting that Steam requires an internet connection to proceed with an update. It can be particularly frustrating for users who are already online or those wanting to access games in offline mode.

What Causes the “Steam Needs To Be Online To Update” error?

1. Corrupted Files: Sometimes, certain configuration files within the Steam directory can become corrupted, causing this error.
2. Network Issues: Steam might fail to connect to its servers due to temporary network issues either on the user’s side or Steam’s side.
3. Faulty Updates: In some instances, a recent update might not install correctly, leading to this problem.
4. Proxy/VPN Interference: If a user is using a VPN or a proxy server, Steam might not be able to establish a stable connection.

How to Fix Steam Needs To Be Online To Update Error in Windows 10

You do not have to worry if you are facing Steam Needs To Be Online To Update error because you are not alone and we are here today to simply discuss in-depth about the solutions to this particular error.

There are a number of solutions you can try to fix Steam Needs To Be Online To Update error. At least one of them is bound to hit the bullseye. So without much further ado, let’s get right into it.

Solution 1: Run Steam in Compatibility Mode

To run Steam in compatibility mode you have to follow the following steps:

Step 1: Open the Steam Shortcut and enter the Properties option.

Step 2: Navigate to the Compatibility tab and select it. It should be at the top of the screen.

Step 3: Check the box which states ‘Run this program in Compatibility mode for’ and select your Windows 7 from the list. The other option that you can opt for ‘Run this program as an administrator option’.

Step 4: Try to use Steam again.

This should solve the error but if the error is still there then no worries we have a lot more of other solutions. Read the next one if this did not work.

Solution 2: Delete files from Steam Directory

Another way to solve this error is to delete files from Steam Directory. To do that you have to follow the following steps:

Step 1: Navigate to Steam’s Installation Directory. For those who have a hard time to find it, its generally at C:\Program Files\Steam or at C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam.

Step 2: Delete all the files.

Note: Do not delete the Steam.exe and SteamApps

Step 3: Restart your computer or rather your device.

Step 4: After rebooting you can once again try to update and run Steam. Check if the problem still persists.

If Steam is updated then good for you but if the error still lingers then proceed to the next solution method.

Solution 3: Use Registry Editor

If you are facing the ‘Steam need to be online to update’ error then you should try making a few changes in the Registry settings. This should solve your error in a jiffy. To do that you have to carefully follow the steps which are given below –

Step 1: Press Windows key +R to open the run dialog box. Type in Regedit. Click on okay or press Enter on your keyboard.

Step 2: Let the Registry Editor open and then go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\ Valve\System. Navigate to Offline DWORD and set its value date a to 0.

Step 3: Restart your computer.

You need to check if you have solved the error or not. If it is solved then congratulations but if not then proceed to the next method.

Solution 4: Copy Steam Files from Another Computer

This method is a tricky one. You need to have at hand one another computer with a working Steam version and a USB flash drive. They are kind of like the requirements for the method to work.

After making sure that you have what you need to follow the following steps:

Step 1: Insert the Flash drive on the other computer and then copy all if Steam’s installation Directory files to the USB flash drive. Make sure to not copy the SteamApps folder.

Step 2: Now transfer the USB flash drive in your device and then paste all those copied files to your computer’s Steam installation Directory. You need to overwrite the existing files so give that permission when asked.

Step 3: Restart your computer and check if the error is gone or not.

If the problem is still remaining then proceed to the next solution.

Solution 5: Add -tcp Parameter to Steam Shortcut

To do this follow the following steps:

Step 1: Right-click on Steam Shortcut and choose Properties from the list.

Step 2: Navigate to the Shortcut tab and then the Target section. Add -tcp after the quotations.

Step 3: Click on Apply and save the changes you made by clicking on OK.

Step 4: Run Steam to check if you have been able to solve this error.

If the issue is still there then proceed on with the next solution.

Solution 6: Turn Off Proxy Settings in Internet Explorer

The steps are as follows:

Step 1: Press the Windows key + S to open the search dialog box. Type in Internet Explorer and open the application.

Step 2: When it opens, go to the upper right corner and click on Tools. Choose Internet Options next.

Step 3: Next, go to the Connections tab on the window that opens and navigate to LAN settings.

Step 4: Uncheck the box next to ‘Use a proxy server for your LAN’ option.

Step 5: Save the changes by clicking on OK.

This method should solve your issue but if not then read on.

Solution 7: Use Google’s DNS

Your DNS settings can at times cause this error in consideration. In such a case you should switch to Google’s DNS to solve this error once and for all. For that, you have to follow the following steps:

Step 1: Press the Windows key +S to open the search dialog box and then type in Network and Sharing. Select Network and Sharing from the list and click on it.

Step 2: After it opens click on Change Adapter Settings. Find out from the list your current network adapter and right-click on it. Open properties.

Step 3: Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) Properties. Select Advanced Button.

Step 4: Go to the DNS tab. If there is any address then note them down.

Step 5: Click on Add and then enter 8.8.8.8 or 8.8.4.4.

Step 6: Restart your computer after saving the changes. Don’t forget to save the changes by any chance.

Check if the problem is still remaining. If it went then good otherwise read the next method.

Solution 8: Edit Hosts Files

To edit hosts files you have to follow the following steps:

Step 1: Press Windows key + S to open the search dialog box and then type in Notepad. Right-click and then select Run as Administrator.

Step 2: Click on File and then select Open. Find your way around to C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc.

Step 3: Double click on host files and open it.

Step 4: Add the lines to the host Files.

1. 142.122.70

cdn.Steampowered.com

2. 111.128.6

cdn.store.Steampowered.com

3. 111.128.7

media.Steampowered.com

Step 5: Save the changes.

Step 6: Again press Windows Key + X. Select Command Prompt from the list menu.

Step 7: Type in the command prompt dialog box: ‘ipconfig/ flushdns’ and press Enter.

Step 8: Restart your computer.

Check if the problem is still persisting. If not then good otherwise proceed to the next method.

Solution 9: Set Steam Client Services Startup Type to Automatic

To set Steam client services Startup to Automatic follow the following steps:

Step 1: Press Windows key + R to open the run dialog box. Type in services.msc in the dialog box. When the window opens navigate to Steam Client Services and double click on it.

Step 2: When another window opens locate Startup Type. Change the settings from manual to automatic.

Step 3: Apply the changes and save them. Restart your computer.

Check if the problem is still resolved or not. If not then follow the next method. We know its tiring but keep the faith.

Solution 10: Disable Steam from Automatically Starting

When your computer is unable to secure a network connection the error in consideration regarding Steam can occur. In order to solve this problem, you have to disable Steam from starting automatically. To do that you have to follow the following steps:

Step 1: Open Steam and go to Settings.

Step 2: Navigate to the Interface tab and then uncheck Run Steam when my Computer Starts.

Step 3: Save the changes.

Step 4: Restart your computer.

Solution 11: Run SteamTmp.exe

The last solution to the error is to run SteamTmp.exe from Steam’s Installation Directory. It has been reported that this has worked for several users. You should be able to solve Steam Needs To Be Online To Update problem on your own. There are several solutions given. One of them should work.

Solution 12: Temporarily Disable Your Antivirus

In some cases, it so happens that your Antivirus is the problem. Its hindering Steam from updating. In such a situation your best bet is to add Steam in your Antivirus’s exception list.

If that does not work either, you have to temporarily disable your Antivirus for the time being. If that does not work either then the only option for you is to uninstall your Antivirus. You can opt for another antivirus. There are millions available.

Solution 13: Disable Windows Firewall

In some cases, it was reported that the ‘Steam Needs To Be Online To Update’ error resolved when the Windows Firewall was disabled. To disable the Windows Firewall you need to follow the following steps:

Step 1: Press Windows key + S to open the search dialog box. Type in Windows Firewall and click on the top search result that appears.

Step 2: The Windows Firewall box will open. After that, you need to click on Turn Windows Firewall on or off option.

Step 3: Select Turn off Windows Firewall (not recommended) option. You should do it for both private and public networks.

Step 4: Save the changes by clicking on OK.

This should disable your windows firewall and your error should be gone. But if not then proceed to the next solution method.

Note: Please make sure to turn on the Windows Firewall once you have completed updating Steam.

Why Does Steam Need to Update?

Regular updates are essential for software like Steam. These updates:

• Fix Bugs: To ensure smooth functionality.
• Enhance Security: To protect user data and prevent vulnerabilities.
• Introduce Features: New tools, functions, or cosmetic changes to improve user experience.
• Optimize Performance: To make the software run more efficiently.

Why is Steam’s Offline Mode Not Working Without The Internet?

While Steam’s offline mode is designed to allow users to play their games without an internet connection, it requires an initial online check to ensure the authenticity of the account and its associated games.

If a user hasn’t logged in recently or there’s a pending update, Steam might refuse to go into offline mode without first connecting to the internet.

Does Reinstalling Steam Delete Games?

No, reinstalling Steam does not necessarily delete your games. The games and save files are stored in the “steamapps” folder within the Steam directory. However, to be safe:

1. Backup: Before uninstalling or reinstalling, always backup your “steamapps” folder.
2. Reinstallation: After reinstalling Steam, copy and replace the “steamapps” folder back into the Steam directory.
3. Verification: Steam might need to verify the game files the first time you launch a game after reinstallation, but you won’t need to download everything from scratch.

Read Next:

• Steam Error Code 105
• Steam Content Servers Unreachable
• Steam Download Stopping and Restarting
• Steam Disk Write Error

Conclusion