Steam Disk Write Error: 8 Simple Fixes to Try Right Now

Troubleshoot & fix the Steam disk write error for good

Co-authored by Darlene Antonelli, MA Reviewed by Luigi Oppido

Last Updated: November 16, 2024 Fact Checked

Are you seeing "disk write error" in Steam when launching a game or installing updates? Disk write errors are often caused by overzealous antivirus software, incorrect permissions, drive problems, and even temporary glitches. Read on to learn why you're getting a "disk write error" in Steam and how to fix it.

How to Fix Disk Write Errors in Steam

The most common cause is antivirus software blocking Steam from writing to the drive. Disable your antivirus temporarily—if the error goes away, add an exception for Steam. If the error persists, remove read-only permissions from the Steam folder or run Steam as an administrator.

1

Disable your antivirus software.

Download Article

If you're seeing "An error occurred while updating" or "An error occurred while launching this game" along with "disk write error," your antivirus software is likely preventing Steam from saving files to the drive. To troubleshoot, disable your security software temporarily, then close and reopen Steam. If the disk write error goes away when your antivirus program isn't running, fix the problem long-term by adding an exception.^{[1]
X
Research source}

2

Remove read-only permissions from the Steam folder.

Download Article

If the Steam folder is set to read-only, Steam can't write to it. Having read-only permissions means you can only play games that are currently installed. If you try to save anything to the Steam folder, including updates and mods, you'll get a disk write error. You can fix this problem by removing read-only attributes from the Steam folder:
- Windows
  - In File Explorer, right-click the Steam folder and select Properties.
  - Uncheck "Read-only" and click OK.^{[2]
    X
    Research source}
  - If the "read-only" status reverts every time you open Steam, launch Steam as an administrator.
- Mac
  - Open Finder and click the Steam folder once to select it.
  - Click the File menu and select Get Info.
  - Expand the "Sharing & Permissions" section if it's hidden.
  - Select your username, then select Read & Write permissions.^{[3]
    X
    Research source}

3

Run Steam as an administrator.

Download Article

If Steam can't write to a directory because it doesn't have permission, you may see a disk write error. If you're on Windows, right-click the program icon and select Run as administrator. For Mac users, you'll need to be logged in to your Mac as an administrator.

4

Restart Steam.

Download Article

A simple restart might do the trick. Temporary glitches can prevent the Store from loading properly, so closing and opening it again can fix the error. To close the platform, go to Steam > Exit. Make sure Steam still isn't running in the background with Activity Monitor or Task Manager, then open Steam again.
- If the disk write error happens when Steam starts automatically, you can disable auto-start in Steam and open it manually.
- If you're using a Steam Deck, you'll need to restart your device instead. Press and hold the Power button for 4(LCD) or 7(OLED) seconds to prompt the restart.

5

Restart your computer.

Download Article

This will also close any programs that may interfere with Steam as long as they don't automatically start when the computer reboots. If the disk write error disappears after a reboot, you may want to check which programs start automatically and disable any you don't need.

6

Move Steam games to a different drive.

Download Article

In that case, a new drive will resolve any issues. Moving games to another drive isn't a difficult process! You can move games individually in the "Steamapps" and "User" folders of File Explorer or Finder, or you can use the Storage Manager in Steam to select a new location.

7

Delete 0 kb game files.

Download Article

Corrupted game files can cause disk write errors in Steam. If you see a game file that's 0 kb in size, the file is corrupted. Follow these steps to delete the 0 kb file and make room for the undamaged data:
- You will lose any custom mods or custom content doing this.
- Close Steam and go to your Steam library. (C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common is the default for Windows, Users/[username]/Library/Application Support/Steam/steamapps/common is the default for Mac).
- Look for a game file that's 0 kb.
- Right-click or control-click the file and select Delete.
- Relaunch Steam to see if the error is resolved.

8

Check Steam file integrity.

Download Article

Go to your Steam library and right-click the game you're getting the error with. Click the gear icon and go to Properties > Installed Files > Verify integrity of game files. This process will take a few minutes. If Steam finds missing files or problems with existing files, it will replace them.^{[4]
X
Research source}