Sometimes, when starting a particular game, various errors appear, which naturally upsets gamers. One of them - " The program cannot be started because steam_api.dll is missing from the computer". From the name of the file itself, it is clear that this is the library of the most popular Steam service, which distributes both paid and free computer games over the network.
So, it is this file that is responsible for the interaction of any installed game and the Steam service. If the steam_api.dll file was and disappeared for some reason, then, of course, no game will start. In this manual, we will find out for what reasons this can happen, and what to do in this or that case.
So, you sat down at the computer, launched your favorite game, and then a message pops up:
Most often, such an error occurs due to an antivirus that mistakenly blocks the steam_api.dll file, mistaking it for malware. Therefore, this file is moved to quarantine after which it becomes inaccessible to programs, in our case Steam.exe. Basically, this happens when a pirated game is installed on a computer, downloaded from torrent sites. Also, the user himself may not want to move this library file during any manipulations with the Steam directory. Below we will consider what can be done when the steam_api.dll file is missing.
Antivirus blocked steam_api.dll
First of all, I recommend checking the antivirus quarantine folder, if this file is located there, you need to add it to the exclusions. This can be done by reviewing and examining the settings of your antivirus program. This option is suitable if you install licensed games from Steam. If the game is downloaded from a pirated resource, then I do not advise adding the dll library to the antivirus exceptions.Downloading and installing Steam
Alternatively, you can reinstall the Steam program, after saving the Steamapps folder and the steam.exe executable file. Go to Start - Control Panel.
Select "Programs and Features".
Next in the list we find steam and delete it.
After completely uninstalling the Steam client, you can download the new version and install it. To download the installer, follow the link and click the "Install Steam" button
When the program is downloaded, just open it and follow the instructions of the installation wizard to install Steam.
After reinstalling this utility, the problem should be solved.
