Any application at some point can throw an error related to a particular library in the system. Thus, Windows users may encounter the error “steam_api.dll is missing” when launching a game from Steam. This is exactly what we will talk about. In this article we will talk about what this error is - steam_api.dll and how to fix it. We will go through in detail all aspects related to this topic, so that after reading the article you will not have any questions left.
Definition
To begin with, before understanding the problem itself, it is worth finding out what kind of error it is - steam_api.dll, because we need to know what we are dealing with.
It's actually simple. Steam_api.dll is a dynamic library that is installed along with the Steam digital distribution program itself. This file is required to verify the authenticity of games. In other words, steam_api.dll controls that the game was purchased and not, so to speak, stolen.
It can be noted that most often failures in working with this library occur due to the user attempting to interact with this file. For example, trying to launch RePack games via Steam.
Reasons for appearance
Having figured out what this error is - steam_api.dll, you can move on to the reasons for its occurrence. It was said above that it most often occurs due to an attempt to hack the game license, but this is far from the only reason. So let's try to figure it out in more detail.
By downloading and installing a hacked game, you also install a modified steam_api.dll file. Sometimes everything goes well and no error appears, but it happens that the antivirus notices something wrong and quarantines the library, that is, blocks it. In this case, the Steam program does not see the library on the computer, and therefore refuses to launch the game.
But there are other cases, here are the most common:
accidental deletion of a library;
firewall blocking;
failure in the operating system;
viruses on PC.
Solution No. 1: loading the library
Having found out what this error is - steam_api.dll, and having studied the reasons for its occurrence, you can move on to solutions. The first will be a method that involves manually installing the library on your computer. Here are detailed instructions on what to do to fix the problem:
Find steam_api.dll to download.
Go to a trusted site.
Download the library to your computer.
Move or extract it to the System32 (for 32-bit systems) or SysWOW64 (for 64-bit systems) folder.
Here are some simple instructions, but no less effective.
Solution No. 2: using DLL-Files.com
The second way to fix the steam_api.dll error will seem much simpler to many than the previous one. This time we will use a special program called DLL-Files.com. First download and install it on your computer, then follow the instructions.
Launch the application.
Enter steam_api.dll in the search bar.
Perform a search.
Click on the found library.
Click on the "Install" button.
As soon as you do this, the program will automatically download and install the necessary component. In fact, this method is no different from the previous one, only the program will do everything for you.
Solution No. 3: manipulation of the antivirus
Even knowing the two previous ways to fix the steam_api.dll error, you still may not achieve the desired result. This happens due to the antivirus. It may continue to consider the file infected and move it to quarantine. However, there is a solution. You need to open your antivirus, go into its settings and add the library file to the exceptions. Thus, the antivirus program will ignore all threats associated with it. It also doesn’t hurt to check the system for viruses, because an antivirus can block this file for a reason; perhaps it is affected by the virus itself.
Solution No. 4: System Restore
Continuing to figure out what to do with the steam_api.dll error, it is worth highlighting another very effective method - system recovery. But it should be noted that it will only help in cases where a recovery point was created before the error incidents, otherwise all the actions taken will be useless.
So, to restore the system, you need to do the following:
Click on the "Start" button.
From there, run the System Restore utility.
Solution #5: Reinstall Steam
If the steam_api.dll error still appears upon startup, then as an option you can reinstall the program itself. In rare cases, this helps get rid of it. However, before deleting, it is recommended to move all games and files associated with them to a separate folder to avoid deleting them. To do this, go to the root directory of the program, select the Steamapps folder and the steam.exe file and move them to another location. Next, you need to open the “Toolbox” and go to the “Programs and Features” utility. From there, uninstall the Steam program, and then download and install it from the distributor’s official website. After the manipulations have been completed, do not forget to move all copied files back to the program directory.
Solution No. 6: reinstall the game
If the system still does not stop giving the steam_api.dll error, then you can try to reinstall the game itself. Sometimes this helps, especially in cases with RePacks. It’s not worth explaining how to reinstall games, because every user knows this, but it would be appropriate to give recommendations.
Before deleting the game from your computer, save all save files so that after installation you can continue where you left off.
Also save your game data from the Steam program itself.
Before installing the game, just in case, disable your antivirus so that it does not block the steam_api.dll library.
After installing the game, the problem should disappear; if this does not happen, then the cause of the problem is buried deeper, perhaps the OS itself is “broken.” Try reinstalling it - this will definitely help fix the problem.
