How to Fix Steam Disk Write Error

Theo Lucia

Jan 15, 2024 • Filed to: Windows Computer Solutions • Proven solutions

Steam is a digital distribution platform used for buying, playing, and discussing games. While using the program, you may encounter errors during your gameplay. This could be in a Steam disk write error form. In this article, we propose 9 ways on how you can fix your Steam Disk Write Error problems.

Overview of Steam Disk Write Error

Steam is a popular application/website used by many gamers. During installation and updates of games, you may come across errors with disks. This may appear as "An error occurred while installing/updating…(disk write error)". This prevents you from completely installing your game.

How to Fix Steam Disk Write Error

Here we provide 9 solutions to fix your Steam Disk Write Error.

Fix 1: Update the drivers (manually and with a tool to update)

1. Download Driver Easy software and Install.
2. Open the software and choose Scan Now. The program will now scan your PC and find any problems with the device and drivers.
3. You may choose to Update All to download and install correct versions of the drivers automatically if you upgrade to the Pro version. Otherwise, just click on Update.
4. Reboot your PC to see the changes.
5. Check if the disk writes (read) error still exists after redownloading and reupdating your game. If the error still exists, go to Fix 2.

Fix 2: Get Rid of the 0 KB File

1. Press the Windows key + R on your keyboard. On the Run window, type in %ProgramFIles(x86)% and hit Enter.
2. Double click on Steam, then go to steamapps, then common.
3. On the bottom of the window, you'll find a 0KB-sized file. Delete this file.
4. Redownload or re-update the game and see if the error persists.

Fix 3: Remove any corrupted files

1. Press the Windows key + R on your keyboard. On the Run window, type in %ProgramFIles(x86)% and hit Enter.
2. Look for Steam, then go to logs, then content_log.
3. On the bottom of the window, check if there is a failure to write an error.

If there is an error, delete the corrupted file by following the path of error.

If there is no error, exit Windows and move on to the next solution.

Fix 4: Check if the game installation is corrupt

1. Go to steam, and find LIBRARY.
2. Click on the game where the error appears and hit Properties.
3. Go to LOCAL FILES, then VERIFY INTEGRITY OF GAME FILES.
4. Wait until the process is finished. Exit and relaunch Steam.
5. Redownload or re-update the game to see if the error still exists. If there is still error, go to Fix 5.

Fix 5: Use Flush Configuration

1. Close Steam program.
2. Press the Windows key + R on your keyboard. On the Run window, type in steam://flushconfig and hit OK.
3. Click OK and reboot your PC.
4. Once it reboots, press the Windows key + R on your keyboard. On the Run window, type in %ProgramFIles(x86)% and hit Enter.
5. Find the Steam folder and click on it. Look for Steam.exe to open the program.
6. Redownload or re-update the game to see if the error persists.

Fix 6: Allow Full Control to Steam

1. Close Steam Program.
2. Press the Windows key + R on your keyboard. On the Run window, type in %ProgramFIles(x86)% and hit Enter.
3. Right-click Steam and find Properties.
4. Unmark the box with Read-only (Only applies to files in folders).
5. Go to the Security tab and select Edit.
6. In the Group or user names: window, select your user account then at the window below, mark the Allow box beside Full control under Permission for Users.
7. Select Apply then OK.
8. In the search bar, type in steam and right-click on it. Select Run as administrator.
9. Check if the error persists.

Fix 7: Delete Disk Write Protection

1. Press Windows key and type cmd to run Command Prompt. Right-click to Run as administrator.
2. Type in the following commands, pressing Enter after each command.

diskpart

list disk

select disk #

attributes disk clear readonly

NOTE: # stands for the number of hard drives you're getting the error from

1. Exit Command Prompt window.
2. Reinstall or reupdate and check if the disk write error persists.

Fix 8: Turn off antivirus software

Antivirus and antimalware programs installed in your PC delves into the inner workings of any operating system. This usually results in interference with many disk and driver operations and may cause problems with running Steam. Disable any antivirus software you may have installed. This is usually done by going to the Settings of the program. You may also set Steam as an exception.

Fix 9: Check Firewall

Check whether your firewalls are interfering with Steam servers. Reach out to tech support or just assign Steam as an exception.

Steam Disk Errors may be very bothersome, especially for gamers. This interrupts gameplay and just prevents you from enjoying your newly installed or bought game. Hopefully one of these fixes will solve your Steam Disk Write Error.