Clicking the play button on your favourite game, only to see a pop-up with Steam error code E87, is a frustrating way to start your gaming session. This issue stops you from launching titles or connecting to game servers. It typically signals a problem with network connectivity or a mix-up with corrupted game files. While it feels like a major roadblock, you can often fix it with a few simple steps.
Getting back to your games is the priority. This error code usually points to a temporary communication breakdown between your computer and the Valve servers. By following a standard path of troubleshooting, you can identify if the issue is on your end or related to the game files themselves.
Understanding Steam Error Code E87
What is Steam Error Code E87?
Steam error code E87 is a broad error message that indicates the Steam client cannot perform a specific task. You might see it when trying to launch a game, download an update, or connect to an online lobby. It acts as a symptom rather than a single specific bug. Because it is a general code, it does not always tell you exactly what went wrong. Instead, it tells you that the client’s request to the server failed or that the local data could not be read.
Common Triggers for E87
Identifying the cause helps you fix the issue faster. While there is no single root cause, you can usually narrow it down to one of these four areas:
Network Connectivity Issues
Your internet connection is the primary bridge between your computer and Steam servers. If your connection is unstable, slow, or blocked by local network rules, Steam cannot communicate properly. This includes problems with your VPN, router settings, or even ISP outages that block certain ports.
Corrupted Game Files or Installation
Sometimes, files on your hard drive become unreadable. This happens if an update is interrupted, a download is incomplete, or your disk has a minor read/write error. If the files Steam needs to launch the game are damaged, the client throws an error because it cannot execute the code.
Steam Client Glitches
The Steam application itself can encounter temporary bugs. These are often caused by memory leaks, stuck processes in the background, or an outdated version of the client. A simple refresh or update often clears these up.
Antivirus or Firewall Interference
Security software is designed to block unknown or suspicious connections. Occasionally, these programmes become overzealous. They might view a legitimate Steam game process as a threat and block its access to the internet, resulting in an E87 error.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Solutions
Initial Checks and Quick Fixes
Always start with the easiest fixes. These take the least amount of time and solve most common problems.
Restart Steam and Your Computer
Never underestimate the power of a full restart. Close the Steam client completely by right-clicking the icon in your system tray and selecting “Exit.” Then, restart your computer. This clears the temporary memory and kills any background processes that might be hanging and causing the E87 error.
Verify Integrity of Game Files
If the error only happens with one specific game, the installation files might be broken. Steam has a built-in tool to fix this:
- Open your Steam Library.
- Right-click the game that is showing the error.
- Select “Properties” from the menu.
- Click the “Installed Files” tab.
- Click “Verify integrity of game files.” Steam will scan your local files, compare them to the server version, and download any parts that are missing or broken.
Check Your Internet Connection
Ensure your connection is steady. If you are on Wi-Fi, try moving closer to the router or using a wired Ethernet cable for better stability. You should also restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds and plugging it back in. This clears the device cache and forces a fresh connection to your ISP.
Advanced Network Troubleshooting
If basic fixes fail, the issue might be deeper in your network setup.
Temporarily Disable Firewall and Antivirus
To see if your security software is the culprit, temporarily turn off your Windows Firewall or third-party antivirus program. Try to launch the game again. If the game starts without the error, you need to add an exception for Steam in your security settings. Always remember to turn your security software back on immediately after testing.
Flush DNS and Reset Network Settings
Old DNS data can cause connection errors. You can clear this using the Command Prompt:
- Press the Windows key and type “cmd.”
- Right-click it and choose “Run as Administrator.”
- Type
ipconfig /flushdnsand press Enter. - Then type
ipconfig /releaseand press Enter. - Finally, type
ipconfig /renewand press Enter. This forces your computer to clear its saved network addresses and ask for new ones.
Change Steam Download Region
Sometimes the server in your region is overloaded or down for maintenance. You can switch to a different one:
- Go to Steam Settings.
- Select the “Downloads” tab.
- Change the “Download Region” to a different city near you.
- Restart Steam and try to launch the game again.
Addressing Game and Steam Client Issues
If the network is fine, look at the application data.
Clear Steam Download Cache
The download cache can sometimes hold onto bad data that causes errors.
- Open Steam Settings.
- Go to the “Downloads” tab.
- Click on “Clear Cache” next to the download cache option.
- Steam will restart and ask you to log in again. This clears out corrupted temporary files.
Run Steam as Administrator
Sometimes, Steam needs higher permissions to write files to your hard drive. Right-click the Steam shortcut on your desktop and select “Run as administrator.” If this solves the error, you can set it to always run this way by right-clicking the shortcut, going to “Properties,” selecting the “Compatibility” tab, and checking “Run this program as an administrator.”
Reinstall Steam
If nothing else works, a clean install of the client might be necessary. Uninstall Steam via your computer settings. Then, download the latest installer from the official Steam website. Your installed games will remain in your folder, but Steam will perform a fresh handshake with the servers once reinstalled.
Reinstall the Specific Game
If the error is only attached to one game, that game might be the problem. Uninstall the game completely, delete any remaining folders in your Steam common files directory, and download it from scratch. This ensures a clean installation free of any corrupted update remnants.
Seeking Further Assistance
When to Contact Steam Support
If you have tried the steps above and the error persists, it is time to contact official support. They have access to logs and server-side tools that you do not have.
Gathering Information for Support
Before you open a ticket, gather details to save time. Include:
- Your operating system and hardware specs.
- The exact error code E87.
- A list of the troubleshooting steps you already tried.
- Screenshots of the error when it appears. Providing this info upfront helps the support team skip the basic questions and get to the solution faster.
Understanding Steam Support Resources
Visit the official Steam Support website. They have a massive knowledge base covering almost every error code. You can search for E87 there to see if there is a known service outage in your area or a global issue that many users are reporting simultaneously.
Preventing Future Occurrences of Error E87
Maintaining a Stable Network Environment
Preventing network errors is about keeping your connection clean.
Regular Router/Modem Maintenance
Routers are small computers that get bogged down over time. Set a schedule to reboot your router at least once a month. Check your router manufacturer’s website to see if there are firmware updates available, as these updates often fix stability and connectivity bugs.
Optimize Wi-Fi Signal Strength
If you play on Wi-Fi, obstacles like walls and appliances interfere with your signal. Use a 5GHz band if possible, as it is faster and less prone to interference than 2.4GHz. If you play competitive games, a wired connection is always the best way to prevent network-related interruptions.
Keeping Game and Steam Files Healthy
A healthy disk leads to a healthy gaming experience.
Ensure Sufficient Disk Space
Steam needs breathing room on your drive to download, unpack, and move files during updates. If your disk is nearly full, it may fail to write files correctly, leading to corruption. Always keep at least 15-20% of your total drive space free to allow for these operations.
Regular Disk Defragmentation/Optimization
If you use a traditional hard drive (HDD), run a disk defragmentation regularly to keep file access speeds high. If you use a solid-state drive (SSD), do not defragment it; instead, use the “Optimize” feature in Windows, which uses the TRIM command to keep your drive fast and free of errors.
Conclusion
Steam error code E87 is frustrating, but it is rarely permanent. By systematically checking your network, verifying your game files, and managing your Steam client settings, you can overcome this hurdle. Start with the easiest solutions like restarting your system or verifying game files before moving to more advanced network tweaks. Remember that maintaining your router and keeping your disk space healthy prevents many of these issues before they start. Keep your patience, follow the steps, and you will be back to your games in no time.