If you’re facing the frustrating issue where Steam shows a game as running even after you’ve closed it, don’t worry – you’re not alone. This common problem can prevent you from launching the game again and hinder your gaming experience. In this article, we’ll explain why Steam thinks your game is still running and provide you with effective solutions to fix the issue.
Why Does Steam Show a Game as Running?
Steam is the most popular gaming platform for PC users, with millions of players worldwide. It provides access to a wide variety of games, from AAA titles like Call of Duty and Grand Theft Auto V to beloved indie games such as Stardew Valley, Cuphead, and Terraria.
However, despite its popularity, Steam can sometimes experience glitches. One common issue is that Steam mistakenly shows a game as running even after it has been closed. This can be frustrating, especially if you’re trying to start the game again or access it from the Steam library.
When you close a game on Steam, the platform should automatically stop all game processes. Unfortunately, Steam can get stuck and incorrectly continue to show the game as active. This prevents you from launching it again until the issue is resolved.
How to Fix Steam Showing a Game as Running When It Isn’t
If you’re encountering the issue where Steam says a game is running when it isn’t, you’re not alone. This common problem can prevent you from launching or playing your game again. But don’t worry—there are several simple solutions to fix this issue.
1. Close the Game Through Task Manager
If Steam insists that the game is still running, even though it isn’t, you can use Task Manager to close any lingering game processes. Here’s how to do it:
- Press the Windows + X keys together to bring up the WinX menu.
- Select Task Manager from the list of options, or press Windows + Shift + Esc to open it directly.
- Stay on the Processes tab and look through the list of running processes to see if the game is still listed as running.
- If you find a process related to the game, click on it to select it.
- Click the End Task button at the bottom right of the Task Manager window to stop the game process completely.
This will force the game to shut down, allowing you to restart it through Steam.
2. Restart Your Computer to Fix Steam Showing Game as Running
Sometimes, a simple restart of your computer can fix the issue where Steam shows a game as running when it isn’t. Restarting your system helps refresh the system’s processes, allowing Steam to reset and function properly. Here’s how to do it:
- Click on the Start Menu in your taskbar or press the Windows key on your keyboard to open the Start menu.
- Select the “Power” button, then click on “Restart” from the available options.
- If any open apps are preventing the restart, you might be prompted to click “Restart anyway” or manually close all applications. Remember to save any progress or files before proceeding with the restart.
- After your system reboots, check if Steam is still showing the game as running. If the issue persists, move on to the next solution.
Restarting your computer is an easy yet effective step to clear out any minor glitches that may be affecting Steam’s functionality. This should help refresh your system and resolve the issue with the game status in Steam.
3. Log Out of Steam to Fix Game Running Error
If Steam shows a game as running when it isn’t, logging out and then logging back into Steam can often resolve the issue. This simple method refreshes your Steam account and can help correct the game status. Here’s how to do it:
- Launch the Steam Client on your computer.
- Click on the “Steam” menu located in the top-left corner of the window.
- Choose the “Sign Out” option from the drop-down menu. This will log you out of your Steam account.
- After signing out, log back in using your Steam credentials.
- Once logged back in, check if the game status is now correctly displayed.
By logging out and logging back in, you allow Steam to refresh and resolve any potential glitches with the game showing as running incorrectly. If the issue persists, continue to explore other solutions.
4. Opt-Out of Steam Beta to Resolve Game Running Error
If Steam shows a game as running when it isn’t, opting out of the Steam Beta can help fix the issue. Sometimes, beta features can cause glitches that interfere with normal functionality. By reverting back to the stable version of Steam, you can ensure that all features, including game status, work properly. Here’s how to opt out of the Steam Beta:
- Launch the Steam Client on your computer.
- Navigate to Steam > Settings from the top menu.
- Go to the “Account” tab and find the section labeled “Beta participation.”
- Click on the “Change” button if you are currently enrolled in the Steam Beta.
- From the drop-down menu, select “NONE – Opt out of all beta programs.”
- Click OK to save your changes and exit the settings.
By opting out of the Steam Beta, you may resolve issues caused by experimental features and return to the stable version of Steam, ensuring proper game status display.
5. Refresh Your Steam Files to Fix Game Running Error
If you’re still seeing a game as running in Steam when it isn’t, refreshing your Steam files can be a useful fix. This involves clearing cached data, repairing the Steam library, or even reinstalling Steam to reset the system and allow Steam to function properly. Here are the steps to refresh your Steam files:
- Clear the Steam Download Cache:
- Go to Steam > Settings > Downloads.
- Select Clear Download Cache. This action will flush any cached configuration data and force Steam to retrieve the data again from the Steam servers.
- Repair Your Steam Library Folder:
- Go to Steam > Settings > Downloads > Steam Library Folders.
- Right-click on the library folder and select Repair Library Folder. This will refresh the user permissions and ensure proper updates.
- Reinstall Steam:
- Download the Steam installer and reinstall it in the same location where it’s already installed. This step will fix potential issues with Steam client and service files but preserve all installed games. Be cautious, as uninstalling Steam will delete all game content.
- Move the Game Folder to Another Drive:
- Create a new Steam library folder on a different hard drive.
- Go to Steam > Settings > Downloads > Steam Library Folders, click Add new Library folder, and move the game there. This helps to test the issue and may solve it by redistributing the game’s files.
By following these steps, you will refresh Steam and potentially resolve the issue of Steam incorrectly displaying a game as running.
6. Verify Integrity of Game Files to Fix Steam Showing Game as Running
Another effective solution to fix Steam showing a game as running when it isn’t is to verify the integrity of game files. This method checks if there are any missing or corrupted files in the game’s directory and repairs them to ensure smooth gameplay.
Follow these steps to verify the integrity of game files:
- Launch Steam and go to the Library tab.
- Right-click on the game that’s causing the issue and select Properties from the context menu.
- Switch to the Local Files tab in the new window and click on the Verify integrity of game files button.
- Wait for Steam to scan and verify the game files. This process may take several minutes.
- After the verification is complete, check if the game’s status is still incorrectly displayed as running.
If this method doesn’t resolve the issue, you may need to take further steps, such as reinstalling the game or even reinstalling Steam.
7. Reinstall the Game to Fix Steam Showing Game as Running
If none of the previous methods worked, reinstalling the game can be an effective way to resolve the issue of Steam showing a game as running when it isn’t. This solution involves uninstalling the game and then reinstalling it to ensure all game files are correctly installed and up to date.
Follow these steps to reinstall the game:
- Launch Steam and go to the Library tab.
- Right-click on the game causing the issue and select Manage > Uninstall from the context menu.
- Click the Uninstall button to confirm the action. Wait for the game to uninstall, which may take several minutes depending on the game’s size.
- After uninstalling, stay on the game’s Steam page and click the Install button to reinstall the game.
By reinstalling the game, you’ll ensure that all necessary files are correctly installed, which should fix the issue of Steam displaying the game as running.
Video: The 8+ NEW FREE REWARDS in Raid Episode 3 & How to Get Them (All Veteran/Normal Unlocks – Season 3)
Conclusion: Fixing Steam Showing Game as Running
If Steam is showing that a game is running when it’s not, it can certainly be a frustrating issue. Thankfully, most of these problems can be easily solved with a few basic troubleshooting steps. By following the solutions provided above, you should be able to fix the issue quickly and get back to playing your favorite games without any further interruptions.
We hope this guide has been helpful in resolving your Steam issue. Enjoy uninterrupted gaming and continue to have fun with your favorite games!
One more thing
If you’re in search of a software company that embodies integrity and upholds honest business practices, your quest ends here at Ecomkeys.com. As a Microsoft Certified Partner, we prioritize the trust and satisfaction of our customers. Our commitment to delivering reliable software products is unwavering, and our dedication to your experience extends far beyond the point of sale. At Ecomkeys.com, we provide a comprehensive 360-degree support system that accompanies you throughout your software journey. Your trust is our foundation, and we’re here to ensure that every interaction with us is a positive and trustworthy one.
