Steam is the world’s most popular game library, but this doesn’t mean that it doesn’t have its fair share of flaws and problems. In fact, the most annoying problem that players deal with is the “Steam corrupt content files” error. This error usually happens when downloading a new update and it no longer allows players to access their favorite games.
The Steam corrupt content files error can be fixed by verifying the game files. This can be done by following the next steps Steam Library – Right Click on the game – select Local Files – click on Verify Integrity of Game Files. If the “steam corrupt update files” error keeps popping up, players delete the download cache, reinstall the game, disable their antivirus or try a new Steam account.
Today we will help you fix the Steam corrupt download error by presenting 5 quick and easy fixes.
How to Fix Steam Corrupt Content File
#1 Game File Integrity
Most likely, the reason why the game is not updating or downloading is because there are some problems with the file integrity. On the bright side of things, the game library is equipped with a built-in file integrity checker that everyone can access. Check out the guide below:
- Open Steam;
- Right click on the game that is causing issues;
- Choose “Local Files”;
- Click on the “Verify Integrity of Game Files” option;
- Launch the game.
#2 Change the Download Region
Most people choose to stick with the default download region because they can get the maximum file download speed. However, the default region can also lead to the “Steam an error occurred while updating corrupt content file” issue. Follow the guide below to change the download region and see if the game can download its new update without any problems:
- Open Steam;
- Access the Settings menu;
- Select Downloads;
- Head over to “Download Region”;
- Choose a new region and restart Steam.
#3 Clear Download Cache
More than often, clearing the download cache will solve almost all Steam update and Steam corrupt files problems. Wihel this might sound complicated, we assure you that it’s not. You can clear Steam download cache in 3 easy steps:
- Launch Steam and go to Downloads;
- Select the option “Clear Download Cache”;
- Restart Steam and you are good to go.
#4 Reinstall the Game with Corrupted Files
This might sound a bit too obvious, but reinstalling the game that has corrupted files will help you get rid of the problem. By uninstalling the game, you will remove all problematic files and updates. Steam will get a second chance to install the game properly.
- Access Steam and right click on the game;
- Select “Delete Local Content”;
- Wait for the game to uninstall and then install it again.
#5 Run Steam as Administrator
Running applications as administrator will help you bypass many problems, including the Steam corrupt download fix. After checking Steam forums, we found that multiple players have repaired the issue by running their favorite games as administrator. Here is how you can do it:
- Make sure to close Steam;
- Right Click on the Steam launcher;
- Select “Run as Administrator”.
What Causes the Steam Corrupt File Error?
Here are the top 3 reasons why the Steam corrupt file error can be triggered:
- Missing Game Files
We started this guide by showing everyone how to check for file integrity. This is thanks to the fact that missing game files usually lead to this Steam errors.
- Corrupted Drivers
Laptops and PCs require a bundle of drivers in order to run games. Take for example GPU (graphics processing unit) drivers that come with performance boosts and bug fixes. It’s highly possible that a corrupt driver might be the culprit and why your games are not running or downloading on Steam.
- Cached Data
A major reason why Steam triggers the corrupt files error is when the cached data block new updates from downloading.