How To Fix Missing File Privileges Steam Error

The Steam’s Missing File Privileges error has troubled gamers across the globe. This game occurs when users try to play a particular game through the Steam app on their Windows PCs. Although the exact reason for this error is unknown, experts suggest that this happens due to misconfigurations or anomalies within the Steam App. The easiest fix would be to uninstall and reinstall the Steam app, which would cause gamers to lose all the saved files for the games. Hence, we have compiled a list of troubleshooting methods to help you fix the “Steam download missing file privileges” error without affecting your other game files.

8 Ways to  Fix Missing File Privileges Steam Error

Method 1: Run Steam Client As Administrator

Microsoft allows users to run third-party apps in admin mode enabling them to use all system resources. Here’s how you can run Steam as admin:

Step 1: Press Win + E to open the File Explorer.
Step 2: Click on this PC and enter the following path in the address bar.

C:\Program Files (x86) 

Step 3: Locate the Steam Folder and double-click to open it.
Step 4: Look for the Steam.exe file and right-click to view the context menu.
Step 5: Choose Properties, and a new box will open.
Step 6: Click the Compatibility tab and check the box next to “Run This Program As An Administrator.”
Step 7: Click on Apply, followed by OK.

Relaunch Steam and check if the issue persists. If it does not, move to the next fix.

Method 2: Change The Download Region On Steam

Steam provides region-specific games and other content. This is why when your server becomes overloaded, it results in a “missing file privileges” error. To check if this is the case, change the download region. Here is what you need to do.

Step 1: Launch The Steam App and click on Settings.
Step 2: Click the Downloads button in the left pane and locate the Download Region on the right side.

Step 3: Click the drop-down under Download Region. Select a different region.

Step 4: Click on the OK button and exit the Steam app.
Step 5: Relaunch the Steam app and check if the issue has been resolved.

Method 3: Repair The Steam Library Folder

A misconfigured or corrupted folder related to Steam can also cause the issue. The solution is to repair this folder.

Step 1: Reboot The PC and then launch Steam.
Step 2: Click on the Steam at the top left corner and then choose Settings.
Step 3: Next, click on the Downloads tab in the left panel and then click on the Steam Library Folders option in the right section.

Step 4: Right-click the Steam folder and choose Repair Library Folder.

Step 5: Follow the onscreen instructions and relaunch the Steam app after the process completes.

Method 4: Disable The igfxEM Module From Task Manager

Many gaming experts recommend disabling the igfxEm Module process as it helps fix the “Steam missing file privileges” issue on Windows PCs. However, the reason for the conflict has not yet been explained. To disable the process, follow these steps: 

Step 1: Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the Task Manager.
Step 2: Look for the igfxEm Module in the Processes section and right-click on it to choose End Task.

Step 3:  Launch Steam and check if the issue has been resolved.

Method 5: Clearing The Download Cache

A corrupt download cache hampers the performance of an application, and the Steam app is no different. To fix missing file privileges when downloading, follow these steps:

Step 1: Open the Steam app and click on the Steam tab in the top-left corner.
Step 2: Choose Settings from the drop-down menu.

Step 3: Click on the Downloads tab in the left panel.
Step 4: Click the Clear Download Cache button in the right section.
Step 5: If you get any additional prompts, click on Yes.

Editor’s Tip: Clean Your PC’s Cache With Advanced System Optimizer We have explained how clearing Steam’s download helps fix issues and errors. Similarly, cleaning cache, junk, and other temp files from your PC will optimize it, ensuring optimal performance. Cleaning the cache can be done manually, but it is time-consuming and requires much effort. Hence, to simplify things, we recommend using Advanced System Optimizer, a third-party optimizing app that will help get rid of all unwanted files and save valuable space. Here are the simple steps: Step 1: Download and Install Advanced System Optimizer using the download button. Step 2: Launch the app and click the Start Smart PC Care button. Step 3: Wait for the app to find issues on your PC, then click the Optimize button. Step 4: Wait for the optimization process to complete, exit the app and reboot your PC.

Method 6: Verify The Integrity Of The Game Files

If you encounter the error while attempting to start a specific game, it likely indicates that some game files are corrupted, outdated, or missing. Although this calls for a reinstall. However, Steam app allows gamers to verify the integrity of the game’s files rather than a complete reinstallation. Here are the steps:

Step 1: Open the Steam app and click on Library.

Step 2: Locate and right-click on the game you cannot play to select Properties.
Step 3: In the left panel, click on the Installed Files.

Step 4: In the right panel, select Verify integrity of game files.

Method 7: Disable Antivirus Temporarily

Disabling the antivirus sometimes helps fix the Steam error related to the missing file privileges. We do not suggest that you permanently disable the antivirus app. Disable it temporarily and check if the game works. If yes, then you need to contact the support team of your Antivirus app and ask them the steps to add an exception to the Steam app. If not, enable your antivirus app ASAP and move to the next step.

Method 8: Reinstall The Game

If you are unable to play games on Steam even after disabling your antivirus, we suggest you reinstall the game. You can verify the game files on Steam, as explained in Method 6, but if the issue persists, a clean reinstall is the only solution. 

Method 9: Contact Steam Support

The final step we recommend to fix “Steam Missing File Privileges” is to contact Steam Support. Check the Reddit forums for more information if the above steps do not work.

Steam Support
Reddit Steam
Reddit Steam Support
Reddit Gaming

Are You Able To Play Games On Steam Without Steam Missing File Privileges Error?

We hope you can fix the Steam Missing File Privileges error on your Windows PC by following the above troubleshooting steps. If you cannot resolve the issue, you may have to backup your files and folders and reinstall the Windows OS. Do let us know in the comments section which method helped you fix the issue and which game you love playing.