The Steam “Disk write error” is a gaming issue that many players need to fix. A player described that error on Reddit like this: “I am unable to download or even update anything on Steam suddenly, I am faced with the error ‘disk write error.'” Thus, players can’t install or update games with Steam when this error occurs. This is how you can fix the Steam “Disk write error” on Windows PCs.
Run Steam With Admin Rights
First, try applying the more straightforward potential fixes, like running the Steam game client with administrator rights. This is a fix that users confirm has resolved the Steam “Disk write error” for them. You can set your Steam software to run with admin rights like this:
- Click the shortcut for Steam on your desktop with the right mouse button to select Properties.
- Select Run this program as an administrator inside the properties window’s Compatibility tab.
The Compatibility tab
- To set the selected option, click Apply > OK.
Unselect the Read-Only Option for Steam
Users confirm they’ve fixed the Steam “Disk write error” by unselecting the Read-only option for the Steam folder. Read-only is an attribute setting you can change for folders and files. This is how you can unselect the Read-only option for the Steam folder:
- Open File Explorer and navigate to the folder where you installed Steam.
- Right-click your Steam installation folder to select Properties.
- Unselect the Read-attribute checkbox if selected.
The Read-only attribute
- Select Apply to confirm the settings saved, and OK to finish.
Add Steam to the Windows Firewall’s Allowed List
The Steam “Disk write error” can occur because Windows Firewall blocks are applied if the gaming client isn’t allowed through it. To remedy this potential cause, check if Steam is allowed through the Windows firewall. This Microsoft page explains how users can add programs to that firewall’s allowed list. Note that the Private and Public checkboxes should also be selected for the Steam entry in that allowed list.
The Allowed apps list
Temporarily Turn Off Antivirus Shields
Users have confirmed on Reddit that they’ve fixed the Steam “Disk write error” by disabling third-party antivirus shields installed on their PCs. For example, antivirus software like AVG Antivirus can cause this gaming issue to arise. If you’ve installed a third-party security app, try right-clicking the system tray icon for it and selecting a context menu option that turns off its shield. Then, try utilizing Steam with the antivirus app disabled.
If this works, I don’t recommend keeping your antivirus shield permanently disabled. Turn the antivirus shield on after using Steam. Or try adding the Steam software to your antivirus package’s exclusion list.
Reinstall Your Steam Software
Reinstalling Steam is a last resort for the “Disk write error” that’s worked for some users. However, uninstalling the Steam software removes the games installed with it. So, you’ll need to reinstall games.
This Steam support page on Valve’s site provides instructions for how you can uninstall Valve’s gaming client and a download link for reinstalling. Go through the instructions on that page to remove Steam. Then, double-click the setup file you’ve downloaded and select to install Steam from there.
The Programs and Features Control Panel applet
Other Possible Ways to Fix the Steam “Disk Write Error”
The fixes above are more widely confirmed ways to resolve the Steam “Disk write error.” However, these troubleshooting methods might also be worth a try:
- Clear the download cache for Steam, as instructed on this help page.
- Select a different download region for Steam.
- Run a CHKDSK scan to resolve drive issues, as covered on this Microsoft website page.
- Erase all 0KB files in the Steam > steamapps > common folder.
The potential fixes discussed above will probably resolve the Steam “Disk write error” for most users. They’re all potential fixes that Steam users confirm can resolve that error when applied. If this error persists after trying everything above, consider sending a help ticket by clicking Contact Steam Support on this page.
