Players have reported they can’t utilize Steam because of error code -105. One user described that issue on Reddit like this, “I can’t connect to Steam because every time I try to connect to Steam, I get this error code: ‘Steam Error Code -105.‘” That error code appears for some users when they open Steam. Consequently, they can’t access their game libraries. This is how you can fix Steam error code -105 on Windows PCs.
Check for Steam Server Issues
First, check if the Steam server might be down. You can do that by opening this unofficial Steam status page. If Stream does appear to be down, try waiting a day or so before opening Valve’s gaming client again.
The Steam server status page
Set the Cloudflare DNS
Steam error code -105 can often be a DNS resolution issue. So, setting a more reliable DNS server, such as Cloudflare, could be a potential fix for many users. You can set the Cloudflare DNS like this:
- Press the Windows logo + R hotkey, enter ncpa.cpl into Run, and click on OK.
- Right-click your PC’s network adapter to open its context menu and select Properties.
- Select Internet Protocol Version 4 and click the Properties option.
- To select Use the following DNS server addresses, click on its radio button.
- Input a 1.1.1.1 value in the Preferred DNS box.
- Next, enter 1.0.0.1 inside the Alternative DNS box.
The DNS settings
- Select OK within the window.
Flush DNS Cache and Reset Winsock
Users also confirm that flushing the DNS cache and resetting Winsock can resolve the Steam error code -105. Flushing the DNS cache might erase corrupted or outdated Domain Name System records. This is how you can flush the DNS cache and reset Winsock:
- First, open the file finder tool by clicking Search on Windows 11’s taskbar.
- Find Command Prompt by entering a cmd search phrase.
- Right-click the Command Prompt app, then select its Run as administrator option from the search tool files.
- Type in the ipconfig /flushdns command and press Enter.
The flush DNS command
- Then, input the netsch winsock reset command and hit the Return keyboard key.
Power Cycle Router
Power cycling routers is a standard troubleshooting method for refreshing connections. So, that might be worth trying for fixing the Steam error code -105. First, unplug your router’s power cable and wait for a few minutes. Then, plug it back in again and wait at least five minutes.
Disable Ad Blocker Browser Extensions
Browser ad blocker extensions are a potential cause of Steam error code -105. Have you added any ad blockers to your browser? If so, try removing or disabling those extensions. You can disable ad-blockers in Chrome, Edge, and Firefox as covered on this suppot pages:
The extension options in Chrome
Applying the potential resolutions above will usually fix the Steam error code -105 on Windows PCs. They are troubleshooting methods that have worked for many users. You can also ask Steam’s support service for more ways to fix this error from this help page.
