The “corrupt update files” Steam error occurs for some players when they try to install or update games with Valve’s gaming client. A user said this on Reddit, “Whenever I download any (Steam) game, most of the time it shows ‘Corrupt Update Files.‘” Players can’t play games when they can’t install or update them with Steam. This is how you can fix the “corrupt update files” Steam error on Windows 11/10 PCs.
Clear the Cache for Steam
First, try clearing the cache for Steam, which has worked for some players who’ve fixed the “corrupt update files” Steam error. Clearing Steam’s cache is a standard troubleshooting method for resolving download issues because it sometimes eradicates corrupted temporary data. You can apply this possible resolution by clicking on the Clear Cache button, as covered on this Steam page.
The Clear Cache button
Select Steam’s Repair Library Option
Steam’s Repair Library option runs an integrity scan for all games within a Steam library folder. It will repair missing or corrupted files within the Steam folder. This is how you can fix the “corrupt date files” Steam error by selecting that option:
- Start the Steam client software.
- Click on Steam to open that menu.
- Select Settings from the menu.
- Click on Storage to view that tab.
The Repair Library option
- Next, click the ellipses menu button.
- Select the Repair Library option and wait for it to weave its magic.
Temporarily Disable Antivirus Shields
Antivirus shields can sometimes cause the “corrupt update files” Steam error by interfering with the downloads. To ensure that can’t happen, try turning off Windows Security’s Real-time protection option or disabling third-party antivirus alternatives before downloading a game or updates. Click Virus & threat protection on this Microsoft page to access and turn off the Real-time protection setting.
The Real-time protection options
If you have alternative third-party security software, that will have a different antivirus shield to disable. Select a context menu option for disabling its antivirus shield from its system tray icon. To do that, right-click an icon for it in the system tray and select a setting that temporarily turns off its shield.
Verify the Game’s Files
If the “corrupt update files” Steam error occurs when updating a specific game, try verifying that game’s files. Corrupted game files might be causing the error to occur. Steam’s support page for verifying games tells you how users can apply this possible fix.
The Verify integrity of game files
Reinstall Steam
If the “corrupt update files” Steam error persists, try reinstalling your Steam software. Note, however, that this is the ideal potential fix since uninstalling Steam will also remove games installed with it. You can remove Steam as outlined on this support page.
The Uninstall option for Steam
To reinstall, click the Install Steam button on this page. Bring up the folder containing the downloaded Steam setup file. Double-click the SteamSetup.exe file and go through the setup wizard to install the software.
Other Possible Ways to Fix the “Corrupt Update Files” Steam Error
There might be a few other ways to resolve the “corrupt update files” Steam error beyond those covered above. Here are some additional suggestions for fixing that error:
- Change Steam’s download region.
- Rename the Downloading folder in the C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps directory path to DownloadingNew.
- Run a disk scan by right-clicking your storage drive in This PC and selecting Properties > Tools > Check.
- Erase the appcache folder in the Steam directory.
The potential fixes above will usually be enough to resolve the “corrupt update files” Steam error. That’s not to say they’re guaranteed, but many users confirm they fix that Steam gaming issue. If you need more possible fixes, ask Valve if they can help you from this Steam support page.
