5 Ways to Fix the Steam Connection Problem Error E20 on Windows PCs

Many users have reported that they can’t access Steam because of the e20 error code. For example, a user’s Reddit post said this: “Cannot connect to the Steam servers on PC no matter what I try. (Error e20).” The e20 error message says, “There was a problem communicating with Steam.” Players can’t access their Steam games because of this gaming issue. This is how you can fix the Steam connection problem error e20 on Windows PCs.

Run the Steam Client as an Administrator

Users have confirmed they’ve fixed the Steam connection problem error by running Valve’s gaming client with administrator rights. So, that could be a good starting point for troubleshooting the e20 error. This is how you can set the Steam software to run with elevated privileges.

1. First, right-click your desktop shortcut for opening Steam to select Properties and Compatibility.
2. Select Run this program as an administrator, which is the option for elevated software privileges.
   
   

   The Run this program as an administrator checkbox

3. Click Apply to save the selected compatibility settings.

Set the Google DNS Server

A few users also say that setting a Google DNS server has fixed the Steam connection problem error e20 for them. Your PC has a default DNS server that you can change to the Google alternative via Windows settings. These are the steps for setting the Google DNS in Windows:

1. Simultaneously press the Windows logo + R keys, enter ncpa.cpl, and select OK in Run.
2. Next, right-click the Control Panel icon for your network adapter to select a Properties option.
3. Double-click the Internet Protocol Version 4 checkbox label.
4. Click Use the following DNS server addresses to select that radio button.
5. Enter a Google value of 8.8.8.8 within the Preferred DNS server text box.
6. Next, input 8.8.4.4 for the Alternative DNS server value box.
   
   

   The Use the following DNS server option

7. Select OK in the Internet Protocol Version 4 and properties windows.

Add Steam to Windows Firewall’s Allowed List

Windows Defender Firewall is a potential cause for the Steam connection problem e20 error because it can block inbound and outbound communications for software. So, try adding the steam.exe file to that firewall’s allowed list. This page on Microsoft’s site tells you how users can add apps to the firewall. Select Private and Public for the Steam app added to the firewall’s allowed list.

The Allowed apps list

Flush the DNS Cache

1. Open the search box (press the Windows logo + S keyboard keys).
2. Enter a cmd search phrase.
3. To run the Command Prompt with elevated privileges, right-click Command Prompt to select a Run as administrator option for that app.
4. Type ipconfig /flushdns into the Prompt and press Return to execute.

The ipconfig /flushdns command

Clear Steam Cache Data

The Steam connection problem error e20 can also occur because of corrupted cache data. Deleting the Steam cache data folder will address this potential cause. You can erase the Steam data folder like this:

1. Open the Run dialog by holding down the Windows key and pressing R.
2. Enter %localappdata% into Run.
3. Right-click Steam in the AppData > Local folder to select Delete.

The Steam data folder

The potential resolutions covered above usually fix the Steam connection problem error e20. If those troubleshooting methods aren’t enough for you, there’s a possibility that Steam might be generally down. To check if that’s the case, open this Steam Status page.