5 Ways to Fix the Steam Error Code 50 on Windows PCs

Error code 50 is a widely reported Steam gaming issue. For example, one user said this on Reddit, “Hey guys, any idea why I keep getting an error code 50 on (Steam) login. Any suggestions on a fix?” This error prevents users from signing in to Steam when it occurs. Consequently, users can’t access their Steam library to launch games. This is how you can fix the Steam error code 50 on Windows PC.

Clear the Temp Folder

Clearing the Temp folder has fixed Steam error code 50 for some users. Corrupted data in that folder can cause this Steam error to occur. You can clear the Temp folder as follows:

1. Press the Windows logo + R keyboard shortcut for the Run dialog.
2. Enter %temp% into Run and select OK.
3. Select everything inside the Temp folder that opens by pressing the Ctrl + A hotkey.
   
   

   The Temp folder

4. Right-click and select Delete to erase the temporary files selected.
5. If a prompt appears, select Do this for all current items and click Continue.

Edit the Target Path for Steam

Editing the Target path for Steam shortcuts by adding a -login -noreactlogin parameter has worked for some users who’ve fixed error code 50. So, try editing the Target path for your Steam shortcut like this:

1. Click the Steam desktop icon with the right mouse button to select Properties.
2. Enter -login -noreactlogin at the end of the Target path box. Then the target path for Steam will look like this: “C:\Program Files\Steam\Steam.exe” -login -noreactlogin.
   
   

   The Target box

3. Select Apply > OK to apply the modified target path.

Flush the DNS Cache and Renew IP Address

To address potential network issues causing Steam error code 50, try flushing the DNS cache and renewing your IP address. There are three commands you can execute to apply this potential fix. You can apply this troubleshooting method as follows:

1. Open the tool for finding files by clicking the Search box or button on the taskbar.
2. To find the Command Prompt app, enter a CMD search phrase.
3. Select the Command Prompt’s Run as administrator option in the search utility.
4. Enter ipconfig /flushdns and hit Return to execute the flush DNS command.
   
   

   The ipconfig /flushdns command

5. Execute an ipconfig /release command.
6. Then, input and execute the ipconfig /renew command.

Clear Steam’s Folder

Some users say they’ve fixed Steam error code 50 by clearing Steam’s folder without deleting the Steam.exe, userdata, and steamapps content. Then, Steam will update most of its files when started. This is how you can clear Steam’s folder:

1. Right-click your Steam shortcut on the desktop to select Open file location.
2. Next, press Ctrl + A to select all contents in the Steam folder.
3. Unselect the selected Steam.exe file, userdata, and steamapps subfolders by clicking on them.
   
   

   The Steam folder

4. Then, right-click and select Delete to erase all the selected items.
5. Double-click the remaining Steam.exe file to start a Steam update.

Reinstall Steam

Alternatively, you could try reinstalling your Steam software via the Control Panel, which is a similar troubleshooting method to the previous resolution. However, you’ll need to reinstall games installed with Steam if you don’t back them up first. This Steam uninstall page explains how you can remove Valve’s gaming client and back up game content.

The Program and Features Control Panel applet

To reinstall, click Install Steam on this download page. Double-click the Steam installer file in the folder where your browser downloads it. Select Install within the setup wizard that opens.

Other Possible Ways to Fix Steam Error Code 50 on a Windows PC

More troubleshooting methods might also resolve the Steam error code 50 for some users. These extra remedies for that Steam error might also be worth a try:

• Set a Google DNS server with the 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4 preferred and alternative addresses.
• Select the Clear Cache option in your Steam gaming client.
• Temporarily turn off Windows Defender Firewall or alternatives before starting Steam.
• Enter steam://flushconfig in Run and click OK.

The troubleshooting methods above have fixed the Steam error code 50 for many users. One of them will probably resolve the same Steam issue on your PC as well. However, you can contact Steam’s help service from this page if those potential fixes aren’t enough.