Many users report the “Missing file privileges” Steam error occurs when they try to update or install games with Valve’s gaming client. A user reported that gaming issue on Reddit like this, “I was trying to install the game during this preload period, it went up to 90%, but then suddenly the download failed it and said I was ‘missing file privileges.’” Players can’t install, update, and play Steam games when this gaming issue occurs. This is how you can fix the “missing file privileges” Steam error on Windows PCs.
Run Steam With Admin Rights
Users confirm running Steam with admin rights has fixed the “missing file privileges” Steam error on their PCs. Applying this possible will give Valve’s game client full system access. These are the steps for running Steam with elevated privileges:
- Right-click the shortcut for Steam on the Windows desktop to select Properties > Compatibility.
- Select Run this program as an administrator to add a checkmark for that setting.
- Click Apply to set the options selected.
The Run this program as an administrator option
- Select OK to close the Steam Properties window.
Change Steam’s Download Region
Another widely confirmed way to fix the “missing file privileges” error is to change Steam’s download region. Doing this can address potential server-side issues causing the error. You can change Steam’s download region like this:
- First, open your Steam software.
- Click Steam and Settings to access an options window.
- Next, select Downloads to view that tab.
The Clear Cache button
- Select a different location in the Download region drop-down menu. Choose the nearest alternative in the same country if you can.
Repair the Steam Library
Corrupted Steam library folders can cause the “missing file privileges” Steam error to occur. Steam includes an option you can select to repair that library. This is how you can select the Repair Library option in Steam:
- Go into your Steam software.
- Click on Steam > Settings.
- Select Storage to view that tab.
- Next, click the three-dot ellipses button.
- Select the Repair Library option.
The Repair Library
- Then, restart the Steam software.
Clear the Steam Download Cache
Clearing the Steam download cache can resolve download issues, which the “missing file privileges” error is. Applying this potential doesn’t affect currently installed games in any way. This Steam support page includes step-by-step instructions for clearing the download cache.
The Clear Cache option
Uninstall UltraAV
Users who’ve needed to fix the “missing file privileges” Steam error confirm they have done so by uninstalling the UltraAV antivirus package. UltraAV is an antivirus that is installed alongside Kaspersky. So, check if UltraAV is installed on your PC and remove it if it is. You can uninstall UltraAV with standard removal methods in this Microsoft guide.
The Programs and Features applet
Note that other third-party antivirus apps can feasibly cause this error much the same as UltraAV. You can try temporarily disabling such antivirus tools. However, uninstalling them is a more surefire way to ensure they can’t cause the “missing files privileges” gaming issue.
Stop the IgfxEM Service
The IgfxEM service is known to cause the “missing file privileges” Steam error by conflicting with the Steam gaming client. Users have also confirmed applying this potential fix has worked for them. You can find and stop the IgfxEM service with Task Manager as follows:
- To access Task Manager, press the Ctrl + Shift + Esc key combination.
- Next, look for the IgfxEM Module service in the Processes tab.
- Right-click igfxEM Module and select End task.
The End task option
The potential resolutions discussed above are some of the best ways to fix the “missing file privileges.” They’re fixes that have worked for many Steam users who’ve needed to resolve that gaming issue. If this gaming issue persists, try contacting Steam’s help service from this support page.
