Many users have reported that they need to fix the “steamwebhelper is not responding” Steam error. For example, this is what a user said about that error: “Despite me being able to use it this morning, now whenever I try to open Steam, it says ‘steamwebhelper, a critical Steam component, is not responding. The Steam UI will not be usable.'” Consequently, Steam doesn’t start, and users can’t access their games. This is how you can fix the “steamwebhelper is not responding” Steam error on a Windows PC.
Run Steam in Compatibility Mode With Admin Rights
Firstly, try running Steam in compatibility mode with admin rights enabled, which has worked for some users. This will configure Steam to run as it would for Windows 8 with full system rights. You can set Steam to run in compatibility mode with admin rights like this:
- Open the Program Files (x86) > Steam folder location in File Explorer.
- Next, right-click the steam.exe file to select Properties > Compatibility.
- Select Run this program in compatibility mode and the Windows 8 platform option.
- Click on the checkbox for Run this program as an administrator to select that compatibility option.
The Run this program as an administrator checkbox
- Press the Apply button and click on OK.
Delete the Steamwebhelper.exe File
Many Steam users confirm that deleting the steamwebhelper.exe file can fix the “steamwebhelper is not responding” error on Windows PCs. Doing that will force Steam to refresh the steamwebhelper.exe file when you start the gaming client. These are the steps for deleting the steamwebhelper.exe file:
- Click the pinned shortcut for File Explorer on your taskbar.
- Go to the Program Files (x86) > Steam > bin > cef > cef.win7x64 folder.
- Right-click the steamwebhelper.exe file and select Delete.
The Delete option
- Double-click the Recycle Bin icon on your Windows desktop.
- Click the Empty Recycle Bin option.
Reinstall Steam in Program Files
Some users have fixed the “steamwebhelper is not responding” error by reinstalling the Steam software. However, those users also reinstalled Steam in an alternative Program Files folder. You can uninstall Steam without removing games as outlined on this Valve help page.
To reinstall, click Install Steam on this page. Double-click your downloaded SteamSetup.exe file in whatever folder it is. Then, click Browse within the Steam Setup window and select to install the software in Program Files rather than Program Files (x86). Click the Install option to finish.
The Steam Setup wizard
Uninstall Armoury Crate
Some users have also said they’ve fixed the “steamwebhelper is not responding” error by uninstalling the Armoury Crate software. Armoury Crate is configuration software that’s pre-installed on ROG PCs. This Republic of Games page explains how you can clean uninstall Armoury Crate.
Remove all Unnecessary USB Devices Connected
A few Steam users also confirm that removing unnecessary UBB devices, such as controllers, can resolve the “steamwebhelper is not responding” error. Some connected USB devices can interfere with Steam client processes. So, try unplugging any unnecessary USB controllers, hubs, steering wheels, or any else before running Steam.
Apply a Windows Clean Boot
Conflicting third-party background apps are a potential cause for the “steamwebhelper is not responding” error. Clean-booting Windows, which disables third-party startup items, would be the best way to address this potential cause. Microsoft’s page for clean-booting Windows tells you how users can apply this possible fix.
The System Configuration tool
Other Possible Ways to Fix the “Steamwebhelper is Not Responding” Error
There may be other ways to fix the “steamwebhelper is not responding” error beyond those covered above. Here are some additional suggestions for fixing that error:
- Add Steam’s folder to your antivirus software’s exclusion list.
- Turn off the Hardware-accelerated GPU scheduling option in Settings.
- Uninstall third-party antivirus utilities.
- Update graphical drivers with a method in this KeenGamer guide.
Those troubleshooting methods above are among the most effective fixes for the “steamwebhelper is not responding” Steam error. So, there’s a chance one of those potential resolutions will fix the “steamwebhelper is not responding” error to kick-start Steam on your PC. If those fixes aren’t enough, try contacting the Steam support service from this page to ask for more potential remedies.
