Many Steam users have encountered the steam_api.dll not found error. The message for that Steam error says, “The program can’t start because steam_api.dll is missing from your computer.” That error can occur when users try to start Steam games. What that error means is that the games can’t access the steam_api DLL file they need. This is how you can fix the steam_api.dll not found error on Windows 11/10 PCs.
Restore a Quarantined Steam_api.dll File
Players have confirmed they’ve fixed the steam_api.dll not found error by restoring a quarantined steam_api.dll file. The Windows Security app can sometimes wrongly quarantine the safe steam_api.dll file, which prevents games from accessing it. This is how you can restore that Steam DLL file:
- First, double-click the system tray icon for Windows Security.
- Click Virus & threat protection > Protection history in Windows Security.
- Select Quarantined Items from the drop-down menu.
The Quarantined Items option
- Then, select the quarantined steam_api.dll file and click Restore.
- Try playing your Steam games with the steam_api.dll file restored.
Of course, third-party antivirus software can also quarantine that file, like Windows Security. If there’s a third-party antivirus package installed on your PC, you’ll need to restore it from there. Check the quarantined file list in your antivirus software package and select to restore the steam_api.dll file if it includes it.
Temporarily Turn Off Real-Time Protection
Temporarily disabling the Windows antivirus will ensure it can’t impede the steam_api.dll file access in any way. So, try turning off the Real-time protection option before starting Steam. You can turn off that setting like this:
- Open the Windows Security app.
- Select Virus & threat protection on the left side of the Windows Security app.
- Click Manage settings to access further options.
- Turn off Real-time protection by clicking its toggle switch.
The Real-time protection settings
Try playing your Steam games again. If this potential fix works, I recommend turning Real-time protection back on after playing games. Then, turn it off before launching Steam.
Download a New Steam_api.dll File
Many players have fixed the steam_api.dll not found error by downloading and adding a new steam_api.dll for the game. You can manually download a new steam_api.dll from the DLL-Files.com website. DLL-Files.com is one of the most reputable website sources for downloading DLL files.
The DLL-Files.com website
Open this page on the DLL-Files.com page. Then, click the Download option for the steam_api.dll file. When you’ve downloaded that file, you’ll need to extract its ZIP archive and move the steam_api.dll file into the C:\Windows\System32 folder (for 64-bit Windows). This FAQ page on the DLL-Files.com page provides more detailed instructions for installing DLL files downloaded from it (click “How do I install the DLL-file?” on that page).
Reinstall the Affected Game
If the steam_api.dll not found error occurs for a specific game, reinstalling that game might help. Many games include the steam_api.dll within their installation folders. Thus, reinstalling games might restore their missing steam_api.dll files. You can reinstall any affected Steam game like this:
- Run Steam and select Library.
- Next, right-click the game you need to reinstall to select Manage > Properties.
- Click Uninstall to remove your game.
The Uninstall option
- Double-click the uninstalled game and select Install.
The possible resolutions covered here have fixed the steam_api.dll not found error for many players. Resolutions one and two will prevent antivirus tools from blocking the steam_api.dll file access. The third and fourth fixes can restore the steam_api.dll file for games if it is missing or corrupted.
