Failed To Load steamui.dll error which appears when you try to open Steam or run certain games. If you see an error message loading steamui.dll, here’s what you’ll need to do to fix it.
While Steam is a great platform for gamers, it is not without its problems. Issues like service errors and slow download speeds can disrupt your gameplay, making it impossible to use Steam on your Windows gaming PC.
Why Does Steam Fail To Load steamui.dll
The “fatal error, failed to load steamui.dll” error message usually appears when your Steam installation is corrupted in some way.
- Corrupt Steam files
- Virus/malware infection
- steamui.dll file deleted or missing
- Discontinued Steam Program Updates
- Corrupted Windows installation files
If Steam is missing important files or the files are damaged or infected with malware, Steam cannot run properly. The steamui.dll file refers to the fact that if these files are corrupted, Steam cannot render its user interface.
While this error is usually a sign of a problem with your Steam files, a corrupt Windows installation can also cause this error (and other problems) with Steam. If you are unable to fix the error after reinstalling Steam, you may need to repair or reinstall Windows next.
How To Fix “Failed to Load steamui.dll” Error
If you need to access Steam quickly and don’t have time to figure out what’s causing the error, it’s possible to avoid the Steam “Failed to load steamui.dll” error with a workaround. Simply open Steam and wait for the error message to appear. This time, instead of closing the error message, double-click the Steam shortcut to open it again. The Steam client should start checking for updates and open as usual.
If you encounter the “Failed to load steamui.dll” error when trying to launch Steam, you can try the following steps to fix it:
1. Restart your computer
Start by restarting your computer. Sometimes, a simple reboot can resolve temporary issues and allow Steam to function properly.
2. Verify the integrity of game files
Open the Steam client and go to the “Library” tab. Right-click on the problematic game(s) and select “Properties.” In the Properties window, go to the “Local Files” tab and click on “Verify integrity of game files.” This process will check for missing or corrupted files and replace them.
3. Reinstall SteamUI.dll
If the issue persists, it may be necessary to replace the damaged or missing steamui.dll file manually. First, make sure Steam is closed; you can verify this by checking the task manager for any lingering Steam processes. Then, navigate to the Steam installation folder on your computer (typically located in “C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam”) and locate the “steamui.dll” file. Once found, rename it to something like “steamui.dll.old” as a backup. Next, go to the official Steam website and download the latest version of Steam. Install it, and it should automatically replace the damaged steamui.dll file.
4. Update Your Graphics Drivers
Outdated or incompatible graphics drivers can sometimes interfere with Steam’s functionality. Visit the website of your graphics card manufacturer (e.g., NVIDIA, AMD, Intel) and download the latest drivers for your specific GPU model. Install the updated drivers and restart your computer.
5. Run Steam as an administrator
Running Steam with administrative privileges can sometimes resolve compatibility issues. Right-click on the Steam shortcut or the Steam.exe file, then select “Run as administrator.” If prompted for permission, confirm it. See if the error is resolved after launching Steam with administrative privileges.
6. Disable Antivirus Software
In some cases, antivirus or firewall software can interfere with Steam’s operation and cause the “Failed to load steamui.dll” error. Temporarily disable your antivirus or firewall software and check if the issue persists. If the error disappears, configure your security software to allow Steam and its associated components.
If none of these steps resolve the issue, you may need to seek further assistance from the official Steam forums or contact Steam Support for more personalized troubleshooting.
Conclusion
It’s not fun when Steam won’t open on your PC and annoys you with the “Failed to load steamui.dll” error. Hopefully, one or more of the fixes above have helped you fix the error and Steam is working again on your Windows PC. However, if nothing works, you may need to contact Steam support as a last resort.
