Exit and Relaunch Steam via the Steam App

If the Steam app is responsive on your PC or Mac, you can exit it directly through the app before relaunching it. To do this, follow these steps.

1. Bring up the Steam client interface and select Steam in the upper left corner of the window.
   
2. Choose Exit from the dropdown menu. Steam will close.
   

3. Re-launch Steam via its desktop icon or the Start menu on your PC. If you’re on a Mac, select the icon on the Dock, Launchpad, or the Applications folder.
   

If you’re experiencing connectivity issues with Steam, you might want to toggle Offline Mode—select the Go Offline option in the Steam menu—before exiting the application. After restarting Steam, re-open the Steam menu and choose Go Online to reconnect to Steam’s online services.

Force-Quit and Relaunch Steam

If Steam is unresponsive, forcibly closing and relaunching the application might get it working correctly again. The method you’ll need to follow differs depending on whether you’re on a Windows PC or an Apple Mac.

Force-Quit and Relaunch Steam—Windows

If you’re on a Windows PC, use the Task Manager to shut down the Steam client. Here’s how:

1. Press Control + Shift + Escape to open the Task Manager.
   
2. Locate and highlight the Steam process under the default Processes tab.
   
3. Select the End Task button to force-close the process.
   

4. Close any other Steam-related processes that continue to appear within the list of processes, such as Steam Client Service and Steam Client WebHelper.
   
5. Exit the Task Manager.
   
6. Re-launch Steam from the desktop or Start menu.
   

Force-Quit and Relaunch Steam—macOS

If you’re on a Mac, use the Force Quit Applications dialog to force-close Steam. Just:

1. Press Option + Command + Escape to open the Force Quit Applications dialog.
   
2. Select Steam within the list of open programs.
   
3. Select the Force Quit button.
   

4. Select Force Quit again on the confirmation pop-up.
   
5. Relaunch Steam via the Dock, Launchpad, or Applications folder.
   

An alternative method is to use the Activity Monitor on your Mac to force-quit Steam. Start by opening the Launchpad and selecting Other > Activity Monitor. Next, highlight Steam under the CPU tab, select the X button on the top of the window, and choose Force Quit.

Restart Steam via Command Line

Suppose you have trouble quitting an unresponsive instance of Steam through the Windows Task Manager or the Force Quit Applications dialog on a Mac (or the Activity Monitor). In that case, you can resort to your computer’s command line to end and relaunch the Steam process.

Restart Steam via Command Line—Windows

On Windows, use the Command Prompt console to shut down and re-open Steam. Here’s how:

1. Open the Start menu, type cmd, and select Open as administrator on the search results.
   
2. Type taskkill /F /IM steam.exe and press Enter to force Steam to close.
   

3. Run the cd C:Program Files (x86)Steam and start Steam.exe commands one after the other to re-launch Steam. Or, exit the Command Prompt console and reopen Steam from the desktop or Start menu.
   

Restart Steam via Command Line—macOS

You can use Terminal on a Mac to quit and re-open Steam. Just:

1. Open the Launchpad and select Other > Terminal.
   
2. Type killall Steam and press Enter to force Steam to close.
   

3. Type open -a Steam to relaunch Steam. Or, exit the Terminal and re-open Steam via the Dock, Launchpad, or Applications folder.
   

Clear Steam Download Cache

Another way to force-restart Steam is by deleting its download cache. Unlike the standard and force-restart techniques mentioned above, this method can address various issues related to downloading or updating video games.

The most straightforward way to clear the Steam download cache is through the Steam app’s Settings console. Just:

1. Open Steam and select Steam > Settings on the menu bar.
   
2. Select the Downloads tab on the sidebar.
   
3. Select the Clear Cache button next to Clear Download Cache.
   

4. Select Confirm—Steam should turn off and reboot automatically.
   
5. Log in to your Steam account again.
   

Clear Steam Download Cache—Alternative Method

If you have trouble accessing Steam’s Settings console, use the following workarounds to clear the Steam download cache.

Clear Steam Download Cache—PC

You can use a Run command to clear the Steam download cache on the PC. Just:

1. Press Windows + R to open a Run dialog.
   
2. Type steam://flushconfig and select OK.
   

3. The Steam client should launch and display a confirmation pop-up—select Confirm.
   
4. Wait until the Steam client clears its cache and relaunches itself.
   
5. Sign in to Steam with your Steam account credentials.
   

Clear Steam Download Cache—Mac

On the Mac, you must run a command through a browser to clear Steam’s download cache. Just:

1. Open Safari or another web browser.
   
2. Type steam://flushconfig into the address bar of a new tab and press Enter.
   

3. Select Open Steam. The Steam client should launch and display a confirmation pop-up—select Confirm.
   
4. Wait for Steam to relaunch itself.
   
5. Sign in to Steam.
   

Start Fresh

Restarting the Steam app on a PC or Mac can resolve many issues and is also a great starting point for more advanced fixes. Try quitting and relaunching Steam normally first. If that doesn’t work, force-closing the Steam processes, using your computer’s command line, or clearing its download cache should help.

The post How to Restart the Steam App first appeared on Online Tech Tips.

Steam Error 16 is a generic Steam error that pops up while editing your account info or when the game client crashes. Typically, it’s a sign of a problem with the internet connection, graphics drivers, or your device’s memory. In other words, Steam Error 16 is a timeout error that lets you know the Steam app stopped working or that certain Steam features are currently unavailable. This guide will teach you how to troubleshoot the problem if you encounter Steam Error 16 and how to attempt to fix it.

1. Simply Wait for a While

There’s a big possibility that error 16 occurred due to a minor glitch in the Steam app, Steam services, or even your PC. Waiting a few minutes before you retry whatever you were doing in the app should resolve the issue.

In most cases, Error 16 is that simple to resolve. But if Error 16 keeps popping up, you should perform some of the slightly more complicated methods described below.

2. Check Your Network Connection

Another common reason for Steam Error 16 is a slow or disrupted internet connection. If you’re updating your account information and the internet stops working, the Steam app won’t be able to save your details and will display Error 16.

If this is the case, you must check your internet connection and ensure it’s in working order. Restart your router or reconnect to the WiFi network you’re using, and try whatever you were doing on Steam again.

3. Close Conflicting Apps

Some apps you use on your device conflict with Steam, causing error 16. If you suspect this is why you’re experiencing the Steam Error, try closing all the apps and services running in the background and see if this fixes the issue.

You can close all running processes with Task Manager if you’re using Windows OS:

1. Press Shift + Ctrl + Esc on your keyboard to open Task Manager.
2. Go to the Processes tab.

3. Right-click the running process you want to close, and select End Task from the list.

4. Alternatively, select the process you want to end, and then click the End Task button in the lower right corner of the Task Manager window.

5. Repeat the step above for all the running programs.
6. Go back to Steam and see if this fixed the problem.

If you’re using macOS, you can quit the running apps with the Force Quit tool. You’ll find it in the menu bar of the Apple logo in the upper left corner of the screen. Alternatively, you can use the keyboard shortcut Command + Option + Esc to open this tool.

When the Force Quit window opens, select the apps you want to close and click the Force Quit button.

4. Update Steam, your OS, and Graphic Drivers to the Latest Versions

For game clients such as Steam, you must keep your system up to date. To do this, you’ll need to install its latest version. Check if there are any pending OS updates and install them. This process will depend on which operating system you’re using.

Updating Your OS

For Windows:

1. Open the Settings and Select Windows Update.

2. Select Check for Updates.

3. If there are pending updates select Download & Install.

Once the process is finished, go back to Steam and see if you’re still getting Error 16 message.

For macOS:

1. Click on the Apple logo in the corner of your screen to open up the Apple menu.
2. Select System Settings, or System Preferences if you’re using an older macOS version.

3. Select General from the left sidebar, and then Software Update from the right menu.

4. If there are available updates, select the Update Now button.

Updating Graphics Drivers

The best way to update graphics drivers is to visit the website of the graphic card manufacturer you’re using (such as Intel, NVIDIA, or AMD), and check for the latest versions to download and install on your PC. Just make sure to install the correct version of drivers for the operating system you’re using.

Update the Steam App

Typically, Steam automatically downloads and installs any available updates when you launch the app. But if this doesn’t happen, do it manually. Here’s how:

1. Launch the Steam app on your PC and click on the Steam menu in the top-left corner.

2. Select Check for Steam Client Updates.

And that’s it. Steam will automatically find and install any missing updates. See if this fixed the issue.

5. Re-install Runtime Libraries

Corrupted files associated with Microsoft Visual C++ sometimes cause Steam to display Error 16 or even Error 80. Reinstalling the Visual C++ package on your device should help with this issue. Here’s how:

1. Press Win + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type Appwiz.cpl and hit Enter, or click the OK button to open Programs & Features.

3. Find Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable Package and right-click on it.
4. Select Uninstall.

5. Restart your PC.
6. Go to Microsoft Download Center and download the latest Visual C++ Redistributable Package.
7. Install the new version and restart your PC again.

Check if this helped with Steam Error 16.

6. Run Disk Cleanup

If you’re still experiencing Steam Error 16, perhaps your device simply doesn’t have enough storage space. Deleting unnecessary files and programs might help with this. Run a disk cleanup to get rid of temporary files. This is a semi-automated process and the Disk Cleanup app will scan your device and decide which files are safe to delete instead of you. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Go to Start and type disk cleanup in the search bar. Double-click the first result.

2. Select your main drive (typically its c:) and hit the OK button.

3. Wait until Disk Cleanup scans your PC and then select the Clean up system files button at the bottom of the window.

Hopefully, this will help with Steam Error 16.

If you’re using macOS, there are several tools available to you that can help you free some storage space. You can use the Optimize Storage function to delete files purchased on iTunes. Empty Trash Automatically feature will permanently delete all items in the trash bin after 30 days. Finally, the Reduce Cluster tool will help you go through your Mac’s files and help you decide which files can be moved to the Cloud or an external drive if you wish.

7. Authenticate The Integrity of Steam Files

If there’s an issue with the integrity of the Steam files, Steam may display Error 16. To tackle this:

1. Type Steam in the Windows search box and right-click the app, then select Run as Administrator. Alternatively, select Run as Administrator from the app’s menu in the Windows search.

2. Click on the Library tab in the Steam window.
3. This is where your games are stored. Right-click on the game which throws Error 16 when you try to run it, and select Properties.

4. Select Installed Files from the left tab.
5. Click the Verify Integrity of Game Files button.

6. Wait until Steam finishes the process. It’ll automatically replace all the files that have integrity issues.

When the process is done, open Task Manager and end all tasks related to Steam. Restart your PC, and once the system is up run Steam to see if the Error 16 problem persists.

8. Check Security Permissions for the Steam Folder

It might be that the wrong security permissions for Steam are causing it to display Error 16 for you. Checking the Steam Folder’s security permissions on Windows is very easy:

1. On your keyboard press Win + E to open File Explorer.
2. Navigate to the Steam folder on your system. By default, it should be located at C:Program Files(x86) if you didn’t change the installation location.
3. Right-click on the Steam folder and select Properties.
4. Uncheck the box next to the Read-only option under the General tab.
5. Click Apply and then the OK button to save changes.

Restart the Steam app and see if this fixes the issue.

9. Clear Steam’s Cache

Steam is using cache files to enhance your experience with the app. However, these files can get corrupted and cause problems such as Steam Error 16. Follow these steps to clear the cache:

1. Launch Steam and go to the Steam tab in the upper left corner of the window.
2. Choose Settings from the drop-down menu.

3. Select Downloads from the left sidebar on the Settings window.
4. On the right pane. Select the Clear Cache button next to the Clear Download Cache option.

5. Finally, select Confirm when prompted.

10. Reinstall the Steam App

If the Steam app core files are corrupted you might get the error 16 message. However, clearing the cache won’t help you if this is the case. You’ll have to uninstall and reinstall the Steam app.

On Windows 11:

Go to Settings, then select Apps, and finally Installed Apps. Click the three dots next to the Steam and select Uninstall. Select Uninstall again in the prompt.

On Windows 10:

Head to the Settings and select Apps. Select Steam from the list and then click on the Uninstall button. Confirm when prompted.

On Mac:

Head to the Finder and then click Applications. Right-click the Steam app and select Move to Trash.

Occasional errors are inevitable, but your ability to troubleshoot and apply these fixes ensures a smoother gaming experience on the Steam platform. Whether you’re an avid gamer or just diving into the gaming world, resolving Error 16 is a crucial step toward uninterrupted gameplay and a hassle-free Steam experience.

The post How to Fix Steam Error 16 first appeared on Online Tech Tips.

Your Steam library not loading can occur for various reasons. Your Steam client might be glitchy, or your Steam web browser data might be corrupted. You can fix those and a few other items to resolve your problem. We’ll show you how to do that on your Windows PC.

Other reasons Steam doesn’t let you access your library are that the app’s hardware acceleration feature is faulty, your login session is problematic, your download cache is corrupted, and more.

Fully Close and Re-run Steam

When you can’t access certain menus in Steam, a basic fix to apply is to quit or force quit and re-open the app. Doing so allows the app to reload all the in-app components, fixing items that might be causing your issue.

Here’s how to restart Steam:

1. Select X in Steam’s top-right corner to close the app window.
2. Right-click Steam in your system tray and choose Exit Steam.

3. Wait for Steam to shut down.
4. Open the Start menu, find Steam, and launch the app.

You can use Task Manager to force quit Steam if the app refuses to close.

Update Steam to Resolve a Black Screen Issue

If your Steam version is outdated, that may be why you can’t access your library. Steam’s older versions have bugs, which you can patch by updating your app to the latest version. An updated app version often brings new features.

1. Launch Steam on your computer.
2. Select Steam > Check for Steam Client Updates in the menu bar.

3. Allow Steam to check for the available updates.
4. Download and install the updates.
5. Restart your Steam client.

Turn Off GPU Acceleration in Steam

GPU acceleration enhances your Steam experience, but sometimes, this feature causes some issues. You can turn off this feature to see if that resolves your library not loading issue.

1. Launch your Steam client.
2. Select Steam > Settings from the menu bar.
3. Choose Interface in the left sidebar.
4. Turn off Enable GPU accelerated rendering in web views (requires restart) on the right.

5. Select Restart Now to quit and re-open your app.

Log Out and Back Into Your Steam Account

If Steam still fails to load your game library, your login session in the app might be faulty. Such issues prevent the app from loading various sections in the app. In this case, sign out and back into your account in the app to fix your problem.

Keep your login details handy, as you’ll need those details to sign back in.

1. Open Steam on your computer.
2. Select Steam > Sign Out from the menu bar.

3. Choose Confirm in the prompt.
4. Log back into your account using your login credentials.

Remove Steam’s Web Browser Data

One way to fix a Steam library not loading issue is to clear the app’s browser data. User reports suggest deleting this data helps resolve the issue.

1. Launch Steam on your machine.
2. Select Steam > Settings in the menu bar.
3. Choose In Game from the left sidebar.
4. Select Delete next to Delete Web Browser Data on the right.

5. Choose Confirm in the prompt.
6. Close and re-open Steam.

Fix Steam Library Issues by Clearing the Download Cache

Steam recommends clearing your download cache when you have trouble using the app. User reports suggest that removing this cache helps fix the issue that prevents you from accessing your game library.

Note that you don’t lose your downloaded games or other data when you clear the download cache. You’ll have to log back into your account when you’ve removed the cache, so keep your login credentials handy.

1. Launch Steam on your computer.
2. Select Steam > Settings in the menu bar.
3. Choose Downloads in the left sidebar.
4. Select Clear Cache next to Clear Download Cache.

5. Choose Confirm in the prompt.

Remove the Contents of the “steamui” Folder

Some user reports suggest clearing the files inside the steamui folder resolves the Steam game library not loading issue. This folder contains your Steam user interface customizations. These files may be corrupted, causing the library screen not to open.

Close Steam on your computer and then follow the following steps to empty the folder.

1. Open the Start menu, find Steam, right-click the app, and select Open file location.
2. Right-click Steam in the open folder and choose Open file location.
3. Access the steamui folder.
4. Select all files by pressing Ctrl + A.
5. Right-click a selected file and choose Delete.

6. Close File Explorer and launch Steam.

Remove and Reinstall Steam to Fix a Black Screen Problem

If nothing else works, your last resort is to delete and reinstall Steam on your computer. Doing so removes all the app files, fixing any issues caused by faulty app files. Note that you lose your downloaded games when you uninstall Steam. You can preserve your games by copying the steamapps folder from your Steam directory to another location on your computer.

On Windows 11

1. Open Settings by pressing Windows + I.
2. Select Apps in the left sidebar.
3. Choose Installed apps on the right pane.
4. Find Steam, select the three dots next to the app, and choose Uninstall.

5. Select Uninstall in the prompt.

On Windows 10

1. Open Settings using Windows + I.
2. Select Apps in Settings.
3. Find Steam, choose the app, and select Uninstall.

4. Choose Uninstall in the prompt.

Reinstall Steam by visiting the Steam website, downloading the app installer, and running the installer on your computer.

Troubleshooting a Steam Library Black Screen Problem

Steam fails to load your game library for various reasons. Depending on the cause, you can use one or more of the above methods to resolve your problem. Once you’ve applied these fixes, Steam will display your library content, allowing you to pick and play your favorite games.

The post How to Fix a Steam Library Not Loading Issue first appeared on Online Tech Tips.

Why Check Your Purchase History on Steam?

There are a number of reasons why you might want to check your Steam purchase history. If you’re considering purchasing a game or DLC, you might want to make sure you don’t already own it. Or perhaps you want to check if the game you own is a special edition. You might also have forgotten how much you paid for an item or game and need to check.

Reviewing your purchase history on Steam is also useful in the event something goes wrong. For example, if there’s a Steam transaction on your bank statement that you don’t recognize or if you have been overcharged for a game, you can check your purchase history.

You may need your purchase history as proof of purchase if a game or DLC goes missing from your Steam library, if a game key you purchased doesn’t work, or if a Steam game won’t launch. Finally, if you need a refund on a game or in-game item, you’ll need the details from your Steam purchase history.

Below, we’ll show you three ways to check your Steam purchase history.

Check Purchase History on Steam via the App

The quickest and easiest way to check your purchase history on Steam when you’re on the go is via the mobile app on Android or iOS. Here’s how to do that:

1. Launch the Steam app on your device and ensure you’re logged into your account.
2. In the upper right corner of your screen, tap your profile name/picture.
3. Select Account Details.
4. Under Store & Purchase History, tap View Purchase History to see all your Steam Store purchases.

You should be able to see the date of the purchase, the name of the game or item purchased, the transaction type (e.g., card, PayPal, etc.), and the transaction amount.

Check Steam Purchase History on PC

Another way to check your purchase history on Steam is on your desktop or laptop PC. It’s often easier to see details of your transactions on a larger screen!

You can either use the Steam client (recommended) or check your purchase history on the Steam website.

How to Check Purchase History on Steam via the Desktop Client

It only takes a few seconds to check your Steam purchase history via the desktop client. Here’s how to see purchase history on Steam using the client:

1. Launch the Steam client on your PC and log into your Steam account.
2. Click the drop-down arrow next to your profile name in the top right corner and select Account Details.
3. Under Store & Purchase History, select View Purchase History.
4. The next window will show you your Steam purchase history since you opened your account.

Check Steam Purchase History via the Website

If you don’t use the Steam client or just prefer to check your purchase history on Steam via the website, here’s how to do that:

1. Navigate to https://store.steampowered.com/ in your browser.
2. Log into your Steam account.
3. Click the drop-down arrow next to your profile name at the top right of your screen.
4. Select Account Details.
5. Under Store & Purchase History, select View Purchase History.
6. You should now see a list of your items purchased.

Understanding Steam Purchase History

You can click on any item in your Steam purchase history to bring up further details about that transaction. You’ll also see a number of support options available to choose from, including I would like a refund, I was charged the wrong amount, I have a question about this purchase, and I would like to view or print the receipt for this purchase.

If you’re having any issues with your item, for example, if you need a refund for a game on Steam after an accidental purchase, or if you’re having trouble with a game key, select I have a problem with a product in this purchase. On the following page, select the issue that applies and follow the on-screen prompts for support.

Now, you no longer need to worry about how to check purchase history on Steam. It takes just a few seconds of your time and you can easily check your purchase history via the app, website, or desktop client, depending on your preferences.

The post How to Check Your Purchase History on Steam first appeared on Online Tech Tips.

Some other reasons you can’t get past the Steam captcha page are that your web browser cache is corrupted, your DNS cache is faulty, you’re using an incompatible VPN or proxy, and more. In this tutorial, we’ll take a look at all these reasons, starting with the most likely ones.

Enter Your Steam Captcha Correctly

When you face issues with the captcha on Steam, ensure you’re entering the captcha correctly. You may be making mistakes while entering the digits and alphabets from the shown image, leading to your issue.

Be very careful while entering the captcha, and double-check the entered value before submitting the form. If you have someone around you, it may be a good idea to seek their assistance in filling up the captcha field.

Close and Relaunch Your Web Browser

If Steam doesn’t accept your captcha despite entering the value correctly, your web browser may have a temporary issue. Such minor problems can cause your browser to malfunction, leading to a captcha issue in some cases.

In this case, you can give your browser a reboot to potentially fix your error. Closing and relaunching the browser turns off and back on all the browser features, fixing minor issues with those items.

Make sure you’ve saved your unsaved work before closing and reopening your browser.

1. Select X in your web browser’s top-right corner to quit the browser.

2. Relaunch the browser by double-clicking the browser shortcut on your desktop. Another way to do that is to open the Start menu, find your browser, and select your browser in the search results.
3. Load the Steam site and see if you can get past the captcha screen.

Delete Your Web Browser Cache

Your web browser caches various web files to improve your browsing experience. Sometimes, these saved files become corrupted, causing random issues in the browser. Your browser may be suffering from a bad cache, causing your problem.

In this case, clear your web browser’s cached data to resolve your issue. Your web browser will rebuild this cache as you visit sites. Also, you don’t lose your bookmarks, passwords, browsing history, and other content when you clear the browsing cache.

Google Chrome

1. Open Chrome, type the following in the address bar, and press Enter:
   chrome://settings/clearBrowserData
2. Choose All time from the Time range drop-down menu, select the Cached images and files option, deselect all other options, and choose Clear data.

3. Close and reopen Chrome, then launch the Steam site.

Mozilla Firefox

1. Launch Firefox, select the three horizontal lines in the top-right corner, and choose History > Clear recent history.
2. Choose Everything in the Time range to clear drop-down menu, enable the Cache option, disable all other options, and choose Clear Now.

3. Quit and relaunch Firefox, then open the Steam site.

Microsoft Edge

1. Access Edge, enter the following in the address bar, and press Enter:
   edge://settings/clearBrowserData
2. Select All time from the Time range drop-down menu, activate the Cached images and files option, deactivate all other options, and choose Clear now.

3. Close and reopen Edge, then access your Steam site.

Flush DNS Cache on Your Computer

Your computer caches DNS queries to help your web-enabled apps quickly translate domain names to IP addresses. It’s possible this cache has become corrupted, causing the Steam site not to work as expected.

In this case, clear your DNS cache, and your issue will be resolved. You don’t lose any personal data when you do this, and your computer will rebuild your DNS cache.

1. Open your PC’s Start menu, find Command Prompt, and launch the tool.
2. Type the following command on the CMD window and press Enter:
   ipconfig /flushdns

3. Close Command Prompt when you’ve cleared the DNS cache.
4. Launch your web browser and access the Steam site.

Turn Off Your VPN and Proxy to Fix Steam Captcha Not Working

If you’re using a VPN or proxy server on your computer, these items may be interfering with Steam’s captcha system. It’s a good idea to turn these features off when you experience issues loading or working with an online site.

Disabling your VPN service is as easy as launching your VPN app and turning off the main toggle.

You can turn off the proxy server on your Windows 11 or Windows 10 PC as follows:

Windows 11

1. Open Settings by pressing Windows + I.
2. Select Network & internet in the left sidebar.
3. Choose Proxy on the right pane to access your proxy settings.
4. Turn off the Automatically detect settings option.

5. Select Set up next to Use a proxy server and turn off Use a proxy server.
6. Relaunch your web browser and open the Steam site.

Windows 10

1. Launch Settings by pressing Windows + I.
2. Select Network & Internet in Settings.
3. Choose Proxy in the left sidebar.
4. Toggle off Automatically detect settings on the right.

5. Turn off Use a proxy server.
6. Reopen your browser and launch the Steam site.

Use Steam’s App on Your iPhone or Android Phone

If you still can’t solve Steam’s captcha and can’t sign in to your existing account or create a new account, use Steam’s app on your iPhone or Android phone to get around the issue. User reports say that Steam gives relatively easy captchas on the mobile app, allowing users to log in or create new accounts with ease.

Once you’ve created a new account using Steam’s mobile app, or you’ve logged in to your existing account in the app, you can scan a QR code on your desktop using your Steam mobile app to sign in to your account on the desktop.

1. Download and install the free Steam app on your iPhone or Android phone.
2. Log in to your account or create a new account in the app.
3. Select Steam Guard in the app’s bottom bar.

4. Open the Steam site on your desktop and select login in the top-right corner.

5. Scan the displayed QR code using your phone’s Steam app.
6. Steam will log you into your account in your desktop browser.

Troubleshooting Steam’s Captcha Error Using Many Ways on Your Computer

Steam’s captcha error prevents you from signing in to your account or creating a new account. If your issue doesn’t go away after multiple attempts, use the methods outlined above to fix the items causing the problem. Your Steam issue will then be fixed.

You can then access your Steam account settings, games, and any other content available in your profile. Happy gaming!

The post Steam Captcha Not Working: How to Fix It first appeared on Online Tech Tips.

If you’re curious why Steam displays the above error, some causes are that your Steam client has a problem, your download cache is corrupted, your PC’s firewall has blocked Steam’s access to the internet, and more.

Check Steam Server Status

When Steam fails to log you into your account, check if the platform’s servers are facing an outage. Steam’s servers may be down, causing your client to be unable to load your account. This is a rare situation, but it does happen.

You can verify if that’s the case by heading to the unofficial Steam Status or the Downdetector site. These sites will tell you if users have reported issues using Steam. If you find Steam is indeed experiencing problems, wait until the company fixes those issues and brings the service back up.

In the meantime, you can play your other games and even use other gaming clients like Roblox.

Switch Between Offline and Online Modes in Steam

When you have trouble using Steam, you can try to resolve your issue by toggling between offline and online modes in your app. Doing so forces the app to connect to the internet, possibly resolving your login error.

1. Launch Steam on your computer.
2. Select Steam > Go Offline in the menu bar.

3. Choose Steam > Go Online in the menu bar.

Force Close and Relaunch Steam on Your Computer

If switching between offline and online mode didn’t fix your Steam problem, force close and re-open your app to possibly resolve your issue. This method should work if Steam is experiencing minor app glitches.

1. Right-click the Windows taskbar and choose Task Manager.
2. Find Steam on the list, right-click the app, and choose End task.

3. Quit Task Manager.
4. Open the Start menu, find Steam, and launch the app.

Close Other Programs Running on Your Computer

Sometimes, Steam doesn’t work as intended because your other apps are interfering with it. You may have an app that’s interfering with Steam’s functionality, preventing the app from signing you into your account.

In this case, close all other running apps on your computer and see if that makes Steam work. You can close an app in Windows by selecting X in the app’s top-right corner. Use Task Manager if an app refuses to close.

That should eliminate any interference and allow Steam to work without problems.

Clear Your Steam Download Cache

When you experience issues using Steam, one item you can clear to possibly resolve your issues is Steam’s download cache. The company recommends you clear this cache when you have problems using the app.

You don’t lose your account data when you do this, and Steam will rebuild the cache as you use the app.

1. Open Steam on your computer.
2. Select Steam > Settings in the menu bar.
3. Choose Downloads in the left sidebar.
4. Select Clear Cache next to Clear Download Cache.

5. Choose Confirm in the prompt to continue.

Update Your Steam App

If you’re using an old version of Steam, your app may have bugs and other issues, causing your login problem. It’s common for old app versions to have issues, and you can fix those problems by updating your app.

Updating Steam resolves many app bugs and possibly adds new features.

1. Run Steam on your machine.
2. Select Steam > Check for Steam Client Updates.

3. Allow Steam to find and install the latest app updates.
4. Close and relaunch Steam, then log in to your account.

Restart Your Windows PC

If your Steam login error persists, give your computer a reboot to potentially resolve your problem. This is because your computer’s operating system may be experiencing an issue, which you can resolve by restarting the computer.

1. Open your PC’s Start menu.
2. Select the Power icon in the menu.
3. Choose Restart.

4. Launch your Steam app.

Turn Off Your Firewall to Fix Steam’s Login Problem

If Steam still can’t connect to its servers and fails to log you in, your computer’s firewall may have blocked Steam’s internet access. This happens when your firewall detects a suspicious connection, but that may be a false-positive report.

In this case, temporarily turn off your firewall and see if that resolves your issue.

1. Open the Windows Security app on your PC.
2. Select Firewall & network protection in the app.
3. Choose the network that says (active).
4. Disable the Microsoft Defender Firewall toggle.

5. Select Yes in the User Account Control prompt.
6. Launch Steam and see if you can log in.

Reinstall Steam on Your Computer

If nothing else works, your last resort is to delete and reinstall the Steam app on your computer. This fixes your app’s corrupted files, which may be causing your login error.

On Windows 11

1. Open Settings by pressing Windows + I.
2. Select Apps in the left sidebar.
3. Choose Installed apps on the right pane.
4. Find Steam, select the three dots next to the app, and choose Uninstall.

5. Select Uninstall in the prompt.

On Windows 10

1. Launch Settings using the Windows + I keyboard combination.
2. Select Apps in Settings.
3. Find Steam, select the app, and choose Uninstall.

4. Select Uninstall in the prompt.

After removing the app, head to Steam’s website and download and install a fresh version of the app on your computer.

Troubleshooting Steam’s Verifying Login Information Error

Steam’s login error prevents you from signing in to your account and accessing your installed games. If your issue isn’t resolved after a few sign-in attempts, the methods outlined above will help you deal with the issue.

Once you’ve made a few changes here and there on your system, Steam will start working just as it should, letting you access all your gaming content.

The post How to Fix a Steam Verifying Login Information Error first appeared on Online Tech Tips.

Understanding Steam Error Code E20

Before heading into the troubleshooting process, let’s understand why this error occurs in the first place.

The E20 error usually appears when there’s a problem with your internet connection, such as a firewall or antivirus software interfering with your connection to the Steam server. You’ll likely see the message, “Something went wrong. There was a problem communicating with Steam. Please try again later.”

However, other issues might also trigger this error, including problems with your router, VPN, or network settings. If a timeout occurs while the Steam client tries to connect to the server, it might also result in an E20 error.

Before Fixing Steam Error Code E20 – Is Steam Down?

We know you’re raring to go and fix this issue, but before you spend any time on the troubleshooting steps, it’s a good idea to see if the problem isn’t on Steam’s end.

Refrain from assuming the connection problem is something you have control over. If there are issues with Steam’s servers, that’s an essential diagnostic fact.

Head over to a site like SteamStat or DownDetector and check if there are known issues with Steam. If there are, you can skip any of the tips below that try to fix the problems at your end.

1. Check Your Internet Connection

First, you must ensure your internet connection is stable. Disconnect from your current network and reconnect. You could also try switching to another Wi-Fi or wired network to see if that resolves the issue. Check your router’s configuration, as this could contribute to the problem.

Troubleshooting general internet connectivity issues can be tricky, and we can’t cover it in depth here, so you may want to check out our internet connection troubleshooting guide for in-depth tips and tricks.

2. Review Your Firewall and Antivirus Settings

Windows Defender or other antivirus or firewall software on your computer can sometimes interfere with Steam, resulting in the E20 error.

1. Navigate to your firewall settings by clicking the Start Button, then search for “Windows Defender Firewall.” and select it from the results.

2. On the left side, you’ll see a list of options; choose Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall.

3. Look for Steam in the list of allowed apps and features. If it’s not there, click Change Settings,

4. Next, select Allow another app.

5. Browse to Steam’s location. The default patch is C: Program Files(x86)SteamSteam.exe.

6. Highlight Steam.exe and then select Open.

7. Now select Add.

Make sure both private and public boxes are checked, so that Steam is allowed through private networks and public networks. Also, check your antivirus software. Ensure it isn’t blocking Steam by adding it to the list of permitted applications.

3. Check Your Router Settings

Routers are small self-contained network computers and have their firewalls and antivirus or malware settings, depending on the model you currently have.

Usually, when you can access a blocked site through a web browser, your router will redirect you to an in-browser warning page letting you know that it was the router blocking access. However, if this happens through a client like Steam, all you’ll get is the generic E20 error.

Every router has a different method to access its internal settings. The most common practice is to enter an IP address (e.g., 192.168.1.1) into a browser, which will take you to the router’s login page. The address, default username, and password are usually on the bottom of the router or in the user manual.

Modern routers also have smartphone apps; if you’ve already set that up, it can be a friendlier way of getting to the settings.

However, you get into your router settings and check the list of blocked sites and IP addresses under firewall settings and any locations labeled anti-malware or antivirus.

4. Flush Steam Cache

The E20 error could result from a corrupt Steam cache. To reset that cache, you have to execute a special command. Here’s how to flush it:

1. Completely close Steam. You may have to open the Task Manager and manually end all Steam processes.
2. Press the Windows key + R, type ‘steam://flushconfig,’ and press Enter.

This command will clear the Steam cache, and you won’t get any confirmation, but you will see Steam start up from scratch. If not, you probably did not kill all Steam processes correctly and will have to try again.

5. Use Command Prompt to Reset IP Address and DNS

In some cases, resetting your IP address and DNS might help fix the E20 error.

To do this, open the command prompt by typing “cmd” into the search bar. After that, you should right-click Command Prompt, choose Run as administrator, or select the same from the app’s info pane in the Start Menu.

Type in the following commands one after the other, pressing Enter after each one:

1. ipconfig /release
2. ipconfig /renew
3. ipconfig /flushdns

After running these commands, try connecting to Steam again.

6. Update or Reinstall Steam Client

Sometimes, updating your Steam client could fix the issue. To check for updates, open Steam and click Steam in the top left corner, then Check for Steam Client Updates. If an update is available, install it and try to reconnect.

If updating doesn’t work, consider uninstalling and reinstalling the Steam client. Before you do this, remember that uninstalling will remove all your game files, but your data, including game progress, will be safe on the Steam server.

To uninstall Steam, search for “Add or remove programs” in the Start Menu and then select it. Then search for Steam, and uninstall it via the right-hand drop-down menu.

7. Check Compatibility and Run as Administrator

Running Steam in compatibility mode or as an administrator can sometimes solve the issue.

Find the Steam shortcut, right-click it, select Properties, then Compatibility.

Check Run this program in compatibility mode and choose your version of Windows from the drop-down list.

You can run Steam as an administrator by selecting “Run as administrator” in the same menu you selected “Properties” above.

8. Verify the Integrity of Game Files

Sometimes, the error could be due to a problem with the game files. Steam has a built-in feature that lets you check and repair the integrity of these files.

To do this, open the Steam client and go to your library—Right-click on the game causing trouble and select Properties. In the window that appears, click on the Installed Files tab and Verify the integrity of the game files.

Steam will then check all the files and download any missing or damaged ones.

9. Disable VPN or Proxy Servers

If you’re using a VPN or a proxy server, it could be why you’re seeing the E20 error. While a VPN can help protect your data, it can sometimes interfere with your connection to the Steam server. Disable your VPN or proxy and try connecting to Steam again.

Note: Using a VPN is against Steam’s terms of service, especially if trying to circumvent geographical restrictions. In extreme cases, your account may even be banned or closed. So we strongly recommend avoiding using a VPN with the software. If your VPN supports “split tunnelling,” you can use this to exclude Steam from your VPN traffic.

10 Update Network Driver

Outdated network drivers could cause connection issues leading to the E20 error. To update your driver:

1. Search for “Device Manager” from the Start Menu and select it when it appears.

2. Expand the Network adapters section in the Device Manager window, right-click on your network device, and select Update driver.

3. Choose Search automatically for updated driver software and follow the prompts.

11. Change Steam Server Region

Sometimes, the server you’re connected to might be overloaded or experiencing issues.

Changing your server region could resolve this problem. In your Steam app, click on Steam in the top left corner, select Settings, then select Downloads.

You’ll see a drop-down menu under Download Region. Select a different region and try reconnecting.

Note: Changing these settings does not change your Steam store region, only which server your games are downloaded from.

12. Disable or Remove Conflicting Software

Some software can conflict with Steam, leading to the E20 error. This can include malware or specific other applications running on your computer. Run a malware scan to ensure your computer is clean, and try closing any non-essential applications before you run Steam. Do an internet search for applications known to interfere with Steam.

13. Reset Network Connections and Settings

If none of the above solutions work, reset your network settings to their defaults:

1. In the Start Menu, search for “Network & Internet” and select it.
2. Select Advanced network settings.

3. Select Network reset.

4. Next, select Reset now after reading the warning about everything that will be reset.

After resetting, you’ll need to restart your computer.

14. Consult the Community

If you’re still having trouble, remember that you’re not alone! The Steam community is a great place to find advice and solutions. Check the discussion boards for tips from other users who have encountered the same problem.

15. Contact Steam Support

If all else fails, it might be time to contact Steam Support. Their FAQs section has a wealth of information. Or, you can directly contact their customer support.

Remember, each computer system is unique, and what works for one user may not work for another. Finding the solution that works for you may take some time and patience. With these tips, you’ll have a good starting point to tackle Steam Error Code E20 and get back to gaming in no time.

The post Top 15 Ways to Fix Steam Error Code E20 first appeared on Online Tech Tips.

In addition to invalid LAN settings, other items that can cause Steam to display the above error are Steam’s own minor glitches, server downtime, a blocked VPN, a firewall blocking Steam’s access to the internet, and more.

1. Check Steam’s Server Status

When you get the above error, the first thing to check is Steam’s server status. The platform’s servers may be experiencing downtime, causing the app’s various features to become unavailable.

You can head to a site like Downdetector to check if Steam is facing outages. If the site says that Steam has a server issue, you’ll have to wait until the company fixes those issues.

2. Force Close and Reopen Steam to Fix the Error Communicating Issue

Steam’s minor glitches can cause the app to not connect to the servers. In this case, force-quit and relaunch the app on your Windows or Mac computer to resolve your problem.

On Windows

1. Open the Start menu, find Task Manager, and launch the utility.
2. Right-click Steam on the list and choose End task to close Steam.

3. Restart Steam on your PC.

On macOS

1. Press Option + Command + Esc keys on your Mac’s keyboard.
2. Select Steam on the list and choose Force Quit.
3. Reopen the Steam app on your Mac.

3. Run Steam As Admin

One reason Steam fails to communicate with its servers is that the app doesn’t have the required permissions to function. In this case, you can run the app as admin, giving the app all the permissions it needs to run properly.

Note that you only have to do this on a Windows PC.

1. Open Start and find Steam.
2. Right-click the app and choose Run as administrator.

3. Select Yes in the User Account Control prompt.

4. Fix Steam by Disabling Your VPN

A VPN app routes your internet traffic through a third-party server, changing your IP address and location. Sometimes, these VPNs don’t work well with your internet-enabled apps like Steam.

In this case, turn off your VPN service and see if that fixes the issue. You can disable your service by opening your VPN app and toggling off the option on the main interface.

Then, launch the Steam client and see if your issue is resolved.

5. Disable Your PC’s Automatic LAN Settings

Windows offers an option that automatically detects and applies LAN (Local Area Network) settings to your PC. It’s possible this feature is malfunctioning, preventing Steam from connecting to its servers.

You can toggle off that Windows option to resolve your issue.

1. Open the Start menu, find Internet Options, and launch that item.
2. Access the Connections tab and select the LAN settings button.

3. Disable the Automatically detect settings option.

4. Select OK, Apply, and then OK on the open windows.
5. Quit and reopen Steam on your PC.

6. Flush Your Computer’s DNS Cache

Your computer caches DNS data to help your internet-enabled apps quickly translate domain names to IP addresses. This cache may have gone corrupt, causing Steam unable to resolve domain names to IPs.

In this case, flush your Windows or Mac machine’s DNS cache, and your issue will be resolved. Note that you won’t lose your Steam or any other data while clearing your DNS cache.

On Windows

1. Open Start, find Command Prompt, and select Run as administrator.
2. Choose Yes in the User Account Control prompt.
3. Enter the following command on the CMD window and press Enter: ipconfig /flushdns

4. After the DNS cache is cleared, run the following commands, one at a time.
   
   ipconfig /release
   ipconfig /renew
   
5. Close Command Prompt and launch Steam.

On macOS

1. Open a Terminal window on your Mac.
2. Type the following command in Terminal and press Enter:
   sudo dscacheutil -flushcache;sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder
3. Type your Mac’s admin password and press Enter. Terminal won’t display the password but type it anyway.

7. Allow Steam Through Your Firewall

Your machine’s firewall may have blocked Steam’s access to the internet, causing the app unable to communicate with its servers. You can verify this by temporarily turning off your firewall. If Steam then succeeds in connecting to its servers, you can add the app to your firewall’s whitelist so your firewall always allows Steam to connect to the internet.

On Windows

1. Open Start, find Windows Security, and open the app.
2. Select Firewall & network protection in the app.
3. Choose the network saying (active).
4. Disable the Microsoft Defender Firewall toggle.

5. Select Yes in the User Account Control prompt.
6. Open the Steam app.

If Steam connects to its servers after disabling the firewall, add the Steam app to your firewall’s allowlist, as explained below:

1. Open Windows Security and select Firewall & network protection.
2. Choose Allow an app through firewall.

3. Select Change settings at the top.
4. Enable the checkbox beside Steam on the app list.

5. Turn on both Private and Public checkboxes for Steam.
6. Select OK at the bottom to save your changes.

On macOS

1. Select the Apple logo in your Mac’s top-left corner and choose System Preferences.
2. Select Security & Privacy on the following page.
3. Open the Firewall tab.
4. Select the padlock icon at the bottom, enter your Mac’s admin username and password, and select Unlock.
5. Select the Turn Off Firewall button.
6. Launch the Steam app.

8. Uninstall and Reinstall Steam

If Steam still displays an error that says the app has issues communicating with its servers, your last resort is to remove and reinstall the app on your computer. Doing so removes all of the app’s files, some of which may be problematic, causing the above issue.

Reinstalling the app brings new files, allowing you to launch and use the app without any issues.

On Windows

1. Open Settings by pressing Windows + I.
2. Select Apps on the left and Apps & features on the right.
3. Select the three dots next to Steam on the list and choose Uninstall.

4. Select Uninstall in the prompt to confirm your choice.
5. Reinstall Steam from the app’s official site.

On macOS

1. Open Finder and select Applications in the left sidebar.
2. Find Steam on the right pane, right-click the app, and choose Move to Trash.
3. Reinstall Steam from its official site.

Troubleshooting Steam’s Communicating With Server Error

There are various reasons Steam fails to communicate with its servers. Once you identify and fix the underlying item, Steam should have all the access it needs to function on your computer.

We hope the guide above resolves your Steam error, so you can get back to playing your favorite games. Happy gaming!

The post 8 Ways to Fix Steam’s Communicating With Server Error first appeared on Online Tech Tips.

Some reasons you get the above error are that Steam’s servers are down, your firewall has blocked the app’s access to the internet, your machine has a minor glitch, and more.

1. Check Your Internet Connection

One item to check when you get a connection-related error in any app is your internet connection. In the case of Steam, the app uses your internet connection to verify your login details. An inactive or unstable connection causes this verification to fail, producing the above error in the app.

You can check your connection status by opening a web browser on your computer and launching a site. If you can open the site, your internet is working. If your site doesn’t load, your internet connection has a problem.

You can reconnect to your Wi-Fi network, reboot your router, and apply other fixes to resolve your internet connection problems.

2. Check if Steam Is Down

It’s possible Steam’s servers are down, causing various errors in the client app. In this case, you can check Steam’s server status using a third-party site.

Open a web browser on your computer and head to Steam’s page on the Downdetector site. If Steam is experiencing any issues, you’ll see those problems listed on the page.

In case the platform is indeed down, you’ll have to wait until the company fixes the issue.

3. Run Steam With Admin Privileges

One reason Steam fails to connect to your account is that the app doesn’t have required permissions to function. In this case, run the app as admin on your Windows PC, and your issue will be resolved.

1. Open the Start menu and find Steam.
2. Right-click the app and select Run as administrator.

3. Choose Yes in the User Account Control prompt.

4. Restart Your Windows or Mac Computer

Your Windows or macOS’ system glitches can cause your apps to malfunction. This may be why Steam displays a “Connecting Steam account” error message. In this case, you can reboot your computer to resolve many minor problems.

Make sure to save your unsaved work before powering off your computer.

On Windows

1. Open the Start menu by pressing the Windows key or selecting the Start menu icon.
2. Select the Power icon and choose Restart.

On macOS

1. Select the Apple logo in your Mac’s top-left corner.
2. Choose Restart in the menu.

Launch Steam and try to log in to your account when you’ve rebooted your computer.

5. Change Steam’s Connection Mode to TCP

Steam uses UDP as the default connection mode. When you experience a network-related error, it’s worth changing this mode to TCP to fix your issue.

You can do that by adding an argument to Steam’s path on Windows and running a command in Terminal on a Mac.

On Windows

1. Right-click the Steam shortcut on your desktop and select Properties.
2. Open the Shortcut tab, select the Target field, press Spacebar, and add the following text:
   -tcp
3. The resulting text should look something like the following:
   “C:Program Files (x86)Steamsteam.exe” -tcp

4. Select Apply followed by OK to save your settings.
5. Launch Steam using the app shortcut on your desktop.

On macOS

1. Open a Terminal window and navigate to your Applications folder.
2. Type the following command and press Enter:
   open steam.app –args -tcp
3. Steam will launch in TCP connection mode.

6. Use Steam on Another Network

If your Steam issue persists, your current network may have a problem. This problem may be causing Steam to be unable to connect to the servers, causing the above error message.

In this case, connect your Windows or Mac machine to another Wi-Fi network and see if Steam works. You can use your iPhone or Android phone’s hotspot if you don’t have access to an extra wireless network.

7. Turn Off Your Computer’s Firewall

Your computer’s firewall may have blocked Steam’s access to the internet, causing the app to display a “Connecting Steam account” error. You can check if this is the case by temporarily turning off the firewall on your Mac or Windows computer.

On Windows

1. Open the Start menu, find Windows Security, and launch the app.
2. Select Firewall & network protection on the app’s main page.
3. Choose the network that says (active).

4. Turn off the Microsoft Defender Firewall toggle.

5. Select Yes in the User Account Control prompt.
6. Close and reopen the Steam app.

On macOS

1. Open a Terminal window on your Mac.
2. Type the following command in Terminal and press Enter:
   sudo defaults write /Library/Preferences/com.apple.alf globalstate -int 0
3. Type your Mac’s password and press Enter. You won’t see the password being typed, but type it anyway.
4. Open Steam.

8. Remove Steam’s Files

It’s possible Steam’s certain files have gone corrupt, causing issues with the app’s various functions. You can fix this issue by deleting those files on your Windows PC. You should delete and reinstall the app if you’re on a Mac.

1. Launch the Start menu and find Steam.
2. Right-click the app and choose Open file location.

3. Right-click Steam again and select Open file location.
4. Delete all the files and folders except for steam.exe, steamapps, and userdata in the current directory.

5. Run the Steam app.

9. Remove and Reinstall Steam

If your “Connecting Steam account” error hasn’t gone away yet, your last resort is to uninstall and reinstall the app on your computer. This will fix any faulty app files that may be causing Steam to display the above error.

On Windows

1. Open Settings by pressing Windows + I.
2. Select Apps on the left and Apps & features on the right.
3. Find Steam, select the three dots next to the app, and choose Uninstall.

4. Select Uninstall in the prompt to delete the app.
5. Download and install Steam on your PC.

On macOS

1. Open Finder and select Applications in the left sidebar.
2. Right-click Steam on the right and choose Move to Trash.
3. Reinstall Steam on your Mac.

Get Past Steam’s “Connecting Steam account” Error on Windows and Mac

Steam’s connection error prevents you from logging in to your account and accessing your personalized items. If you’re frustrated by this issue, use the methods outlined above, and your issue will be resolved in no time.

Once the problem is fixed, launch Steam, and enjoy all your favorite games in this client. Happy gaming!

The post Steam Stuck at Connecting Account? 9 Ways to Fix it first appeared on Online Tech Tips.

Steam’s cloud error displays various messages, from “Unable to Sync” to “Steam Cloud Error.” You shouldn’t select the option to play your game when this error occurs, as you risk losing your game progress by doing so. Instead, follow the following methods, fix your problem, and launch your game.

Retry Cloud Sync in Steam

When your cloud sync fails, the first thing to do is get the Steam app to retry syncing your data. Your sync may have failed for various reasons on the first attempt, and the second try could resolve the issue.

You can do that by selecting the Retry Sync option on the Unable to Sync window in the Steam app. Your app will then begin synchronizing your game data with Steam’s servers.

Resolve Steam Cloud Sync Issues by Force Closing and Reopening the App

Steam’s minor glitches may be causing your cloud error. In this case, you can resolve your app’s minor problems by force closing and relaunching the app. You can do this on both Windows and Mac computers.

On Windows

1. Right-click the Start menu icon and choose Task Manager.
2. Right-click Steam on the list and choose End task.

3. Reopen the Steam app.

On macOS

1. Press the Option + Command + Esc keys simultaneously on your Mac.
2. Select Steam on the list and choose Force Quit.
3. Restart Steam on your Mac.

Run Steam as Administrator

You get a cloud error because Steam lacks the permissions needed to sync your data. You can fix this by running the app with administrator privileges on your Windows PC. This allows the app to make changes that aren’t possible with a normal Windows user account.

These instructions only apply to Windows. You don’t have to do this on a Mac.

1. Open the Start menu, find Steam, right-click the app, and choose Run as administrator.

2. Select Yes in the User Account Control prompt.
3. Try syncing your game data in the app.

Check if Steam Is Down

Steam’s servers may be experiencing an issue, causing a platform-wide outage. This can prevent your Steam client from exchanging data with the cloud servers, resulting in an error message.

In this case, check if Steam is down using a site like Downdetector or the unofficial Steam Status account on Twitter. These sites will tell you if Steam’s servers are down.

If Steam faces an outage, you’ll have to wait until the company fixes the issue. Once the issue is resolved, your game data will sync fine with the cloud.

Turn On Cloud Sync in Your Steam Client

One scenario where Steam’s cloud error appears is if you’re using Steam on a new device where you’re logged in to your Steam account but haven’t enabled cloud sync. This confuses the app about what game progress file to load for your game.

In this case, enable cloud sync in your Steam client, and your issue will be resolved.

1. Open Steam on your new device.
2. Select Steam in the menu bar and choose Settings.

3. Choose the Cloud tab in the sidebar on the left.
4. Activate Enable Steam Cloud synchronization for applications which support it on the right.

5. Choose OK at the bottom to save your changes.
6. Close and relaunch Steam, then open your game.

Check Your Game Files’ Integrity

Your game’s files may be altered, preventing Steam from syncing your game data. In this case, verify your files’ integrity with the Steam client.

1. Open Steam and access your game library.
2. Right-click your game and choose Properties.

3. Select the Local Files tab in the left sidebar.
4. Choose Verify integrity of game files on the right.

Repair Your Steam Library

Your Steam game library may have gone corrupt, causing the client to display an error message. Various items, like a virus or a malicious app, can cause your library to become corrupt.

You can fix that by using Steam’s built-in library repair option.

1. Open Steam and select Steam > Settings in the menu bar.
2. Select the Downloads tab in the left sidebar.
3. Choose Steam Library Folders on the right.

4. Select the three dots next to your game library and choose Repair Folder.

5. Choose Yes in the User Account Control prompt.
6. Wait for Steam to fix your game library.

Fix Steam’s Cloud Problem by Turning Off Your Firewall

If Steam doesn’t sync your files, your computer’s firewall may be blocking the app’s connections to the cloud servers. This prevents the app from exchanging your data with the cloud, resulting in various error messages.

In this case, turn off your machine’s firewall and check if Steam can sync your game data.

On Windows

1. Open Start, find Windows Security, and launch the app.
2. Select Firewall & network protection on the following screen.
3. Choose the network that says (active).

4. Disable the Microsoft Defender Firewall toggle.

5. Select Yes in the User Account Control prompt.
6. Open Steam and try to sync your game data.

On macOS

1. Open the Apple menu located in your Mac’s top-left corner and choose System Preferences.
2. Select Security & Privacy on the following screen.
3. Open the Firewall tab and select the padlock icon at the bottom.
4. Type your Mac’s administrator username and password. Then, select Unlock.
5. Choose the Turn Off Firewall button.
6. Open Steam and sync your game files.

Resolve Steam’s “Unable to Sync” Cloud Error on Windows and Mac

Steam’s cloud error can prevent you from saving or loading your game progress from the cloud, interrupting your gaming experience. Luckily, this error won’t stick around once you’ve followed the above methods.

When your sync error is fixed, your games will sync just fine with Steam’s cloud servers, allowing you to save and load your game progress from your devices.

The post How to Fix a Steam Cloud Error first appeared on Online Tech Tips.

Steam, one of the most popular PC gaming clients, has a huge variety of RPG games available on their store. In fact, you can even find plenty of free RPGs that you can download and start playing in the blink of an eye, without reaching for your credit card. In this list we’ve compiled all of the best free RPGs you can find on Steam that you can get started playing right now.

1. Guild Wars 2

Guild Wars 2 is a massively multiplayer online (MMO) action RPG set in an open-world fantasy environment. You can choose from many different professions and races to create your unique character. From there, you can follow the storyline as you see fit. In fact, the story is somewhat dependent on the choices you make, a unique feature for a multiplayer game to include.

Guild Wars 2 also has engaging combat, relying on a skill-based format which is determined by your chosen race and profession. The game also has PvP available to test your skills against other players. The best part is that the game is free, with no subscription needed to fully enjoy the game.

2. Path of Exile

If you’re a fan of dark fantasy games such as Diablo, Path of Exile is an amazing free RPG to get into. You can play as one of seven different classes, such as a Ranger, Witch, Duelist, and more. Your character is one of many exiles sent to the land of Wraeclast, and throughout the game you journey throughout this area and do your best to survive.

Path of Exile includes lots of action, so you’re unlikely to get bored of playing this game. As you play through the game your character can learn countless skills to help you across your journey. This is a great free game that you can sink plenty of hours into and always have more to explore.

3. Torchlight: Infinite

This game is the next installment after the original Torchlight game, with very similar gameplay style and mechanics. Torchlight: Infinite is a hack-and-slash RPG game where you can choose from multiple classes and gain skills to use as you battle. The game is designed to be fast-paced without any cooldown times on moves, so if you like action this game would be perfect for you.

The game is also great for more casual RPG players as it keeps things very light and simple. Still, Torchlight: Infinite provides an expansive amount of gameplay and captivating battles.

4. Spiral Knights

In Spiral Knights, you play in a sci-fi alien world where you must traverse throughout the Clockworks. After finishing each level, you’ll journey deeper into the Clockworks as you attempt to reach the Core. Throughout the game you can gather items, weapons and gear to assist you through your journey.

Spiral Knights is also a cooperative game, so you can get your friends to help you out through the Clockworks levels too. The art style is extremely charming and the gameplay is fun and fast-paced. The entire game can be fully played without any subscription or payment needed.

5. Neverwinter

Neverwinter is an MMORPG based on the world of Dungeons & Dragons. You can choose to play as one of eight classes, all from D&D. The story follows players as they attempt to fight against the enemies invading the land of Neverwinter. Besides this main storyline, there’s also the option to play in user-created worlds, and to create one of your own.

Neverwinter also has a large player base, so if you feel more inclined to play with others you can do that, too. There’s plenty of content within this game as well, so you’ll always have something to do.

6. Wakfu

This is a turn-based MMORPG, so if you like games that require more strategy, you may enjoy Wakfu. You can choose from 18 classes to play as, and the world is filled with plenty of dungeons and tasks for you to accomplish. Along with a unique, charming visual art style, this is a fun one-of-a-kind game.

Wakfu also includes tons of creativity, as you can make an impact on the in-game world as you play within it. There are politics you can involve yourself in, and players can either destroy or help foster the growth of the environment around them. Overall there’s plenty of interesting activities to do in this game and best of all, it’s free.

7. Soda Dungeon

Soda Dungeon was originally a mobile game, but now it has been brought to PC. You control a party of adventurers as they explore dungeons and defeat unique enemies. Doing this can allow you to upgrade your tavern and sell more types of soda, and attract new classes to add to your party.

Besides the great 2D, pixel graphics, Soda Dungeon also delivers solid dungeon-crawling gameplay and fun turn-based action. If you find you enjoy playing this game, there’s also a sequel, Soda Dungeon 2, which is also completely free to play.

8. Grimm’s Hollow

Grimm’s Hollow is an adorable yet spooky 2D RPG adventure game, where you play as character Lavender as she searches for her brother in the afterlife. The pixel graphics are very well-done, as is the story, which includes multiple different endings. Throughout the game you traverse through caves and defeat ghosts on your quest to find your brother.

Although this is a relatively shorter game, it’s high quality and the perfect little RPG to play when you need a break from more intense games.

Play a New Game for Free With These RPGs

No matter what kind of adventure you’re looking for, you don’t have to spend any cash to get it. There are plenty of wonderful, content-rich RPGs available for free on Steam, so you can download them to play on your PC whenever you want.

Are there any free RPGs we missed? Let us know below.

The post 8 Best Free RPG Games on Steam first appeared on Online Tech Tips.

Why You Should Upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11

The main reason why gamers prefer Windows OS over macOS is that Microsoft has always developed its products with gaming in mind. It’s no different with Windows 11, but is Windows 11 that different from Windows 10?

The answer is yes, but check our Windows 11 vs. Windows 10 article to get the complete picture. Windows 11 will improve your gaming experience. Unlike Windows 10, Windows 11 supports the newest gaming technologies, some previously available only for Xbox users.

The Game Mode that helped Windows 10 run newer games on older setups is available on Windows 11 too, but it’s improved. Aside from freeing up the CPU, Windows 11 limits the background activity and allocates more resources so you can play your game undisturbed.

Windows 11 also brings new gaming features such as Auto-HDR, DirectStorage, and a built-in Xbox app. Let’s see what these new features are all about and how they can improve your gaming experience.

Auto-HDR

In 2017, game developers announced the HDR feature for the last generation consoles. That meant that only a handful of games were to support HDR. Microsoft developed Auto-HDR, which can turn any game into an HDR experience as long as the display supports this feature.

That means if you have an HDR monitor, Windows 11 will detect it and automatically turn on auto-HDR so you can experience your games on a whole new level. The colors will be vibrant and realistic, boosting your visual gaming experience.

DirectStorage

An Application Programming Interface (API) is an intermediary between two applications and makes them work better. Direct Storage is one such API, and its task is to intermediate between the GPU and SSD. That means that the GPU can process and decompress the game data without the involvement of the CPU. This makes game load times much shorter.

Before DirectStorage, the API would send the game data from the RAM to the CPU for decompression and processing, and only then would it return it to the RAM and finally to the GPU to render and project the data. But DirectStorage skips this entire step and sends the compressed data directly to the GPU, so it’s up to the GPU to quickly decompress, process, and project it.

When DIrectStorage is combined with an NVMe SSD, the whole process is lightning fast, and the GPU won’t feel any additional stress. Moreover, the CPU will be free to deal with other tasks. DirectStorage is exclusive to Windows 11 and won’t become part of any future Windows 10 updates.

Built-in Xbox App

Unlike Windows 10, Windows 11 has the Xbox App and the Xbox Game Pass as built-in features. It connects the whole Windows ecosystem into one machine. Previously, you had to download the Xbox Companion app separately from PlayStore to connect your PC with the Xbox system. The Game Pass gives the subscribers access to Xbox cloud gaming instantly.

Xbox Cloud Gaming is still in the Beta development phase, but you can already log in and play some of the most wanted game titles. You need a good internet connection, and a desktop or a laptop.

Optimized Start Menu

This feature is not related to games, and it might be of no concern for people who use their PCs strictly for gaming. But it’s a neat feature, especially if you use your PC for professional or other entertainment purposes besides gaming.

The Start Menu of Windows 11 is optimized and versatile. It is easy to access different programs and navigate between apps. The Start menu can also be resized to fit your needs. This is more important for tablet users who don’t like the oversized Start menu that takes up a large portion of the lower screen, but it can also be helpful for gamers and gameplay streamers.

Windows 11 Home vs. Windows 11 Pro

Now that it’s clear that Windows 11 is a better option for gamers, the question is which version/edition to choose? Let’s look at the main differences between the two editions of this operating system and how they influence the gaming experience.

CPU

The real difference Between Windows 11 Home and Pro is in the CPU. While the Home edition supports only one CPU with 64 cores, the Pro edition supports two, with up to 128 cores.

That doesn’t necessarily mean that the Pro edition is better for gaming. The resource management is typically streamlined while gaming, so the two CPUs are unnecessary. Thanks to the new DirectStorage, one CPU is more than capable of running your game smoothly.

RAM

Windows 11 can support much larger RAM sizes. The Home edition supports up to 128GB of RAM, while the Pro up to 2TB.

Note that 128GB is already way over the top for gaming. The Home edition should be sufficient if you won’t use your PC for any purpose other than entertainment.

Security Features

Windows 11 Pro wins the race when it comes to security. It comes with a BitLocker, a feature that you can turn on and encrypt your hard disk. That way, your data will be protected, and no prying eyes will be able to see its content or steal it.

Once BitLocker encrypts your hard drive, no one will have access to it unless they have a password or a recovery key. That means that even if your PC is stolen, you don’t need to worry about the content you have on it.

Unfortunately, this feature is not available on Windows 11 Home. But as a gamer, do you need this extra layer of protection? It may be helpful for professionals who are trying to safeguard their work. But for anyone else, a good antivirus and a VPN are enough.

Updates

If you rely on regular updates for optimal gaming performance, you should know how Windows updates work. No matter what edition of Windows you have, they all receive updates as needed. Both Home and Pro receive regular updates.

The Cost

If you upgrade from Windows 10, Windows 11 Home is free. The Pro edition always costs $200, whether updating or buying a new license.

If you’re using your computer for professional purposes next to gaming, you might want to make the investment. All the additional features are worth the price. But if you use your PC only for gaming, browsing, and everyday work, there is no need to pay for a new OS.

Windows 11 Home comes with all the new gaming features at no cost. That would mean that Home is the best edition for gamers when choosing between the two.

What about Windows 11 Enterprise?

Microsoft developed Windows 11 Enterprise strictly for business. It requires a volume license agreement, and you cannot buy an OEM key for it. Windows Enterprise is not designed for consumers but companies.

Windows 11 Enterprise has all the same features as the Home and Pro editions and some additional apps specifically designed for business. This means that if you have the Enterprise edition, you can play games just as well as on any other edition.

Keep in mind that Enterprise is the most expensive option, but if you need it for the PC you use both for entertainment and work, you can’t go wrong. However, you will have to give this new OS some extra permissions to run games.

Which Edition is the Best for Gaming?

When it comes to gaming, the OS capabilities are the same whether you choose the Home, Pro, or Enterprise edition. No additional features they might have will bring a different gaming experience. Windows 11 Home is all you need as a gamer.

Windows 11 Home is an excellent choice for everyone. It brings all the new gaming features in the other two editions and costs nothing if you’re updating from Windows 10. It’s designed for consumer use and is the best option for most people.

That doesn’t mean that the Pro and Enterprise editions are any worse. They just come with additional features that aren’t that useful for average gamers and cost more. If you’re a professional and use your PC for work and entertainment, feel free to go with either Windows 11 Pro or Enterprise.

The post The Best Windows 11 Version for PC Gaming first appeared on Online Tech Tips.

This tutorial covers using a PS5 controller on your Mac or PC. Before connecting a controller to your computer, turn off the PS5 controller. Press and hold the PlayStation (PS) button until the controller’s indicator light or status light goes off. When that’s done, you can connect the controller to your computer with a USB cable or wirelessly.

USB Wired Connection

For a wired USB connection, use the Type-A to Type-C cable included in the PS5 packaging. If you can’t find the included cable, use a third-party USB cable that supports power transfer and data synchronization. Windows or macOS won’t detect your PS5 DualSense controller if you use a “charge only” cable.

All you have to do to get it working is plug the cable’s USB-A connector into your PC and insert the USB-C connector into the DualSense controller’s USB-C port.

Note: Use a USB-C to USB-C cable for PCs and MacBooks without a USB Type-A port. Plug either end of the cable to your Mac or PC and the other end to the controller.

Connect the PS5 DualSense Controller Wirelessly

Remember to turn off or disconnect your controller from other devices before pairing it to your computer. Press and hold the PS button on the controller until the indicator light goes off. That disconnects the controller from other Bluetooth devices and makes it available for pairing to a new device.

Connect a PS5 Controller to a Windows PC

To pair a PS5 DualSense controller to a Windows 10 or Windows 11 computer, follow these steps.

1. On Windows 11, open your PC’s Settings app (press Windows key + I). Select Bluetooth & devices on the sidebar and then select Add device on the right.

On Windows 10, go to Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & other devices and select Add Bluetooth or other devices.

2. Select Bluetooth.

3. The next step is putting your controller in pairing mode. Press and hold the Playstation button and Create button for about 5 seconds. Release both buttons when the controller’s indicator light blinks twice.

4. On your PC, select Wireless Controller.

5. Wait for your PC to connect to the controller. Select Done to close the window when you see a “Your device is ready to go” message.

Your controller should appear as “Connected” in the Bluetooth settings menu. Now you can use the controller in Steam games and other compatible programs.

Connect a PS5 Controller to a Mac

1. Go to System Preferences > Bluetooth and make sure Bluetooth is on. Select the Turn Bluetooth On button to enable your Mac’s Bluetooth.

2. Press and hold the PS button and Create button on your PS5 controller until the indicator light blinks twice intermittently. That puts the controller in pairing mode.

3. Your Mac should detect a “DualSense Wireless Controller” in the Bluetooth settings menu. Select the Connect button to proceed.

Unlike Windows, macOS correctly recognizes and labels the PS5 controller as “DualSense Wireless Controller.”

4. Select Options to customize the functionality of some buttons on the DualSense controller.

By default, pressing the Home (PS) button on the controller opens your Mac’s Launchpad.

5. You can configure macOS to open the floating app switcher when you long-press your controller’s Home (PS) button. To do so, open the “Home Long Press” drop-down menu and select LaunchPad.

The “Share” or “Create” button is also customizable. You can start recording your screen or capture “highlights” during gameplay by double-pressing or long-pressing the Share button. Capturing a highlight saves the last 15 seconds of gameplay.

6. Expand the “Share Double Press” or “Share Long Press” menu and select Start/Stop Recording or Capture Highlight.

7. Select Record Screen on the confirmation prompt.

Note: Capturing highlights with the DualSense controller may reduce gameplay speed and performance.

8. Select Done to save the customizations.

Set Up and Use PS5 Controller on Your Computer

Your computer and compatible apps should immediately detect a PS5 DualSense controller connected via cable or wirelessly. Depending on the app or PC games you’re playing, you may need to enable app-specific settings.

In Steam, for instance, enabling “PlayStation Configuration Support” allows you to enjoy all features of the DualSense controller.

1. Connect the controller to your computer and open Steam’s settings.
2. Head to the “Controller” tab on the left sidebar and select General Controller Settings.

3. Ensure your PlayStation 5 Controller appears in the “Detected Controller” section. Select the PlayStation Configuration Support checkbox and close the controller settings window.

You should also select the Generic Gamepad Configuration Support checkbox. That could help your PS5 controller work correctly if Steam’s PlayStation Configuration Support malfunctions.

In Remote Play, you’ll see your controller’s battery level in the bottom-right corner of the screen.

If your PS5 controller doesn’t work in a specific game, contact the game developer for support.

PS5 Controller Not Connecting or Working on PC or Mac? Try These Fixes

Your computer may fail to recognize a PS5 Controller for many reasons. The troubleshooting recommendations below should resolve the problem(s).

1. Try A Different Port or Cable

If you’re connecting your controller using a cable, ensure it’s the original cable included in the PS5 packaging. If you use a knockoff or counterfeit cable, your computer may not detect the DualSense controller. Use an authentic cable that supports both data synchronization and power transfer.

USB port problems can also prevent PS5 controllers from connecting to your computer. Try a different port on your computer if the controller doesn’t work on a particular port. We also recommend plugging the controller directly into your computer. When using a USB adapter, ensure the accessory supports data synchronization and power transfer.

2. Update the Controller

Updating your controller to the latest firmware can fix connectivity and performance issues.

If you’re using a Windows PC, update the PS5 controller using the Firmware updater for DualSense wireless controller app. Install the app on your computer and plug the controller using a cable.

The app will automatically download and install any firmware update available for your controller. Make sure your computer has an internet connection.

You can also update your controller from the PS5 console. Open your PS5’s settings menu, go to Accessories > Controllers, and select Wireless Controller Device Software.

3. Restart Your Computer

Reboot your computer if your controller’s firmware is up-to-date, but it won’t connect or work when playing compatible games.

4. Reset the Controller to Factory Settings

If the problem persists, restore your PS5 DualSense controller’s settings to factory default. Disconnect or unplug the controller from your console or other devices before performing the factory reset. You should also shut down your console.

Locate a tiny circle-shaped hole on the back of the controller. Inside the hole is the DualSense controller’s reset button. Insert a pin or paper clip in the hole and push the reset button for 3-5 seconds.

Turn on the controller, connect it to your computer, and check if it now works without any issue.

Enjoy Console-Like Gaming on Your Computer

Connecting a PS5 DualSense controller to a Windows or Mac computer is easy. Update your computer’s operating system if you still have problems using the controller. Visit a PlayStation Service Repair Center if your DualSense controller won’t connect or work on its console or computer.

The post How to Use a PS5 Controller on Your Mac or PC first appeared on Online Tech Tips.

However, what you usually can’t do is change the game speed. You may get a stuttering game if you change PC game settings because your frame rate is lower than normal, but that’s somewhat different.

No, what we’re talking about is modifying the game speed. You can use this trick to fast forward through slow-paced gameplay or slow down the action. How?

When Do You Need to Speed Up or Slow Down Your Game?

For most games, messing around with the gameplay speed is a bad idea. The game’s difficulty and the flow of combat are built around a particular speed, and changing that could make the game too easy or impossibly hard.

Some games have a pretty steep skill requirement, however. Platformers like Rogue Legacy or Hollow Knight are popular among arcade enthusiasts. Still, newcomers to the genre might find it challenging to keep up with the searing pace. A slightly slower game speed would allow even absolute beginners to master the mechanics.

Then there are games with pacing so slow that it is a slog to play through them. The official Pokemon games are notorious for this. For an experienced player replaying the game for the hundredth time, an option to blitz through the game is a godsend. Especially if you are doing a challenge run where you intend to restart multiple times.

Using Cheat Engine to Change Game Speed

If the game does not natively offer an option to modulate the game speed, you need to try a roundabout method. This is easier said than done, as you usually can’t tamper with the inner processes of the game itself.

That’s where Cheat Engine comes in. A nifty little memory scanning tool, Cheat Engine can be used to play around with many hidden variables of a game. Cheats like an unlimited health bar or item duplication are easy to implement in games that generally do not have cheat codes.

But for this guide, we’re interested in a different feature – Enable Speedhack. This option allows you to modulate the speed of any running application, including games. Note that this requires Cheat Engine to “inject” code into the running process, causing many antivirus tools to flag it as malware. You might have to create an exception for the tool manually.

1. To begin, download Cheat Engine from the official site.

2. Run the downloaded file to begin installing Cheat Engine on your PC.

3. The installer will try to install a bunch of bloatware if you are not careful. Simply select the Skip All button to prevent that.

4. Select Finish once the setup is done. There is no need to run Cheat Engine yet – we need to get our game running first.

5. Now open the game you want to speed up or slow down. We will demonstrate by slowing down Rogue Legacy 2, a quick-moving action platformer.

6. To see the speed changing in real-time, let’s continue past the menu into the gameplay itself.

7. Now press Ctrl + Esc to minimize the game window and open the Start Menu. You can leave the game running, but it might be a better idea to pause the game first.

8. Search for Cheat Engine in the Search Box and then run it as Administrator.

9. Cheat Engine will open in a new window. Don’t worry if all the display options don’t make too much sense – we’re only concerned with one option.

10. First, select File > Open Process to select the game process with Cheat Engine.

11. You will be presented with a list of all running processes on your computer, complete with their names and icons. You can easily spot your game on this list. Select it and hit Open.

12. The original window will return but with the name of the selected process on top. You’ll also notice that all of the grayed-out options are available now.

13. Click on the checkbox alongside Enable Speedhack to activate it.

14. You can now drag the slider to select a speed modifier: left is for slowing down, right for speeding up. You can also enter the numeric modifier directly in the text box. Select Apply when you are done.

15. Now switch back to the game window (without closing Cheat Engine; it needs to be running), and you will see the slow-motion. Sometimes it doesn’t work the first time, so you may need to close the Cheat Engine and repeat the steps to make it work.

What About Online Games?

If you are thinking about using the method we outlined to slow down an online game, don’t bother. Offline games keep track of time by querying the operating system, allowing a program like the Cheat Engine to insert itself in the middle and fool the app. However, with an online game, these computations are carried out by the server.

And even if you did manage to get Cheat Engine working on an online game, the server will detect the abnormal behavior of your game and ban you. Especially for competitive multiplayer games, where using third-party programs to gain an unfair advantage is not permitted.

Speeding Up Emulator Games

Many people like playing handheld console games on their PCs using software emulators. Among other benefits, a big advantage of doing this is modifying the game speed.

As the software emulates the target hardware for the game to work, it allows you to directly change aspects of its functioning. You don’t need any third-party apps to speed up or slow down an emulated game – just take a look at the options of the emulator to find the feature.

What Is the Best Way to Speed Up or Slow Down an Offline Game on PC?

Microsoft Windows doesn’t provide any method to directly change the speed of any application. You can always change graphical settings for better performance and speed up the FPS of a lagging game, but slowing the game from its default speed is generally not possible.

You can use Cheat Engine to modify the speed of any running process. You can slow Google Chrome too, but it is useful for gaming. Many titles give a better gaming experience at a faster or slower speed, which is possible with Cheat Engine.

It doesn’t work on Android or iOS though, as their architecture is far more restricted. But you can always use an emulator to play those games on your PC and then change their speed.

The post How to Speed Up or Slow Down Offline PC Games first appeared on Online Tech Tips.

If you want to settle down for a night and play some scary games but don’t have the money to spend on a new game, we’ve compiled a list of the best and scariest free horror games you can get on Steam. See how long you can spend on these games, and then maybe play something more comforting to let you get to sleep that night. 

1. SCP: Secret Laboratory 

Steam offers many SCP-related (Secure, Contain, Protect) games, but this is the best. If you’re not aware of the SCP universe, it’s a fictional sci-fi universe where beings or objects that violate natural law are kept hidden by the SCP Foundation. 

Secret Laboratory takes place during a containment breach by the Chaos Insurgency, a group that seeks to release the potentially dangerous entities captured at one of the SCP Foundation’s sites. In the game, you can play several different characters who have a role in the breach, including Foundation security, scientists, lab-rat prisoners known as D-Class, Chaos Insurgency members, and more. It’s a great first-person horror game and is one of the best out there.

2. Dark Deception

This game is like a horrific version of Pac-man—if you could see from a first-person view and the monsters chasing you were the stuff of nightmares. In Dark Deception, you are trapped in a maze littered with traps and nowhere to hide. Your only hope for survival is to find the way out and avoid the monsters coming for you. 

These monsters look quite ridiculous—by design—and make the game more of a dark comedy horror than anything. You’ll have to be quick thinking to survive long in this game, though, and you’re sure to get plenty of jumpscares along the way. 

3. No More Room In Hell

Made as a tribute to George Romero’s iconic horror movie Dawn of the Dead, this game features a one-of-a-kind zombie experience. You play as one of the few survivors during a zombie takeover and must team up with others to survive. The game involves, of course, killing zombies but also strategizing with your team to live and solving puzzles. 

If you’re looking for a fun take on zombie games, No More Room In Hell is a perfect choice. 

4. Doki Doki Literature Club!

This game, by all measures, looks 100% innocent on the surface. When you first start this typical-seeming anime visual novel game, you’ll be wondering why it’s categorized as horror. But the further you get, the more things start to seem off until the true nature of the game slaps you in the face. 

Doki Doki Literature Club is not for the faint of heart, as it deals with disturbing content matter and slowly grows more and more chaotic until the entire game falls apart. Literally. The game can end in multiple ways, so pick your paths wisely.

5. Cry of Fear

You play as a young man exploring a Scandinavian city as nightmarish creatures descend upon him. You need to do your best to survive, as well as figure out what’s real and what’s not. This game began simply as a mod for Half-Life but grew into its own game. Cry of Fear can be played both in single-player and co-op modes, so if you are a bit too scared to play it all yourself, you can always round up some friends to beat this eerie, terrifying atmosphere together.

6. Deceit

Deceit is a first-person shooter (FPS) multiplayer game with an unsettling twist. You wake up in a room with a group of other players and are informed that a third of them are infected with a virus, causing them to kill others. If you play as an innocent, you’re tasked with being on alert to figure out who out of the group is an infected player. If you’re infected, you need to kill others and make sure this activity goes undetected. 

As you play, you will gain clues to determine what side other players are on and vote out the suspicious ones. Deceit is an entertaining and suspenseful psychological horror.

7. Dagon: By H.P. Lovecraft

Whether or not you’re a fan of H.P. Lovecraft’s classic horror tales, this game creates an unforgettable horror atmosphere that will keep you sucked in for hours. Based on the story created by Lovecraft as part of his Cthulu mythos, this game is a completely faithful adaptation but is worth playing whether or not you’ve read it. 

Dagon is a narrative game and relatively short at about 30 minutes of gameplay. Still, it’s a beautiful experience that perfectly invokes the feeling of cosmic horror for which Lovecraft was famous.

8. Tiny Bunny: Prologue

Tiny Bunny is an episodic game series, and you can play the prologue for free. The game combines supernatural horror and psychological suspense to create a disturbing but engaging experience. 

Another great aspect of the game is its art. Though all black-and-white, it’s both beautiful and eerie and helps propel the narrative far. If you enjoy this prologue, the next episodes in the series are relatively cheap. If you tend to enjoy indie games, you’ll want to try Tiny Bunny.

9. Dead Frontier 2

As a massively multiplayer online RPG game, Dead Frontier 2 puts you amid the experience of a zombie outbreak with an open-world experience. You can work with other players to survive the in-game world, trading and scavenging for materials you need. Or, you can play by yourself and confront the zombie invasion on your own terms. Overall, this is an excellent option for an immersive survival horror game. 

10. The Backrooms Game Free Edition

The Backrooms started as an online urban legend, stating that there were some parts of the world in which you could clip out of reality and into the world of the Backrooms. This is an alternate dimension comprised of liminal spaces – areas in which you are transitioning between destinations, giving that uncanny feeling that you are nowhere and everywhere at once. 

In this game, you explore the world of the Backrooms while evading a creature who is following you and doing your best not to go insane. 

11. We Went Back

In this escape room-style horror game, you are caught in a time loop on an abandoned space station and must find your way out. It’s a single-player game, meaning you need to solve the puzzles and find the route to escape by yourself. 

We Went Back is only about a 30-50 minute game, but it’s a great game worth playing and completely free. 

Stay Awake at Night With These Free Horror Games

For gamers looking for something more spooky to play, these horror titles are some of the best you can find as free-to-play games. Many of them provide a horror experience that rivals the paid games out there. Try them out for yourself and see how long you can last.

The post 11 Best Free Horror Games on Steam first appeared on Online Tech Tips.