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To verify a Steam game, open Library, open the game’s Properties, select Installed Files, then choose Verify integrity of game files. Steam checks the installation and replaces files it identifies as needing repair. If that does not solve the problem, use the next step that matches the symptom: download or library repairs for installation trouble, or system and compatibility checks for a game that still will not launch.

Verify a game’s files in Steam

  1. Restart your computer, then open Steam.
  2. In Library, right-click the game. Alternatively, open its Library page and select the gear icon.
  3. Choose Properties, then select Installed Files.
  4. Select Verify integrity of game files and wait for the check to finish. Steam says it may take several minutes.
  5. When the check is complete, try launching the game again.

Steam’s instructions are for its desktop client. Menu details can vary with client updates, operating system, and game.

What a verification result means

Steam reports files were successfully validated

The check did not identify files requiring replacement. If the game still fails, verification has not ruled out causes such as outdated drivers, unmet system requirements, or software conflicts; continue with the launch checks below.

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One or more files failed verification

This message does not necessarily mean the repair failed. Steam says it is normal for some games to report files that fail verification because local configuration files may intentionally not be replaced. In that situation, Steam says the message can be ignored.

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If a download, update, or installation is still failing

Choose a client repair that fits the error instead of repeatedly verifying the same files. Steam’s installation and update guidance includes these options:

  • Restart Steam and the computer: do this before other troubleshooting.
  • Clear the download cache: Steam recommends this for download or startup trouble. Clearing it does not affect currently installed games, but you will need to sign in to Steam again. See Steam’s instructions for clearing the download cache.
  • Repair the Steam library folder: use the Storage interface in Steam to repair the folder containing the game. The exact route can change as the client interface is updated.
  • Change the download region: try this when downloads or updates are failing.
  • Try another library drive: if the game is installed on a different library drive, test whether the issue persists there.

Steam also lists permissions, software that monitors or modifies disk or network activity, overclocking, network conditions, drive errors, and memory errors as possible factors. Verification checks game files; it is not a diagnostic test for your storage or memory. For advanced drive or memory troubleshooting, seek technical help.

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If the files verify but the game will not launch

Launch failures can have causes beyond the game’s installed files. Steam recommends checking for operating-system and driver updates, reviewing the game’s system requirements, and testing whether non-essential or interfering software is involved. Follow Steam’s troubleshooting guide for games that will not launch. If those general checks do not help, contact the game developer for in-depth game support; use Steam Support for problems with the Steam client itself.

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If antivirus software flags a game file

Do not routinely disable antivirus protection to get a game running. Steam advises taking detections seriously and checking with your antivirus provider if you are unsure whether an alert is genuine. Create an exception only when you are confident the detection is a false positive. If files were removed or corrupted by a confirmed false positive, verifying the game files can restore them. See Steam’s guidance on antivirus detections.

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Pick the next step by symptom

What you are seeing What to try
Suspected missing or corrupted game files Run Verify integrity of game files.
A game download or update will not complete Restart Steam and the computer; consider clearing the download cache, repairing the library folder, changing the download region, or trying another library drive.
Verification completes, but the game still will not launch Check operating-system and driver updates, interfering programs, and the game’s system requirements; contact the developer if general troubleshooting does not resolve it.
Errors recur across multiple files or games Consider broader storage, memory, software, or network issues and seek appropriate support rather than assuming each error is a damaged game file.

Official Steam instructions

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