Steam Content File Locked: 7 Easy Solutions That Actually Work

If you upgrade Dota 2 or Counter-Strike on Steam or you update the software on your computer, you may encounter an error message appearing on your display. The message shows content files locked, and you should contact Steam Support for more details. In general Steam Content file locked is a common issue. that users face when updating a specific game on Steam.

If you’re having the same issue, then you’re in the right spot. In this post, we’ll provide some tested methods to solve the Steam Content File Locked issue and remove it. It is recommended to try some troubleshooting methods instead of relying on a strict approach to fix them.

Before we get to these suggestions, first, we’ll examine what the Steam Content File Locked error means and the reason why you’re experiencing it.

What is Steam Content File Lock Error?

Content file locks on Steam suggest that Steam is experiencing difficulties in writing any updates to files to the hard disk of your computer. This means the Steam game update is unable to install during the process. Therefore, you’ll see the error message after the update file fails.

PUBG, Space-Engineers, Dota 2, Payday, Mordhaur and Smite are just a few most popular games that suffer from a Steam game’s content files locked issue. This error can occur with any game.

Steam content file locked error is frequently thought of as a major and complex issue. However, it is possible to find a variety of unexpected causes that can be responsible for this error.

So, let’s discover the possible reasons for the Steam content file locked error.

Also read: Steam No License Error? Here’s How to Solve It Fast

Why Does the Steam Content File Locked Error Occur?

Many causes prevent Steam from writing the files to the hard drive. Additionally, you are also unable to make changes to a Steam game. This includes:

1. Antivirus programs might block an update to the Steam games.
2. Permission might not be granted to Steam.
3. The issue with Steam may be related to Winsock.
4. Game installation, which is contained in the hard drive, could be damaged.
5. Some files might be damaged or absent in the process of downloading.

Here are some possible causes that may be causing the Steam content file locked problem. Then, we’ll process to give you some suggestions that will help you solve this issue without hassle.

How to Fix Steam Content File Locked Error?

Utilize the solutions below to learn how to fix the Steam content files locked error.

Checking the Antivirus Program

In most cases, the Steam content file locked issue could result from an antivirus installed on your PC. Because some antivirus programs conflict with other installed programs. If you turn off antivirus software, you’ll see that the security program will be able to identify it as a possible virus that could compromise your computer’s security.

After you have disabled the antivirus software, you must take the next step, which is’verify the integrity of game files after restarting your computer. To complete this final step, you’ll need to restart your computer and open Steam again.

Click on the game causing the issue within the Steam library section. Next, go to the properties tab and choose the option for local files. The program will begin to verify the integrity of your Steam game after you select’verify integrity of the game’s files’.

After you’ve completed the above steps, you will be in a position to update Mordhau, Stellaris, Dota 2, or any other game. There will no longer be the Steam content file locked error message.

Resetting Winsock

Winsock is a technical specification that utilizes TCP/IP protocols in various ways to enable Windows network software to access network services. It’s basically an API, which plays a crucial role in connecting the Windows computer to the internet.

It is now possible to ask as to why it would be beneficial to reset Winsock in case you’re having problems accessing Steam files? You are probably aware that Steam relies on the Internet for various reasons. When the Winsock catalog is not working properly, it will show in Steam.

There are two methods for you to restart Winsock. You can do this in the command prompt or the Run Dialog Box. To open this Run Dialog Box, you must press the Windows keys + R. If you see the Run Dialog box show up, it is necessary to enter ” netsh winsock reset in the input box. After that, press Enter. You can click”OK” to reboot Winsock. After that, launch Steam and test if that game has issues or not.

The other option is through the command prompt. To do this, you will need to press Windows + R and then enter cmd. Following that, you’ll get a black screen, and you must select the command prompt that appears. It will be run with the administrator role. It is the next thing to do: type ” netsh winsock reset at the command prompt. Press Enter to continue.

Also read: Steam Deck Not Turning On? 8 Quick Solutions to Fix It Today

Repairing the Corrupted Files

It is also possible to encounter the Steam content file locked error when the files are corrupted or missing. Repairing the files can help you resolve the problem. To fix corrupt or missing files, you must first quit Steam and then navigate to Steam’s directory.

It can be found in the default location within the C:/Program Files (x86)/Steam. The next step is to navigate to your logs folder and then open the text file. Scroll to the bottom of the file and look for the most recent issues. Navigate to the root directory and erase the file. The size of the file will vary based on the game you play.

Then you must restart Steam, and then go to the download folder. We’re here to help you grow stronger mentally and emotionally. You’ll see that Steam will prompt you to make changes to the game. The game will update, and you’re ready to go.

Checking the Hard Drive

There is a chance that the hard disk, which is where the stored files are damaged or corrupted, while the games and files are perfectly fine. If the drive is damaged or in bad condition, it will be inaccessible, and eventually, you’ll see the Steam content file locked error. It is also possible that the disk speed slows down due to damaged and corrupted files.

First, you must determine if the issue is a result of your hard drive or otherwise. In this case, you could conduct a scan using “Disc check” to examine the drive for corrupted data. To do this, press Windows keys + R and then type cmd and click on the OK button.

Following that, the black screen will open, enter “chkdsk /f c:” as in the following screenshot. Then, start the command prompt by pressing the Enter key. The prompt will show the option Y/N after you type Y to confirm the disk scan. The disk scanning process begins, and you will be informed whether there is an issue with your hard drive or not. Once the process has been completed and you have checked for any issues, make sure that the issue persists or has been resolved.

If you are still experiencing the Steam content file locked error in Windows 10, then try the next suggestion.

Running Steam as Administrator

Another possibility is that Steam requires specific permissions to access files and other folders. If this permission isn’t granted to Steam, then it could be restricted by the Windows Operating system. This is because Steam is unable gain access to files or folders. A Steam error message shows on the screen.

We’ll now run Steam as an administrator to see whether the issue is solved or not. To gain access to all files and folders, it is necessary to grant full accessibility to Steam.

To fix this issue, go to the Steam icon and right-click to select the properties from the menu. After that, click the Compatibility tab and tick the Run as Administrator option, which is listed under the Settings section. After that, click on the Apply and OK buttons to start Steam.

Relocating Game Files and Steam Installation

If the solutions mentioned above don’t solve the issue, you must modify the location of your Steam installation and game’s files. This can solve your Steam Content file locked error during the update process. All you need to do is start your Steam client and then click the settings.

Then, select your Steam Library folders next to the Downloads. Then you will see the Add Library Folder button. Click on it, and then select the new location to which you’ll need to move Steam. This will be used for installing new games and updating packages for installation. Then, you’ll exit your Steam client and go to Steam’s directory. Steam directory.

It is located in the default location C:/Program Files/Steam. You must remove all .exe and all other files from the Steam directory and transfer all data to the new location that you’ve chosen. It is essential not erase the UserData and Steamapp folders.

If you’re still getting the error message, despite following the steps above and the solutions, you could try these alternative steps. It is necessary to close Steam and open a new location to save your Steam files. Then, you must move to the Steam Apps folder from the directory on your desktop and uninstall Steam. This will erase all previous settings for Steam.

Next step, you must install Steam in the original location you selected. After shifting the SteamApp folder into the new directory, it will then copy the game’s content, including saved games, game files, and settings, to that new folder. Log in to Steam and launch the game. Then you’ll be in a position to play the game after confirming the authenticity of the Steam Game files.

Also read: Best VPN for Steam in 2025: Fast, Secure, and Lag-Free Gaming

Deleting Steam and other Local Content from the Game

The final option to fix the Steam content file locked is to delete Steam and any other local game content installed on the drive. After you have deleted the Steam and the game’s content, it is necessary to install everything from scratch.

This technique is highly beneficial for most users. The only downside is that it’s a lengthy procedure. Data consumption is another issue for this process.

Final Thoughts on Resolving Steam Content File Locked

If you’re encountering the Steam Content file locked error when updating your game, this article is sure to be extremely helpful to you. It’s fairly easy and easy to resolve Steam errors if you are aware of what to look for. There are a few easy steps you must try.

Reinstalling Steam and all games should be reserved for the last option since it is quite time-consuming and quite tedious. The problem could be due to a permission block or an issue in your antivirus program. All the solutions listed here are to help fix this issue, and eventually, you can play Steam games without any problem.

FAQs: Steam Content File Locked