The error “Steam content file Locked” is a pretty common occurrence for steam users. It can be very annoying to fix if you do not have a solid technical background and sound knowledge in this regard. That is why in this article, we will go over four probable solutions to this problem. Simply follow our instructions word-by-word to solve this error once and for all –
How To Fix Steam Content File Locked Issue?
Are you having the same issue? Don’t worry we have listed these effective methods for you. Have a look on them to fix the issue.
Method 1 – Run Steam as Administrator
Windows itself might be a nuisance that is not letting you update your concerned game on Steam. In this method, we will carefully shunt the Windows mechanism by running steam as an administrator.
Step 1 – We will first have to stop the running steam program. This can be easily achieved through the task manager. Right click on the taskbar and open up “Task Manager” from the menu displayed.
Step 2 – The task manager will now open up. Select the concerned Steam Client Bootstrapper and tap to “End Task”.
Step 3 – From your desktop or taskbar, locate the Steam icon and right-click on it.
Step 4 – Select the “Run as Administrator” option. This should load the Steam without any problem. Now go on to download and install the update.
Method 2 – Opt Out of Beta
Many users have previously complained of the fact that opting for beta has led to their games not working on steam. However, there is no known reason behind this and it is just an estimate. Furthermore, this can happen to a select number of games and not all games. This is how you can fix the error –
Step 1 – Load up your Steam.
Step 2 – Select the ‘library’ options among those displayed horizontally at the top.
Step 3 – Right-click on the game which is causing the issue. You should find this option in the list displayed on the left-hand side. Go on to choose the ‘Properties’ section.
Step 4 – Scroll to the ‘beta’ option and click on the menu shown below “Select the beta you would like to opt into”.
Step 5 – Click on “None – Opt out of all beta programs”. Now the game should launch smoothly. Simply update it to the latest version and enjoy!
Method 3 – Add Game in Steam Directory as an AntiVirus Exception
A probable cause of the nuisance you are facing might be the hyperactive antivirus you are using. This software recognises the updating files as malware and hinders its work. In order to solve this, we have to adjust some settings with the game directory. We shall now demonstrate the procedure by using Avast antivirus as the reference (you can apply the same directions to any other antivirus software that you have or look up the official documentation that you were provided with).
Step 1 – Halt and stop your running steam.
Step 2 – Run avast antivirus by right-clicking on the icon and choosing ‘Open avast antivirus user interface’.
Step 3 – Tap and open the ‘menu’ icon in the Avast window and go on to open the “Settings” option from the given options.
Step 4 – In the ‘General’ section, choose the ‘Exceptions’ option.
Step 5 – Select the “Add Exception” button and type – “/inbrowse” in the folder where your concerned game is located. Click on “Add Exception”.
Step 6 – Repeat the step for “Steam.exe” which is located at C:Program Files (x86)Steam.
Step 7 – Reopen Steam and locate the ‘Library’. Find your game and right click on it. Open up the ‘Properties’.
Step 8 – Among the ‘Local Files’ tab, choose “Verify the integrity of game files”. After this, the software does the work and looks for any corrupted files in the system. It then goes on to retrieve them and conclude the update.
If this procedure was a little too complicated for you then do not worry, we have got you covered. Here’s a quick fix:
Step 1 – Right-click on the Avast icon and stay over “Avast shield control”. Among the displayed options, choose ‘10 minutes’.
Step 2 – Open up Steam and let it work its magic. It should update itself on its own. Once done, you would have to put the shield back on. If this quick fix did not work, then try the elaborate option stated above.
Method 4 – Winsock Catalog Reset
Winsock is a programming interface and the supporting program that handles input/output requests for Internet applications in a Windows operating system. Sometimes resetting the Winsock Catalog can fix the Steam issue.
Step 1 – In the Windows taskbar, navigate to the ‘Search’ option and type “cmd”.
Step 2 – Press Ctrl + Shift + Enter. This will launch the file as an admin.
Step 3 – Type “netsch winsock research” in the window that pops up. Tap Enter to launch the program.
Step 4 – You will be asked to restart your PC by a message prompt. Restart your PC when instructed.
Step 5 – The steam should launch and you should be able to update your program.
Conclusion
It can be extremely difficult for someone not accustomed to the technical jargon to solve this steam issue on their own. That is why we have prepared this lucid and simple article which will take you through the technical steps without any hassle. Our methods are tried, tested and genuine. These four methods were chosen by our technical team and user feedback. Also, having four solutions to one problem can be extremely helpful in desperate times.
Now go ahead and enjoy an error-free Steam experience.
