How To Fix ‘Steam Missing File Privileges’ Error

The arrival of valve’s steam has indeed created a new gaming culture with most beneficial features like early updates, DLC’s, expansion, remote gaming. Even though it is beneficial they are not always error free. Not all the time, but still some issues occur at times due to insufficient disk space or downloads are interrupted in between for unknown reasons.

The most frequent troublesome is steam missing file privileges. If you are a person looking for how to fix this problem and why such error occurs then definitely this article is for you.

Steam Missing File Privileges

What is the Steam Missing File Privileges Error?

The ‘Steam Missing File Privileges’ error typically occurs when Steam is unable to access or modify game files during download or update processes. This error message often appears with a specific file path, indicating where the issue lies.

It prevents games from being downloaded, updated, or sometimes even launched, leading to a frustrating user experience.

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Causes of the Steam Missing File Privileges Error

Several factors can contribute to this error on Steam:

  1. Restricted File Access: If Steam lacks the necessary permissions to access certain game files, this error can occur.
  2. Interference from Antivirus Software: Some antivirus programs may mistakenly identify Steam files as threats and block them.
  3. Conflicts with Background Processes: Other applications or services running in the background may interfere with Steam’s file access.
  4. Corrupted Steam Files: Occasionally, Steam’s installation files may become corrupted, leading to various errors, including this one.
  5. Issues with Steam Download Server: Problems with the Steam server assigned to your region can also cause this error.

How to Fix Steam Missing File Privileges Error

You may think why such problems occurs at times. You may not be able to understand the cause. Here is a brief note to it. If you are having windows 10 then this issue must have occurred often while you try to install a game or update from steam and it is due to rogue graphics card driver.

If you have on-board intel graphics card and have software running for it then also it may occur. Corruption in intel’s igfxEm module may also creates such an error.

Server overload or shut downs in your region may also cause this error. It could also occur due to a glitch or mismatch in the game cache file or steam library folder. What ever may the cause we are here to help you fix this problem with the following methods.

METHOD 1: RESTART YOUR PC

This is one of the obvious solution to try out and perhaps the most simple one. If this method does not fix your problem don’t worry we have other ways to sort out this problem.

METHOD 2: CHANGE YOUR DOWNLOAD REGION

The region from where we download can have a direct impact on the speed and smoothness of download. Being connected to a leisurely server cause steam missing file privilege error. Following steps will help you fix the error

Step 1: With the application open, you need to select the settings option from the top left steam menu.

Step 2: Click downloads from settings

Step 3: From download region drop –down menu, select another region close to you.

Step 4: Click OK

Restart the steam and check whether the problem still exist.

METHOD 3: STOP AND FIX THE IGFXEM MODULE

When the igfxEm interfere with the steam it can cause steam missing file privilege error. The following steps will help you fix the error

Step 1: Run the windows task manager by hitting Ctrl +Shift + Esc.

“Or”

Right click on an empty area of taskbar and select task manager

Step 2: The ones using windows 8/8.1/10, click on details tab. The ones using older version of windows, click Process tab.

Step 3: Sort the process according to name or image for easiness.

Step 4: In the processes list, search for ‘igfxEm’ or ‘igfxem.exe’.

Step 5: Click ifgxem.exe and then click End task/Process button near task manager. To prevent the further occurrence of this error we can disable the igfxEm completely.

Follow the following steps to do so.

Step 1: Open windows run dialog (Win +R)

Step 2: In the text field type ‘msconfig’.

Step 3: Click OK

Step 4: Click on Services tab.

Step 5: Find igfxEM module from list and un-tick the checkbox.

Step 6: Click on Apply and then OK.

If you don’t find igfxEM module on your computer then you must be having the latest Intel drivers. If you have an older version of Intel drivers you can update the driver to get rid of the error. You can update the driver with following steps.

Step 1: Right click on start button ‘or’ Win + X.

Step 2: From menu, select Device Manager.

Step 3: Expand Display adapters item.

Step 4: Right click on your Intel graphics device.

Step 5: Select Update driver from the context menu.

Step 6: Click on the first option. (Search automatically for updated driver software)

Step 7: After few minutes, the best drivers are already installed.

Once the drivers are updated the igfxxEM module should be removed and replaced by ifgxPERS module.

METHOD 4: RUN STEAM WITH ADMINISTRATORS PRIVILEGES

Step 1: Close the steam client by opening Task Manager by finding the process labelled Steam Client Bootstrapper and click End task.

Step 2: Right click on the steam shortcut and select run as administrator from the context Menu. If you don’t have steam shortcut then navigate to steam’s folder in program files and locate steam executable.

Steam may require access to files and folders that need administrative rights. It can cause this error. To provide steam permanent administrative rights follow these steps.

Step 1: Open Window file Explorer and open your steam folder.

Step 2: Right click on steam.exe and then select properties from the context menu.

Step 3: Click on Compatibility marked tab.

Step 4: Make sure that checkbox labelled ‘Run this program as an administrator ‘ is checked. (near the bottom of window ).

Step 5: Click Apply and then OK.

METHOD 5: VERIFY INTEGRITY OF STEAM GAME FILES

Step 1: Run steam

Step 2: click on the game that create steam file privilege issue.

Step 3: Select Properties from the pop-up menu.

Step 4: Click on ‘local files’ from properties screen.

Step 5: Click on ‘verify integrity of game files’. 

FAQs

  1. Is this error specific to certain games on Steam?
    • No, it can occur with any game on Steam, usually during download or update.
  2. Can firewall settings cause this error?
    • Yes, sometimes firewall settings might block Steam’s access to certain files.
  3. Will I lose my game data if I reinstall Steam?
    • Game data usually remains intact if you reinstall Steam, but it’s always safe to back up game saves.
  4. How often should I clear my download cache?
    • Regularly clearing the download cache, especially after encountering errors, can help maintain Steam’s performance.
  5. Is running Steam as an administrator safe?
    • Yes, it’s safe and can sometimes be necessary for Steam to function correctly.

By addressing the ‘Steam Missing File Privileges’ error with informed strategies, you can maintain an optimal gaming experience on the Steam platform. Remember to approach solutions methodically and with caution to ensure the stability and security of your system.

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CONCLUSION

We hope that the above methods have helped you fix the problem. If any method didn’t workout for you then do try the other methods also. The methods will work according to different cause. Enjoy gaming!

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