How to Fix Steam Error Code 118 (2026)

Are you wondering how to fix Steam Error Code 118? Then this guide is for you. Here are the reasons and fixes for Steam Error Code 118. 

Steam is one of the largest gaming distribution platforms. It has millions of players playing their favourite games on the popular platform. However, as is the case with any platform, Steam too has its issues and bugs, one of them being the Steam Error Code 11. 

If you are facing the Steam Error Code 118, it could be due to a network connection issue preventing your client from reaching the servers. To fix the Steam Error Code 118, all you need to do is restart your router and PC,  try allowing Steam through your firewall, ensure Steam is updated, and close any interfering background applications. 

If the error persists, consider resetting your network settings, clearing Steam’s browser cache, or contacting Steam support to investigate potential issues.  

Steam Error Code 118 Fixes:

Here are some steps to fix the Steam Error Code 118 issue:

Restart Network Devices: Turn off your modem and router from the power supply, wait a few seconds, then turn them back on. 

Restart Your PC: Restarting your computer can resolve temporary glitches and refresh system resources. 

Check Internet Connection

  • Ensure your internet connection is working. 
  • Try disconnecting and reconnecting your device to the internet.
  • Switching between networks (e.g., Wi-Fi to cellular data on mobile) can sometimes resolve connection issues.
  • Opt for an Ethernet connection for a stable connection. 

Close Background Applications: 

  • Press the Ctrl, Shift, and Esc keys. 
  • Open the Task Manager.
  • In the pop-up window, select the Network tab.
  • Next, right-click the bandwidth-consuming task.
  • Select End task. 
  • Repeat this step and close all unnecessary apps.
  • Relaunch the client once again.
  • Check if the issue is fixed.  

Allow Steam through Firewall: 

Your firewall might be blocking Steam’s access to the internet. Make sure Steam has permission to connect to the internet through the firewall.

  • Open the Start menu.
  • Type Windows Security and tap on Enter.
  • Choose Firewall & network protection from the left pane.
  • Click on Allow an app through the Firewall.
  • Click on Change settings.
  • Check on the Public and Private boxes next to Steam.
  • Click on OK to save the changes.
  • If Steam is already listed, try removing it and then re-adding it to the firewall exceptions.

Run the Network Troubleshooter

 Run the network troubleshooter, which is a built-in utility on Windows PC that resolves issues related to connectivity. 

  • Open the Settings menu using the Win + I hotkey.
  • From the System tab, select the Troubleshoot option.
  • Click on Other troubleshooters.
  • Tap on Run next to Internet Connections.
  • Click on Troubleshoot my connection to the internet.
  • The troubleshooter will fix the connectivity issues.

Reset Network Settings: 

In Windows Settings, go to Network & Internet> Advanced network settings, select Network reset, and click “Reset now” to completely reset your network configuration. 

  • Open Settings.
  • Choose Network & Internet> Advanced network settings > Network reset.
  • Click on Reset now next to Network reset.
  • Click Yes to confirm your selection.
  • As soon as the reset process is complete,  reinstall any network software, like VPNs

Clear Steam Browser Cache: 

Open Steam, go to the Settings menu, and clear the browser cache. This forces Steam to redownload fresh files and can resolve the error. 

Update Steam Client: 

Make sure your Steam client is up-to-date by checking for updates within the client itself. 

Launch the Steam client.

  • Click on Steam at the top left corner.
  • Choose Check for Steam client updates from the context menu.
  • Steam will download any available updates. Once the process is complete, relaunch the client and check for the issue.

Update the Network Driver

  • Open the Device Manager.
  • Double-click on Network adapters.
  • Right-click on the installed network driver.
  • Tap on Update driver from the context menu.
  • Windows will now install the network driver for the system.

Contact Steam Support: 

If all other steps fail, the issue might be on Steam’s end. Visit the help support page and open a ticket, providing details about the error and the steps you’ve taken. They will soon respond and help troubleshoot the issue. 

Hopefully, you find this article helpful. If you have any more queries, please drop a comment below.

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