Fix: Steam App Configuration Unavailable
Steam is a game distribution platform that lets users buy, download, install, and play games. Recently, many users have been complaining about the Steam app configuration unavailable issue during the installation of games. This error typically arises during the installation of a particular game and prevents users from completing the installation. It is important to note that this issue isn’t limited to the installation of complete games; some users encounter the problem during the downloading/installation of DLCs for the game as well.
What causes the Steam app configuration unavailable error?
There are a couple of things that can cause this issue, and they are listed below.
- Steam Bug: The most common cause of this issue is usually a bug in the Steam system. Bugs can be introduced during an update and can cause various issues, making this highly likely to be a bug. The usual solution is to wait for the developers to release a fix in the next update.
- Steam appinfo.vdf file: This issue can also be caused by the Steam’s appinfo.vdf file. This file contains information about your downloaded games, such as their full names. A problem or corruption in this file can cause issues with the installation. Deleting this file usually resolves the issue.
Method 1: Delete appinfo.vdf file
Since the appinfo.vdf file can cause the Steam app configuration unavailable error, deleting the file resolves the issue in most cases. This is because Steam will recreate this file on the next startup, so any corruption or change that might have been causing the issue will not be present in the newly created appinfo.vdf file. To resolve the issue, simply navigate to the location of appinfo.vdf and delete it. Then relaunch Steam, and the issue should be resolved.
- Shut down the Steam app.
- Hold Windows and press E.
- Type C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\appcache\ in the address bar and press Enter.
- Locate the file named appinfo.vdf. Right-click and select Delete. Confirm any additional prompts.
Now open Steam and try to download the game again.
Note: If this doesn’t work, try to run Steam with admin privileges (right-click and select Run as administrator) after deleting the appinfo.vdf file. This might solve the issue.
Method 2: Wait for Steam Update
If Method 1 didn’t solve the issue, there isn’t much that you can do to rectify it. If Method 1 didn’t work, it likely means the issue is caused by a bug in Steam. These bugs are usually fixed in the next updates, so all you have to do is wait for the next Steam update. You don’t have to do anything as Steam automatically checks for the latest updates. Updates will automatically be installed once they are available, or you will be notified about new updates. Just don’t forget to open Steam so it can check for the latest updates.
