Fix: Steam Error Code -105 ‘unable to connect to server’

Steam is Digital Video Games distribution platform owned and run by Valve Corporation. Many gamers around the world use this platform to buy, download and play games. It includes a store where available games and offers are listed. Quite recently, a lot of reports have been coming in of users who are unable to open the store and the “Error Code 105” is displayed when they try to open it.

What Causes the Error Code 105 in Steam?

After receiving numerous reports from multiple users we decided to investigate the issue and came up with a set of solutions which solved the problem for most of our users. Also, we looked into the reasons due to which the error is triggered and listed them below.

Now that you have a basic understanding of the nature of the issue, we will move on towards the solution. Make sure to implement these in the specific order in which they are provided to avoid any conflict.

Solution 1: Power cycling Internet Router

In some cases, the internet connection being used might not be stable or it might be slow. Sometimes a quick reinitialization of the Internet Router can solve these issues. Therefore, in this step, we will be power cycling the Internet Router in order to re-initialize it. For that:

1. Plug out the “Power Cord” of the Internet Router.

   

2. Wait for 5 minutes and plug the cord back in.

   

3. Wait until the Internet Access is granted, launch steam and check to see if the issue persists.

Solution 2: Flushing DNS

If the DNS Settings that are stored on Windows have been corrupted, they can prevent certain elements of the Steam Client from working properly. Therefore, in this step, we will be initiating the DNS settings. For that:

1. Press the “Windows” + “R” keys simultaneously.
2. Type “cmd” in the run prompt and press “enter“.
3. Type the following inside the “Command Prompt” window.

   ipconfig /flushdns

4. Press “Enter” and wait for the process to be completed.
5. Run the Steam client and check to see if the issue persists.

   

Solution 3: Disabling Ad Blocker Add-on

There is a bug with the Steam client where any Ad Blockers installed on the system interfere with it and prevent certain features from working properly. Therefore, in this step, we will be disabling the Ad-blocker Add-on for the Browser.

For Chrome:

1. Click on the “Menu” button in the top right corner.
2. Hover the pointer over the “More Tools” option and select “Extensions” from the list.

   

3. Click on the toggle in front of the “Ad Blocker” extension to disable it.

   

4. Run the Steam client and check to see if the issue persists.

For Firefox:

1. Click on the “Menu” icon in the top right corner and select “Add ons” from the list.

   

2. Click on the “Ad Blocker” extension and select the “Disable” option in front of it.

   

3. Run the Steam Client and check to see if the issue persists.

For Microsoft Edge:

1. Click on the “Settings” icon in the top right corner.
2. Click on the “Extensions” option.

   

3. Click on the “Ad Blocker” extension and select the “Disable” option.
4. Run the Steam Client and check to see if the issue persists.

Solution 4: Uninstalling Ad Blocker Application

If you have installed an Ad blocker application on your computer then there is a chance that it might be interfering with the Steam Client and preventing it from achieving full functionality. Therefore, in this step, we will be uninstalling the Ad Blocker Application. For that:

1. Press the “Windows” + “R” key simultaneously and type in “appwiz.cpl“.

   

2. Scroll through the list and double click on the name of the Ad Blocker that you are using.

   

3. Select “yes” on the prompt and follow the rest of the prompts.
4. Wait till the program is uninstalled.
5. Run the Steam Client and check to see if the issue persists.