Fix: Steam Error Code 118

Steam is a Digital Distribution platform established by Valve Corporation for purchasing and playing video games. The platform also provides easy game management and is loved by millions of gamers who use it every day. However, according to our reports, many users have been facing the issue where an error “code 118” shows up with the message “Unable to connect to the server” while trying to open the store or even the Library.

What Causes the “Error Code 118” in Steam?

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

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

Solution 1: Allowing Through Firewall

The Windows Firewall might be blocking the Steam Client from making contact with its servers due to which the error might be triggered. Therefore, in this step, we are going to make sure to allow the Steam application through the firewall. For that:

1. Press the “Windows” + “S” Keys simultaneously and type in “Firewall”

   

2. Click on the first option and then click on the “Allow an app or feature through Firewall” option.

   

3. Click on the “Change Settings” option.

   

4. Scroll down the list and make sure to check both “Public” and “Private” option for “Steam Client“.

   

5. Click on the apply option and check to see if the issue persists.

Solution 2: Power cycling the Internet Router

If the Internet speed is slow or it isn’t configured properly, the Steam Client might face issues connecting to its database due to which this error is triggered. Therefore, in this step, we will be completely Power Cycling the Internet Router to reinitialize its configurations. 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 3: Disabling Conflicting Applications

The error might be triggered if any third party application or service is interfering with it. Therefore, in this step, we will be disabling all extra services and applications. For that:

1. Press the “Windows” + “R” keys simultaneously to open up the “Run Prompt”.
2. Type in “msconfig” and press “Enter“.
   

   

3. Click on the “Services” tab and uncheck the “Hide all Microsoft Services” option.
   

   

4. Click on the “Disable All” option and then click on the “Startup” tab.
   

   

5. Click on the “Open Task Manager” option and click on an application listed there.
   

   

6. Click on the “Disable” button to disable it from starting automatically at startup.
   

   

7. Repeat this process and disable all applications on the list.
8. Restart your computer and run only the “Steam Client”.
9. Check to see if the issue goes away if it does you can start to enable the services “1 by 1” until the problem comes back. This way you can easily isolate the problem to a single Service or Application and disable it permanently.

Solution 4: Scan for Viruses

If the computer is affected with malware or a virus it can interfere with certain elements of the Steam Software and cause issues while trying to connect to the servers. Therefore, it is recommended to scan the computer for Viruses. You can employ the expertise of this article to help you with scanning and deleting viruses.