How to Fix Steam Servers Are Too Busy to Handle Error Code 53

The error code 53 “The Steam servers are too busy to handle your request” appears when Steam can’t access essential game files due to interference from antivirus software or background applications. Despite what the error message suggests, it’s not always the case that Steam servers are actually busy.

While antivirus programs are the most frequent cause of this issue, other factors such as corrupted system files, incomplete game data, or interference from background applications can also contribute to the problem. Let’s discuss the solutions to tackle this issue.

1. Repair System Files

System files may become corrupted over time due to failed updates or sudden shutdowns. If the files required by Steam to function properly are damaged, it can hinder Steam’s ability to access the game files, leading to error code 53.

In such cases, you can repair those corrupted files using the SFC (System File Checker) command. This command verifies and restores problematic system files by replacing them with a cached copy.

1. Right-click the Start Menu and select Terminal (Admin) to open the command prompt.
   
2. Type sfc /scannow in the command prompt and press Enter to execute it.
   
3. Once the verification process completes, try launching the game to check if the error is resolved.

2. Disable the Antivirus Program

Antivirus programs occasionally flag legitimate processes as suspicious, leading to Steam error code 53 due to their overprotective mechanisms.

Programs like McAfee and Avast often cause this error. However, if you have a different antivirus program, you should disable it as well. To do this, follow these steps (the exact steps might vary depending on your antivirus program):

1. Right-click the antivirus program icon in the system tray and hover over the options related to Manage.
2. Choose to disable the antivirus software either permanently or temporarily.
3. After disabling it, check if the error is resolved.

3. Delete the App Manifest from the SteamApps

The manifest file stores metadata about the game, including update histories, installation details, and file paths. Deleting these manifest files will prompt Steam to regenerate them if they have become corrupted, potentially resolving error code 53.

Before proceeding, ensure that Steam is closed.

1. Navigate to the directory where the Steam application is installed.
2. Access the Steamapps folder and delete the app manifest files.
   
3. Once deleted, launch Steam to recreate the appmanifest files and then verify if the error is resolved.

4. Verify the Game Files

Verifying the game files ensures all necessary files are present in the game’s installation directory and are correctly configured. Corrupted or missing game files can prevent the game from launching, resulting in this error code.

Here’s how to verify the game files:

1. In the Steam app, go to Library.
2. Right-click the game showing the error code 53 and select Properties.
   
3. Select Installed Files from the left and click Verify the integrity of game files.
   
4. Once done, launch the game and observe if the issue persists.

5. Check for Background Applications

If multiple applications are set to run at startup, they could be interfering with Steam’s processes and preventing it from accessing essential game files.

In this case, performing a clean boot can help identify which program or service is causing the interference.

1. To perform a clean boot, open the Run Program. Press the Win key, then R.
2. Type msconfig in the input box and click OK. This opens the System Configuration window.
   
3. Select Selective Startup and navigate to the Services window.
   
4. Check Hide All Microsoft Services, and click Disable All.
5. Click Apply, then go to Startup at the top and click Open Task Manager.
6. Disable all applications by right-clicking each one and selecting Disable.
   
7. After you finish, restart your computer and try launching the game again.

If the error persists, consider reinstalling both the game and the Steam application. This may help resolve the error if faulty Steam or game files are the cause.