How to Fix the Steam Corrupt Disk Error on Windows?

The “Corrupt Disk” error in Steam usually occurs when users try to download a newly purchased game or update an already installed game. This issue often arises if something interrupts the downloading process, such as a BSOD or a power outage, but it can also appear out of nowhere.

Steam games can’t be played unless all updates are installed, which makes this problem quite serious. However, you should be relieved to hear that the problem can be resolved by many different methods listed below. Make sure you follow the instructions carefully.

What Causes the Steam Corrupt Disk Error on Windows?

Several factors can contribute to this problem. We have identified the most common causes among users to help you find your scenario and the best way to resolve the problem. Check out the list below:

Solution 1: Rename the Downloading Folder

This problem often occurs if a file being downloaded becomes corrupted due to various reasons such as system crashes or sudden computer shutdowns. If that is the case, the download can’t proceed beyond the corrupted file, and the Corrupt Disk error message appears. Follow the steps below to restart all downloads by renaming the “downloading” folder.

1. Navigate to your Steam installation folder. If you haven’t configured any changes during the installation process regarding the required installation folder, it should be Local Disk > Program Files or Local Disk > Program Files (x86).
2. However, if you have the Steam program’s shortcut on the desktop, you can simply right-click on it and choose the Open file location option from the context menu that will appear.

3. Locate the steamapps folder in the main folder, open it, and locate the downloading folder inside. Right-click on it and choose the Rename option from the context menu that will appear. Change the folder’s name to something like old.

4. Reopen Steam and you should see that all downloads have been reset. Check to see if the problem still appears when trying to download or update the game which was giving you problems!

Solution 2: Clear Download Cache

The second method is similar to the first one, but this one clears download files that are no longer necessary and won’t interrupt the downloading process. It’s not as effective as the first method, but it has helped plenty of users.

1. Make sure to start the Steam client by double-clicking it on the Desktop or by searching for it with your Start menu open and clicking on the first result.
2. Click the Steam option from the menu at the top of the client’s screen and choose Settings. In the Settings window, navigate to the Downloads tab and check the bottom of the window for the Clear Download Cache button.

3. A new window should open, prompting you to confirm your choice and all unnecessary download files should now be deleted.
4. Click the Steam option at the top left part of the Steam client and choose Exit to exit Steam completely (don’t just click the X button at the top right corner). Reopen Steam, relaunch the download, and check to see if the Corrupt Disk error appears.

Solution 3: Run the Error Checking Utility

Running the Error Checking utility for the drive where your game is installed can work wonders for this error message as it manages to fix file errors and resolve drive issues related to file management. Resolving these errors for the drive where the game is located should resolve your problem immediately.

1. Open your Libraries entry on your PC or open any folder on your computer and click on the This PC option from the left side menu. If you are using an older version of Windows (Windows 7 and older), simply open My Computer from your Desktop.
2. Right-click on the drive where your game is installed and choose the Properties option from the context menu that will appear.

3. Navigate to the Tools tab in the Properties window and click the Check button under the Error-checking section. Follow the instructions that will appear on-screen. The process shouldn’t take more than a few minutes. Check to see if the problem still appears.

Solution 4: Change Power Settings

The problem may be caused by hard disk issues when the HDD is turned off at the wrong moment, just enough to corrupt the file being downloaded. This causes the Corrupt Disk error and prevents the file from downloading further. Try disabling the option to turn off the hard drive to save power in Power Options!

1. Right-click on the battery icon located in the system tray and click on Power Options. If you are not using Windows 10, click on the Start menu and search for Control Panel. Change the View by option to Large icons and click on the Power Options.

2. Choose the power plan you are currently using (usually Balanced or Power saver) and click on the Change plan settings link. In the new window that opens, click on Change advanced power settings.
3. In this window, click the small plus button next to the Hard disk entry on the list to expand it. Do the same for the Turn off hard disk after entry. Change the Setting option to Never by clicking on it.

4. Do the same for all active battery plans since your computer will sometimes switch between them automatically. Check to see if the Corrupt Disk error still appears on your computer.

Solution 5: Reinstall Steam

Reinstalling Steam is one of the least popular methods, and there is a reason why it’s placed so low on our list. The method has solved the problem for many users, but it should be a last resort as there are plenty of simpler methods you should try first.

1. Make sure to backup every library folder you wish to preserve on your computer and note their proper locations so that you can add them back once Steam is reinstalled.
2. Click on the Start menu and open Control Panel by searching for it. Alternatively, you can click the cog icon to open Settings if you are using Windows 10.
3. In Control Panel, select View by: Category at the top right corner and click on Uninstall a Program under the Programs section.

4. If you are using the Settings app, clicking on Apps should immediately open a list of all installed programs on your PC.
5. Locate the Steam entry on the list and click on it once. Click on the Uninstall button above the list and confirm any dialog boxes that may appear. Follow the on-screen instructions to uninstall Steam and restart your computer afterward.

6. Redownload the Steam client by navigating to this link and run the downloaded executable on your computer by locating it in the Downloads folder and double-clicking on it. Follow the on-screen instructions to install Steam again and check to see if the same problem appears on your computer again!