What is Steam Error Code 21? Cause of Steam Error Code 21, How to Fix Steam Error Code 21?

What is Steam Error Code 21?

Steam is a popular platform for downloading, purchasing, and playing games. However, some users have been encountering Steam Error Code 21 while playing or buying games. This error is a runtime error that occurs when Steam is running. If you are facing this issue and want to resolve Steam Error Code 21, this article will provide you with effective fixes.

You will find step-by-step solutions to help you resolve the error and use Steam without any further issues. Additionally, this article will also explain the possible reasons behind the occurrence of Steam Error Code 21. Let's begin and resolve this error for a smooth gaming experience.

Cause of Steam Error Code 21

The Steam Error Code 21 can be caused by several factors. Let's explore the reasons behind this error:

Outdated graphics card drivers

If your graphics card drivers are outdated, it can create compatibility issues with Steam and trigger Error Code 21.

Improper installation of runtime libraries

Incorrect installation or corruption of the necessary runtime libraries can lead to Error Code 21 when running Steam.

Outdated version of Windows

Using an outdated version of Windows can cause conflicts with Steam and result in Error Code 21. Updating Windows to the latest version can help resolve this issue.

The conflict between ongoing programs with Steam

Running other programs simultaneously that conflict with Steam can result in Error Code 21. Closing unnecessary programs or running Steam in a clean boot environment can help resolve this conflict.

By understanding the causes of Steam Error Code 21, you can take the necessary steps to address them and resolve the issue for uninterrupted gaming.

How to Fix Steam Error Code 21?

If you're facing the Steam error code 21, here are some solutions that can help you fix it. Before attempting the fixes, it's recommended to perform a disk cleanup to see if it resolves the error code 21.

Solution 1: Perform a Disk Cleanup

• Open "This PC" by double-clicking on it.
• Right-click on the C: drive and select "Properties."
• Click on the "Disk Cleanup" button.
• Choose the files you want to delete and click on the "Clean system files" button.
• Click "OK" and let the disk cleanup process run.
• Restart your system and launch Steam to check if the error is resolved.
• If the error persists after performing the disk cleanup, try the following solutions:

Solution 2: Close Conflicting Apps

• Press CTRL + ALT + DEL keys together to open the Task Manager.
• Select the programs one by one and click on the "End Task" button.
• Close any program that might be conflicting with Steam.
• Launch Steam again and check if the error code 21 disappears. Note down the conflicting program and consider permanently deleting it.

Solution 3: Update Windows OS

• Click on the Windows icon.
• Go to "Settings."
• Select the "Update & Security" section.
• Click on "Windows Update" and then "Check for updates."
• Install any available updates.
• Once the Windows OS is updated, restart your PC and check if the error code 21 is fixed.

Solution 4: Reinstall Runtime Library

• Press the Windows icon.
• Type "Control Panel" and hit Enter.
• Click on "Programs and Features."
• Search for "Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable Package," right-click on it, and select "Uninstall."
• After uninstalling the library, download the latest version from the Microsoft official website and install it.
• Once the runtime libraries are reinstalled, open Steam and check if the error code 21 is resolved.

Solution 5: Update Graphics Card Drivers

• Click on the Windows icon.
• Type "Device Manager" and hit Enter.
• In the Device Manager window, right-click on the graphics driver and select "Update driver."
• Choose the option to search for automatically updated driver software.
• Let it search for and install the latest version of the graphics driver.
• After updating the graphics card driver, check if the error code 21 persists.

Solution 6: Reset Internet Explorer (IE) Browser

• Click on the Windows icon.
• Type "Internet Options" and hit Enter.
• Select the "Advanced" tab.
• Click on the "Reset" button.
• This will reset IE. Launch Steam and check if the error code 21 has disappeared.

Solution 7: Disable Script Debugging

• Open Internet Options.
• Go to the "Advanced" tab.
• Look for "Disable script debugging (Internet Explorer)" and "Disable script debugging (other)" options and select them.
• Uncheck the option "Display a Notification about every Script Error."
• Click on "Apply" and then "OK."

After following these steps, the Steam error code 21 should be resolved, and you should be able to run Steam without encountering the error.

Steam

Steam, developed by Valve, is a digital distribution service and online storefront primarily focused on video games. Initially released in September 2003 as a software client, Steam was created to automatically provide game updates for Valve's own titles. Over time, it expanded its services to include the distribution of third-party games, becoming a prominent platform for gamers worldwide.

Steam offers a range of features designed to enhance the gaming experience. These features include digital rights management (DRM) to protect game content, game server matchmaking with Valve Anti-Cheat measures to ensure fair play, social networking functionalities to connect with friends and other players, and game streaming services for broadcasting gameplay.

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