Steam error code -118: "Unable to connect to server" and how to fix it
Steam error -118 means the Steam client could not reach Steam's servers, so the Store, Community or Library page stays blank. Valve has no official article for it. Common fixes are checking for an outage, restarting your router, pausing a VPN and allowing Steam through the Windows firewall.
On this page
What it means
Error -118 appears when Steam's built-in browser cannot get a response from Steam's servers. The message reads "Unable to connect to server. The server may be offline or you may not be connected to the internet." It mostly shows up on the Store, Community and Library pages.
Valve does not document this code, so the steps below come from a third-party troubleshooting guide, not from Valve. The cause is usually on the network side: a firewall or antivirus blocking Steam, a VPN, your router, or an outage. Work through the fixes in order, because the early ones are quick and harmless.
Symptoms and causes
You are likely dealing with this problem if:
- The Store, Community or Library tab shows a blank white page with "Error -118".
- The message "Unable to connect to server. The server may be offline or you may not be connected to the internet." appears.
The usual causes, most common first:
- Steam outage or internet provider problem
- If Steam's servers are down or your connection is unstable, the client cannot load its pages.
- Firewall or antivirus blocking Steam
- Windows Defender Firewall or third-party security software can block Steam's connections.
- VPN or other conflicting software
- A VPN or another program on the PC can interfere with Steam's connection.
- Outdated or corrupted Steam install
- An old or damaged client may fail to connect properly.
- Malware or misconfigured network settings
- Infected systems or broken network settings can produce the same error.
How to fix it
Work through these in order. They start with the quickest, safest checks and move to deeper repairs; stop as soon as the problem is gone.
1.Check whether Steam is down
If Valve's servers have a problem, nothing on your side will fix it.
- Open steamstat.us or SteamDB in a regular browser and look at the status of Steam's services.
- If an outage is shown, wait for Valve to resolve it, then restart Steam.
2.Restart your router and modem
This clears temporary network faults that can leave Steam unable to connect.
- Unplug the router and modem from power and leave them off for a few minutes.
- Plug them back in, wait until the connection is back, then start Steam.
3.Pause your VPN
A VPN is an example of software that can interfere with Steam's connection.
- Disconnect or pause any VPN you use.
- Restart Steam and check the Store page. Reconnect the VPN afterwards if you want it back on.
4.Allow Steam through Windows Defender Firewall
If the firewall blocks Steam, its pages cannot load. This adds an exception for Steam only and leaves the firewall on.
- Press WinR, type the command below and press Enter.
firewall.cpl - Click Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall, then Change settings.
- Look for Steam in the list. If it is there, tick both Private and Public.
- If Steam is not listed, click Allow another app..., then Browse..., and select
steam.exein the folder where Steam is installed. Click Add, then tick Private and Public for the new entry. - Click OK and restart the computer.
5.Run the Windows Internet Connections troubleshooter
It can detect and fix general connection problems on the PC.
- Open Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
- Next to Internet Connections, click Run and follow the prompts.
6.Update the Steam client
An outdated client may fail to connect.
- In Steam, open the Steam menu and choose Check for Steam Client Updates.
- Install any update offered and restart Steam.
7.Reset the network settings
This rebuilds Windows network settings and helps if they are misconfigured.
Before you start: Network reset removes saved Wi-Fi passwords and other network settings. Make sure you know your Wi-Fi password before you continue.
- Open Settings > Network & internet > Advanced network settings > Network reset.
- Click Reset now, confirm, and let the PC restart.
- Reconnect to your network and open Steam.
8.Look for conflicting software and malware
Other software, or an infection, may be blocking Steam.
Before you start: Note which startup items you turn off so you can restore them afterwards.
- Do a clean boot of Windows to see whether another program conflicts with Steam. If Steam works, re-enable startup items a few at a time to find the culprit.
- If you suspect an infection, run a full scan with your installed antivirus or Microsoft Defender.
9.Reinstall Steam as a last resort
A fresh install removes a corrupted client as the cause.
Before you start: Uninstalling Steam can remove installed games. Copy the steamapps folder from your Steam directory to another location first if you want to keep them.
- Back up the
steamappsfolder as described above. - Uninstall Steam from Settings > Apps, then download the installer from the official Steam website and install it again.
Check that it worked
- Open the Store, Community and Library tabs in Steam and confirm they load without Error -118.
- Check that the Store page also loads in a regular web browser, to rule out a wider network problem.
If it still fails
- If the Store also fails in a normal browser, the problem is likely your internet connection or provider. Contact your provider.
- Try another network, for example a phone hotspot. If Steam works there, your home network or router is the likely cause.
- Contact Steam Support through the official Steam website if the error continues, since Valve does not publish a page specific to this code.
Sources
- How to Fix Steam Error Code: -118 · PCRisk