Steam error code -105: "Unable to connect to the server" and how to fix it

Published By helps.wiki editorial team

Steam error -105 means the client's built-in browser could not reach Valve's servers, which in practice is usually a DNS name-resolution failure. Clear the web browser cache, flush DNS and, if needed, switch DNS servers. Valve has no page on this error, so these fixes come from a community guide.

Applies to:Steam desktop clientmainly Windows
On this page

What it means

Error -105 appears inside the Steam client, not inside a game. The message reads "Error Code: -105. Unable to connect to the server. The server may be offline." It means the client's built-in web browser could not reach Valve's servers.

In practice this is described as a DNS (name-resolution) failure: your computer could not turn the Steam server address into an IP address.

Valve does not document this error. The fixes below come from a third-party guide, not from Valve, and how well they work depends on your network. Sometimes the cause is on Steam's side, and then nothing on your PC will help until the service recovers.

Symptoms and causes

You are likely dealing with this problem if:

  • The Store, Community, Library, Workshop or profile pages inside Steam show a blank page with "Error Code: -105".
  • The message says "Unable to connect to the server. The server may be offline."

The usual causes, most common first:

Steam is having problems
If Steam's own services are down, your settings are not the problem and local fixes will not help.
Local DNS problems
A stale DNS cache, or a faulty resolver from your ISP or router, stops the client finding Steam's servers.
Firewall or antivirus blocking Steam
Security software can block the client's connections.
VPN or proxy
Traffic routed through a VPN or proxy may not resolve or reach Steam's servers.
Ad blocker or other interfering software
Software that filters network requests can break the client's web pages.
Corrupted web browser cache or damaged client install
The cached data of Steam's built-in browser, or the client files themselves, can be in a bad state.

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

Easy

If Steam has an outage, no local fix will work and you only need to wait.

  1. Look at a Steam status site or recent community reports to see whether Steam services are having problems.
  2. If they are, wait and try again later instead of changing settings.

2.Restart the PC and the router

Easy

This clears temporary network and DNS state on both devices.

  1. Restart your computer.
  2. Switch the router off, wait about a minute, then switch it on and let it reconnect.
  3. Start Steam and open the Store again.

3.Delete the Steam web browser cache

Easy

A corrupted cache in the built-in browser can leave pages blank.

  1. In Steam, open Steam > Settings > Web Browser.
  2. Click Delete Web Browser Cache, then OK. Steam gives no confirmation that it worked.
  3. Fully exit Steam and start it again.

4.Flush the Windows DNS cache

Easy

Clears stale name-resolution entries that may point Steam to the wrong place.

  1. Press WinR, type cmd, then press CtrlShiftEnter to open an administrator Command Prompt.
  2. Run the flush command, then restart Steam.
    Command Promptrun as administrator
    ipconfig /flushdns

5.Switch to a public DNS server

ModerateChanges settings

If your ISP or router resolver is failing, a different DNS server may resolve Steam's addresses.

Before you start: Note your current DNS settings first so you can switch back. Changing DNS on the router affects every device on the network.

  1. Set the DNS servers on your network adapter, or on the router, to Google (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4) or Cloudflare (1.1.1.1).
  2. Run ipconfig /flushdns again as above, then restart Steam.

6.Rule out firewall, antivirus, VPN, proxy and ad blockers

ModerateChanges settings

Any of these can block or reroute the client's connections.

Before you start: If you pause third-party antivirus or firewall only to test, turn it back on straight afterwards. Prefer allowing Steam through rather than leaving protection off.

  1. Check that Steam is allowed through your firewall or antivirus.
  2. Turn off any VPN or proxy while testing.
  3. Disable ad blockers or other software that filters network traffic, then restart Steam and test.

7.Reinstall the Steam client over the existing one

ModerateChanges settings

Replaces damaged client files. Installing over the top keeps your installed games.

Before you start: Do not uninstall Steam first and do not delete the Steam folder, or you may remove your games.

  1. Download SteamSetup.exe from store.steampowered.com.
  2. Run it and install into your existing Steam folder, then sign in again.

Check that it worked

  • The Store, Community and Library pages load inside the Steam client without the -105 message.
  • Steam pages stay available after you restart the client.

If it still fails

  • Wait and retry later. Some forum users report the error lasting for weeks despite cache clearing and DNS changes, which points to a Steam-side, regional or ISP DNS problem.
  • Try a different network (for example a phone hotspot) to see whether your ISP is the cause, and contact the ISP if it works there.
  • Contact Steam Support through the official Steam support site if the error persists.

Sources

  1. How to Fix Steam Error Code -105 · Help Desk Geek

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