Steam is one such platform that quickly went viral. It’s not new; Valve’s video game digital distribution service and storefront was launched way back in 2003.
Even since its launch, the site has climbed the ladder of success. Today, it has become a go-to platform for millions of users to download and play games online.
We are talking about Steam because recently many users are getting ‘Steam Error Code (41)’ when launching certain games on their Windows computers. The error message reads: ‘The Steam servers are too busy to process your request‘ followed by the name of the game you are about to play.
The error message can be frustrating especially if you are so eager to play the game. The appearance of the error message indicates that the Steam servers had a problem and you had to wait a few minutes or hours.
Sometimes the error message may appear due to incorrect settings, outdated Steam client, corrupted app installation files and other factors. The good thing is that though Steam Error Code (41) can be easily resolved on a Windows computer if it is on your end.
Best Methods to Fix Steam Error Code (41) on Windows
So, if you often get the ‘Steam Error Code (41)’ while playing your favorite game, continue reading the manual. Below we have shared some easy steps to fix Steam Error Code 41 on Windows PC. Let’s start.
1. Check if your internet is working
The very first thing to do if you have the ‘Steam error code 41’ is to check if your internet is working.
Even if your internet is working, make sure there is no problem with the connection dropping. The Steam desktop client relies on the internet to connect to the server. So if the internet connection drops, you will get this error.
You can use any speed test website to check your current internet speed. For accurate speed test information, we recommend using fast.com.
2. Check whether Steam’s servers are down
If you carefully read the error message ‘The Steam servers are too busy to handle your request’, you know that the Steam servers are too busy.
Steam’s servers are busy when too many users connect to the client. Although it is a rare problem, it can happen sometimes. Another possibility is that Steam’s servers are down or unavailable for maintenance.
You will get the same error “The Steam servers are too busy to handle your request” in both situations. To confirm if the Steam servers are up and running, you need to check the Steam server status page at down detector.
If the down detector page indicates that users have reported problems, wait for the servers to recover. Once restored, you can play your favorite game without any errors.
3. Update your graphics driver
Although updating the graphics driver is irrelevant, you can still try it. Updating the graphics driver will rule out glitches that can interfere with the Steam desktop client.
Also, it is recommended to have an updated graphics driver for better graphics performance and smooth gameplay. Here’s how to update the graphics driver on Windows.
1. First click on Search Windows and type in Device administrator. Then open the Device Manager app from the list.
2. In Device Manager, expand it Display adapters section.
3. Right click on your graphics driver and select Properties.
4. In the Properties dialog box, tap the Update driver option.
5. In the prompt that appears next, select ‘Automatically search for drivers‘.
That is it! Now follow the on-screen instructions to update your graphics driver on a Windows computer.
4. Let steam through the firewall
Windows Defender is the built-in security tool of the Windows operating system. While the security tool works great, it can sometimes prevent apps from running. Chances are that Windows Defender Firewall is blocking the Steam client from connecting to the server. As a result, you will get the error message.
Therefore, this method will allow steam to pass through the firewall on Windows Defender to fix the Steam error code 41. Here’s what to do.
1. First click on Search Windows and type in Windows firewall. Then open the Windows Defender Firewall from the list of available options.
2. When the firewall program opens, click it “Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewalllink on the left.
3. In the next screen, click on the Change settings knob.
4. Search now Steam and check the boxes for both’Private‘ and ‘Public‘. You have to do the same for Steam Web Helper.
That is it! After making the changes, click the Ok button and restart your Windows computer. This should resolve the Steam error message.
5. Check the integrity of the game file
If you are still getting the error code while running a specific game on Steam, chances are the game files are faulty. In that case, you need to verify the integrity of the game file to fix corrupted or broken files. Here’s what to do.
1. Launch the Steam desktop client on your PC and switch to the Library tab.
2. In the library, right-click on the game you are trying to start and select ‘Properties‘.
3. On the Properties screen, switch to the Local files tab.
4. On the right side, click the ‘Check the integrity of game filesoption.
That is it! Steam will now automatically find and repair your selected game’s error files.
6. Disable the VPN/proxy server
If you are connected to a VPN or proxy server while playing, you should disable it. VPNs and proxies force the Steam desktop client to connect from a different location.
The error appears when the Steam client tries to connect to a server that is far away from you. So you need to disconnect the VPN apps or proxy servers while trying to run a game.
7. Reinstall the problematic game
Well, if the game you are trying to run still shows you the Steam error code 41, the next best option is to reinstall the problematic games.
However, reinstallation should be your last option as the game will be uninstalled through Steam. You have to download the game all over again, which can take a lot of time and consume internet bandwidth.
It’s easy to reinstall games on Steam. To do so, follow some of the simple steps shared below.
- First open the Steam app on your computer.
- Then switch to the Library tab to see all installed games.
- Now right click on the problematic game and select ‘remove‘.
- Click the Uninstall prompt on it remove knob again.
That is it! Now restart your Windows computer and reinstall the game. Once installed, run the game. You will no longer get the error message.
So, this guide is all about how to fix Steam error code 41. The Steam servers are too busy to process your request and are usually tied to the Steam servers. So before following the methods, it becomes important to check if Steam’s servers are experiencing any kind of glitches. If you need more help troubleshooting Steam errors, let us know in the comments. And if the article helped you, share it with your friends.
