Forgot password
Enter the email address you used when you joined and we'll send you instructions to reset your password.
If you used Apple or Google to create your account, this process will create a password for your existing account.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Reset password instructions sent. If you have an account with us, you will receive an email within a few minutes.
Something went wrong. Try again or contact support if the problem persists.
Image via Valve

How to fix ‘content servers unreachable’ on Steam

Give Steam a hand to reach those content servers.

Few error messages pain me as much as the Steam content servers unreachable message. I've only gotten this issue a few times when trying to download a game, but it frustrated me each time. Rather than give in and let Steam win, I tried to fix the content servers unreachable error so I could download and play the games I've been looking forward to. This is what I found out to be helpful when fixing the Steam content servers unreachable error.

Recommended Videos

How to fix Steam 'content servers unreachable' error

The last thing you want when trying to download or play a game on Steam is to get the content servers unreachable error message. That said, there are no official and guaranteed ways to solve this, but a few methods may fix the error and restore Steam to its proper order:

  • Restart Steam.
  • Restart your internet.
  • Restart your PC.

These are the three steps you should try first. They are easy to do, and sometimes they can fix the issue right away. However, you may not always get lucky and need to take more in-depth actions. I recommend trying the methods below if you are still experiencing this Steam issue.

Related: How to play non-Steam games on a Steam Deck

  • Change your Download Region.
    • Go to Steam Settings.
    • Select Downloads.
    • Click the Download Region button.
    • Choose another region.
  • Run Steam as an Administrator.
    • Right-click on Steam.
    • Select Properties.
    • Click Compatibility.
    • Choose Run this program as an administrator.

What causes the 'content servers unreachable error' on Steam?

The most common cause is high player traffic, particularly when trying to download a game. This was seen when Baldur's Gate 3 was officially released, and Steam download speeds rapidly plummeted. Since this is on Steam's servers, your options are limited. Trying the solutions above may fix this issue, but you may need to be patient and wait it out.

For more information on Steam, check out Steam unpacking slowly – How To Make Steam Unpack Faster and Is Steam down? Here’s how to check Steam Server Status on Pro Game Guides.


Pro Game Guides is supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission. Learn more about our Affiliate Policy
We have upgraded our commenting platform! Existing comments will be imported over the next few weeks.
Author
Image of Justin Joy
Justin Joy
Justin has been diving into fantasy worlds since he can remember. He is a certified nerd who has a deep love of reading, writing, and hiking. He has been writing since his college days, but specifically in gaming for two years. His favorite games are The Legend of Zelda, Pokémon, Hollow Knight, Celeste, and Banjo Kazooie.