Are you getting the Steam error code 101 while visiting the Stream store to purchase your favorite game? Don’t know how to fix this issue? In this short guide, we’ll go over several ways to solve the error and get your access back to the Stream store.
The Steam platform is an online management and distribution system for digital games. The gaming platform is available for all major PC systems such as Linux, macOS, and Windows. Furthermore, Steam users get a huge collection of games that they can buy on the Stream store.
However, it can cause you great frustration when you open up the Stream store only to be greeted with an error code 101. Let’s find out what does this error means and what steps you can take to rectify the issue.
What is the Steam error code 101?
Quite a few users are reporting that when they go to the Steam store, the error message “Steam server has encountered a problem and needs to close” with the 101 code pops up on their PC screens.
This error also shows up when the users try to purchase digital games. Users have tried restarting their PCs, reloading the web page, and Steam client. However, the issues persist.
Why do I see Steam error 101?
If you are getting the Steam error code 101 on your PC, the following can be the scenarios that can contribute to the appearance of the error.
- Stream servers are down due to a technical glitch or for maintenance
- A bad IP range is assigned to your router that is causing conflict with the port used by Steam
- Steam installation is caching up bad data that interferes with loading new items on the gaming store
- Your Steam application is corrupted and needs a reinstall
- PC firewall is not letting you access the Steam game store
- Your ISP is restricting your access to Steam
How do I fix Error 101 on steam?
Steam error code 101 is one of many errors that you can experience with the Steam client. However, just like every other error, the 101 code on Steam can be fixed if you diagnose and fix the root cause. In this case, the root cause is the network. Therefore, you need to troubleshoot your network to solve the issue by doing the following steps.
Reboot or reset your router
Steam client is one of those applications that need high-quality and stable internet for a seamless service. If we dig a little deep, you’ll find out that the issue might be with your TCP or IP.
Many users were able to fix the Steam error code 101 by troubleshooting the TCP/IP issue. To fix this issue, one can do it by rebooting and resetting the router. To do this:
- Locate the Power off button on the back of your router and press it
- Unplug the router power cable and wait for one minute
- Attach the power cable back into the router and turn it on
- Next, locate the Reset button on the router and insert a thin, long, and sharp object in the Reset hole
- Keep pressing the Reset button
- Release the Reset button you see the front LEDs flashing concurrently
- Now launch the Steam application and check if the 101 error pops up again
Delete Steam cache
If you are still getting the Steam error code 101, try clearing the client app cache by accessing the Steams browser settings. Steam web browser cache has a direct link to your Steam account, Therefore, you need to sign in with the specific Steam account that is experiencing the error. To do this:
- Open Steam and sign in with your login credentials
- Click on Steam that is located on the upper left corner of the dashboard
- Now select Settings and click on the Web Browser option from the left navigational menu
- On the right side, click on Delete Web Browser Cache and hit OK
- Restart Steam and check if you can access the store this time
Switch network or try a VPN
Sometimes, a network or ISP level restriction blocks your access to the Stream store. This usually happens when you are using your school or work network. If that’s the case, try switching to your home network or use your mobile data outside.
However, if you can’t visit the Steam store or can’t purchase a game because of the error, it might be a good idea to try out a VPN service at the system level to unblock the Steam store features.
Conclusion
These are the few methods you can use to fix the Steam error code 101. If you still face the error, make sure that you have whitelisted the Steam client in your Windows firewall settings. Furthermore, you can try uninstalling and reinstalling the Steam app to get rid of the temporary bugs in it. Hopefully, these additional steps will let you access the Steam store. Good luck!
