What is Steam error code 118?
Steam users are reporting that when they try to play a game or launch the game store on the Steam platform, the error message “Unable to connect to the server. Server maybe offline” shows up on their screens. The error code 118 is also shown along with the message.
Since Steam is a gaming client, it needs an active internet connection to connect to the game servers. When this communication fails, the users will get a 118 error. Let’s explore what factors trigger the error on your screen.
Why can’t I connect to Steam?
If your Steam gaming client is having a problem connecting with the gaming server, it could be due to one of the following reasons.
- Windows firewall is blocking the Steam gaming client to connect with the Steam server
- Your home network is experiencing WIFI signal issues or slow internet speeds
- A third-party app is interfering with the Stream server functions which is leading to the error code 118
- A virus on your PC is obstructing the communication between the Stream gaming client and server
How do I fix Error 118 on steam?
Allow Steam through the firewall
It is possible that your PC Windows firewall is blocking Steam. Therefore, to allow Steam through the firewall:
- First, go to the Control Panel and open the Windows Defender Firewall under the System and Security option
- Go to the Windows Firewall option and then click on Allow a program or feature
- Next, click on Change Settings and then locate the Steam application
- Tick the private and public checkboxes for the Steam client and click OK to apply the new changes
- Launch Steam on your PC and verify if this method fixes the error
Disable background and third-party applications
Another fix to isolate the reason for the 118 error code is to disable the background and third-party applications which are triggering the error code. You can do this in the following way.
- Open the Run dialog box by pressing the Window and R keys and then type “msconfig” command
- Select the Services tab in the new pop up window
- Uncheck the “Hide all Microsoft services” option at the end and then select “Disable all”
- Next, under the Startup tab, select “Open Task Manager”
- Make sure that all application boxes are checked except Steam client and then click on “Disable all”
- Restart your PC and launch the Steam application to check if the error persists
- If this method fixed the error, start other services one by one again to single out the culprit application
Troubleshoot your router for error code 118
The most common reason for the Steam error code 118 is a problem with your internet connection. Slow internet speeds and poor WIFI signal strength can easily halt the communication between the Steam server and Steam client. To troubleshoot internet issues, you may need to power cycle your router to refresh its settings. To do this:
- Plug out the router power cable from the main wall
- Wait for a few minutes and plug in the power cable back into the main wall
- Wait for another few minutes until you you get the internet access back on your router
- Launch the Steam client application and see if the error persists
If power cycling your router does not solve your internet issues, contact your internet service provider to check the issues at their end.
Run a virus scan
Viruses are notorious for causing conflicts and errors with your PC applications. Therefore, we recommend that you install a reliable antivirus on your PC and run a complete scan with it. If a threat or threats or detected, delete them to fix the Steam server and client connectivity errors.
Conclusion
We hope that this guide helped you fix the Steam error code 118 on your PC. Make sure to troubleshoot the internet connectivity and internet speed issues first. Otherwise, you’ll be seeing the error showing up on your screen even after you apply the other fixes mentioned in this guide.
