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This article will show you how to Fix ‘Failed to load steamui.dll’ Steam Error. Steam is the biggest digital video game distributor in the world. Even though Steam is popular and reliable, mistakes still happen on the gaming platform. In this post, we’ll look at the “failed to load steamui.dll” error, which is a terrible problem that some users have seen. If you’re seeing this message when you try to start a game, keep reading to find out what you can do to fix the Steam fatal error. The “Failed to load steamui.dll” error has been a problem with Steam since the beginning, and it is still there today. It’s also not always Steam’s fault.
Corrupted files or missing Windows Updates are just two examples of things that could be to blame. Steam is the most loved gaming platform around the globe. Due to this popularity, it has to manage millions of users. That’s the reason why it is not entirely error-free. If you are a gamer and a regular steam user, you may have encountered the “Failed To Load Steamui.dll Error.” The good news is that it’s usually easy to fix, unlike when Steam doesn’t start up and doesn’t give an error message. Here are the best ways to Fix ‘Failed to load steamui.dll’ Steam Error so you can play your favorite games again.
What is the “Failed to load steamui.dll” error?
If your Steam installation is broken in some way, the “Failed to load steamui.dll” error window will show up. When Steam can’t load SteamUI.dll, it means that an important Steam or Windows file is missing, broken, or infected with malware. This is why Steam can’t load Steam.dll. Steamui.dll is an important file in Windows OS that lets your programs and services run correctly.
From what we’ve heard, the Steam failed to load steamui.dll error can happen on any program or operating system that needs the file, including Windows 10/8/7. If important files are lost, broken, or infected with malware, Steam won’t work right. The Steamui.dll error means that Steam’s user interface can’t run because of some of the problems above.
Common Causes of the ‘Failed to load steamui.dll’ Error
- Corrupted DLL File: The steamui.dll file might be corrupted or missing.
- Software Conflict: Conflicts with other software or security programs can trigger this error.
- Registry Issues: Problems within the Windows registry can lead to this error.
- Virus or Malware: Malicious software can interfere with DLL files, causing errors.
- Outdated Software: Running an outdated version of Steam can lead to compatibility issues.
- Hardware Issues: Failing hardware components, like the hard drive, can also result in this error.
- Third-party Modifications: Unauthorized modifications or third-party software can affect DLL files.
Fix: ‘Failed to load steamui.dll’ Steam Error
Run the App as an Administrator
- Right-click on the Steam icon.
- Select Properties from the menu.
- Navigate to the tab named Compatibility.
- Check the box labeled “Run this program as an administrator.”
- Click Apply, then OK.
Delete Libswscale-X.dll and SteamUI.dll Files
- Right-click on the Steam icon and choose Properties.
- Click Open File Location at the bottom of the window.
- Find the Libswscale-X.dll file, where X is the version number (3, 4, or 5), and delete it with the Shift + Del key combination.
- Use SteamUI.dll the same way.
- Try putting the client to work.
Delete Package and Bin Folders
- Right-click on the Steam shortcut or EXE file and select Properties.
- Click Open File Location at the bottom of the window. Locate the package folder and press Shift + Del on your keyboard.
- Repeat the process for the “bin” folder.
- If you double-click Steam.exe, the missing files will be downloaded again.
Re-Register SteamUI.dll
- Press the Windows key and the letter R to bring up the Run box.
- Type CMD in the Run box and hold down the Ctrl, Shift, and Enter keys at the same time. This will make you an administrator and open the Command Prompt.
- Type regsvr32 steamui.dll into the Command Prompt window and press Enter.
- Close the window for the Command Prompt.
- Restart your computer.
Add Parameters into Steam’s Shortcut
- Right-click on the Steam file or shortcut.
- Choose Properties.
- Under Target on the Shortcut tab, type the following commands after the location of the file:
- -client_candidate client_beta
- For instance, it should look like this:
- “C:Program FilesSteamSteam.exe -clientbeta client_candidate“
- Click “Apply,” then “OK.”
Fix Corrupted System Files
- Open the Command Prompt as administrator.
- Use the command below and hit Enter:
- /SCANNOW sfc
- Restart your computer.
- If SFC gave you an error, use the following command lines, pressing Enter after each:
- DISM /Online /Clean-Image /CheckHealth
- DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /Health
- DISM /Online /Clean-Image /RestoreHealth
Conclusion
When Steam can’t load steamui.dll, it gives the Failed to load steamui.dll error. It is a very important Dynamic Link Library (DLL) file that loads the User Interface (UI). If you try to start Steam with a broken copy of the steamui.dll file, it will fail after the verification process. To fix this error, you will need to restore the steamui.dll file, run the SFC or DISM commands, clear the Steam cache data, and restore or reset Windows without losing any data. If you want to know more information about this issue so you can visit Microsoft Official Website.
Questions and Answers
If your Steam installation is broken in some way, the “Failed to load steamui.dll” error window will show up. If steam.dll doesn’t load, it means that an important Steam or Windows file is missing, broken, or infected with malware. This prevents SteamUI from loading.
The dll also has all the Steam features that are used in games. Pirated Steam games use a.dll file that acts like the original.dll file (called an emulator), but it gets around the Steam client. This is what lets you play the game without Steam’s basic DRM.
When a game is installed, the steam_api.dll file is usually placed in the game folder. In this case, you should copy the file to the game folder and replace the old one with the one you just downloaded.
Most of the time, the problem can be fixed by reinstalling steam.dll in the right way on your PC, in the Windows system folder. Or, some programs, like PC games, need the DLL file to be put in the folder where the game or application was installed. See our FAQ for more information on how to install.