How to fix “Steam error code 21” issue in Windows

How to fix “Steam error code 21” issue in Windows: A fantastic platform for downloading, purchasing, and playing video games is Steam. However, a significant number of users have reported experiencing the Steam error code 21 when either playing the game or purchasing it. Every user wants to be able to play games on Steam without encountering any problems, and if there are any errors, it is extremely frustrating for the gamers.

Additionally, if you are interested in removing this error code 21 from Steam, then you should continue reading this article. You will find here the effective fixes that will guide you in resolving the error on steam, allowing you to use steam without experiencing any more errors in the future. When certain Steam users attempt to open their Steam Profiles and gain access to the Market, Store, or Friends network, they encounter an error code of -21 but are unsuccessful.

What is taking place here is that Steam is unable to load the web page because of a network error or a cache that has become corrupted. The Steam Error Code -21, which stands for “Failed to load web page (unknown error),” will be the topic of discussion in this post, and we will also look at the possible solutions to this problem. Here are the simple ways how to fix “Steam error code 21” issue in Windows.

Causes of the “Steam error code 21” issue in Windows

1. Overzealous Antivirus/Firewall Settings: Antivirus or firewall settings may be too restrictive, preventing Steam from accessing the internet or specific resources it needs to function properly.
2. Network Connection Issues: Problems with your internet connection, such as unstable or slow connections, can interfere with Steam’s ability to communicate with its servers.
3. Corrupted Steam Files: Corruption within Steam’s installation files or game files can lead to various errors, including Error Code 21.
4. Outdated Windows or Drivers: Running an outdated version of Windows or having outdated drivers, especially network drivers, can cause compatibility issues with Steam.
5. Improper Steam Installation or Updates: An incomplete or failed Steam update or installation can result in missing or corrupted files, leading to errors.
6. Restricted Network Policies: In some networks, especially in schools or workplaces, network policies might restrict access to gaming services like Steam, resulting in error codes.
7. Steam Server Issues: Occasionally, the problem might not be on your end. Steam servers might be down or undergoing maintenance, causing temporary connectivity issues or errors for users.

How to fix “Steam error code 21” issue in Windows

Restart Your Computer and Network Devices

1. Turn off your computer and unplug your modem and router.
2. Wait for 1-2 minutes before plugging them back in and turning them on.
3. Check if Steam still shows the error.

Update Windows

1. Press Windows Key + I to open Settings.
2. Go to Update & Security > Windows Update.
3. Click Check for updates. Install any available updates and restart your computer.

Verify Steam Files

1. Open the Steam client.
2. Go to the “Library” tab.
3. Right-click on the problematic game and select “Properties.”
4. Navigate to the “Local Files” tab.
5. Click on “Verify Integrity of Game Files” and wait for the process to complete.

Update Graphics Drivers

1. Press Windows + X and select Device Manager.
2. Expand the Network adapters section.
3. Right-click on your network device and select Update driver.
4. Choose Search automatically for updated driver software.
5. Restart your computer after the update.

Disable Antivirus/Firewall

1. Temporarily disable your antivirus/firewall software.
2. Check if Error Code 21 persists.
3. Re-enable antivirus/firewall software after troubleshooting.

Change Steam Download Region

1. Open Steam, click on Steam in the upper left corner, and select Settings.
2. Go to the Downloads tab and find the Download Region dropdown.
3. Choose a different region, preferably one close to you, and click OK.

Clear Steam Download Cache

1. Open Steam and go to “Steam” in the top-left corner.
2. Select “Settings” from the dropdown menu.
3. In the Settings window, go to the “Downloads” tab.
4. Click on “Clear Download Cache” and follow the prompts to complete the process.

Reinstall Steam

1. Uninstall Steam through the Control Panel or using a third-party uninstaller.
2. Download the latest version of Steam from the official website.
3. Install Steam and log in with your account credentials.
4. Verify that the Error Code 21 issue has been resolved by launching Steam and attempting to play a game.

Conclusion

We will discuss the Steam Error Code -21 in this article that we are going to write. The Steam error code -21 is most commonly encountered by users when they attempt to open their profiles, markets, stores, or friends networks, according to the complaints that have been posted online by users. “21 Failed to load web page (unknown error)” is the message that appears on the screen. The Steam error code -21 has been the subject of our investigation, and according to the findings of our investigation, this error is caused by a problem with either Steam or your device respectively.

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