Steam Content File is Locked error has been causing a lot of disturbances to players and there did not seem to be an answer as to how to fix it. This usually happens when you’re trying to update a game and as soon as this error hits, you won’t be able to update or even play the game. If you wish to know how to get around this issue, here’s what you need to do.
How To Fix Steam Content File Is Locked Error
There are a few methods that you can try out to fix the Steam Content File is Locked error, these include disabling your antivirus, as well as other options that you can perform.
Here’s how you can fix Steam Content File is Locked:
Repair Files
If a particular game is facing this issue, the best and quickest way to fix the Steam Content File is Locked is by making sure to download Restoro and scan for corrupted files. It will help to determine which files need to be fixed and do it accordingly.
Also Read: How To Fix Steam Can’t Add To Cart Not Working Error
Check Antivirus
Most of the time, your antivirus blocks files that it identifies as potentially harmful. You can either disable your antivirus while you’re playing the game or can add the game and the files to the exception list.
Each antivirus works differently, if you’re using McAfee, you won’t be able to exclude the game files and you will have to turn off the Real-Time Scanning option.
For ESET NOD32, you can add certain files to be excluded from the scanning list. Make sure to add this folder “C:\Program File\Steam\SteamApps\common” to the exception list. This will help you with fixing the Steam Content File is Locked.
Kaspersky has a built-in system that allows you to allow applications to make changes to your hard drive, so make sure that you have Steam.exe to the trusted zone and it should not cause you any issues.
After using any of the above methods, make sure that you complete the process shown in the step below to verify game files.
Verify Integrity
Verifying your files via Steam can also help to fix the Steam Content File is Locked issue. All you have to do is go to the Steam library and then right-click on the game that is facing the issue. From there head over to the Properties and Local Files tab. Here you will find the button Verify Integrity Of Game Cache, click on it and it will scan and repair it.
Reset Winsock
Winsock is another application that can cause some of the game files to be marked as potentially harmful and you will need to reset it. You can do that by opening up the Run window by pressing Win + R and then enter netsh Winsock reset.
Clear Steam Download Cache
Clearing out Steam’s download cache can also help to repair the issues that you’re facing while playing games on steam. It is possible that an incomplete or corrupt file has been downloaded and it is causing the issue. By clearing the cache and verifying the integrity of the game files, you can play your favorite game again. Doing this will help you to fix the Steam Content File is Locked error.
Run as administrator
Another option that you can opt for is to run Steam as an administrator. Right-click on the Steam icon and select the option that says Run as administrator.
Uninstall and Reinstall the game
Finally, the last option that you have is to completely uninstall the game and then reinstall it. This will ensure that you get all the latest and fresh files. This will most probably solve the Steam Content File is Locked.
This is all there is to know about how to fix Steam Content File is Locked, while you’re here make sure to check out How To Easily Fix Steam Too Many Login Failures Error right here on Gamer Tweak.
