Steam Error Code 118: How to Fix It

Easy 15-45 minutes Medium Severity Verified June 2026
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Error Code
118
Brand
Steam
Product Type
game_launcher
Severity
Medium
DIY Difficulty
Easy
Estimated Fix Time
15-45 minutes
Steam Error Code 118 means that the Steam client is unable to connect to Valve's servers, most commonly due to a DNS resolution failure, a firewall blocking the connection, or a temporary network issue. This error prevents you from logging in, downloading games, or accessing the Steam store. The good news is that most cases can be resolved without any special technical skills by following a few targeted troubleshooting steps.
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Tools You'll Need

How to Fix Error Code 118

  1. Check Your Internet Connection

  2. Restart Steam as Administrator

  3. Flush Your DNS Cache

  4. Change Your DNS Server

  5. Allow Steam Through Windows Firewall

    Only temporarily disable your firewall or antivirus for testing purposes. Re-enable it immediately after confirming whether it is the source of the problem.

  6. Disable Your VPN or Proxy

  7. Reset Your Network Settings Using Winsock Reset

    This command resets low-level network configurations. It is safe but requires a system restart to take effect.

  8. Check Steam Server Status

  9. Reinstall Steam

    Back up your steamapps folder before uninstalling to avoid having to re-download all your games.
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When to Call a Professional

If you have completed all steps above and Steam still shows Error 118, the issue may lie with your ISP blocking certain ports or traffic required by Steam (ports 27015-27050 TCP/UDP and 80/443). Contact your Internet Service Provider and ask them to check whether any Steam-related traffic is being filtered or blocked. If you are on a school, university, or corporate network, the network administrator may have blocked Steam intentionally, and you will need to request an exception or use a personal connection instead. For persistent router or modem faults causing DNS failures, a networking technician or your ISP's support team can help diagnose and replace faulty hardware.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Steam Error Code 118 mean?
Steam Error Code 118 means the Steam client cannot connect to Valve's servers. This is usually caused by a DNS failure, a firewall blocking Steam's connection, a faulty network configuration, or a temporary outage on Steam's side.
Why does Steam keep showing Error 118 even though my internet works?
Your general internet connection can work while Steam fails to connect because Steam uses specific ports and domain names that may be blocked by your firewall, antivirus, VPN, or ISP. A working browser doesn't rule out these Steam-specific blocks, which is why flushing DNS, checking firewall rules, and disabling VPNs are key troubleshooting steps.
Does Steam Error 118 mean Steam servers are down?
Not always. Error 118 can occur when Steam's servers are down, but it more commonly points to a local network issue on your end. Check the Steam status page or DownDetector to confirm whether Valve is experiencing an outage before spending time on local fixes.
Can a VPN cause Steam Error Code 118?
Yes. A VPN can cause Error 118 if it routes your traffic through a server IP that Valve has restricted, if the VPN connection is unstable, or if the VPN interferes with DNS resolution. Temporarily disconnecting your VPN and testing Steam is a quick way to confirm whether the VPN is the culprit.
How do I stop Steam Error 118 from happening again?
To prevent recurrence, keep your Steam client updated to the latest version, use a reliable public DNS such as Google (8.8.8.8) or Cloudflare (1.1.1.1), ensure Steam is permanently whitelisted in your firewall and antivirus software, and avoid using unstable VPN connections when launching Steam.

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