Steam Error Code 13: How to Fix It

Easy 15-45 minutes Medium Severity Verified June 2026
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Error Code
13
Brand
Steam
Product Type
game_launcher
Severity
Medium
DIY Difficulty
Easy
Estimated Fix Time
15-45 minutes
Steam Error Code 13 is a disk write error that occurs when Steam cannot save game files to your hard drive or SSD during an installation or update. This is typically caused by permission issues, a corrupted download cache, bad disk sectors, or antivirus software blocking Steam from writing files. The good news is that most cases can be resolved with software fixes and do not require hardware replacement.
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Tools You'll Need

How to Fix Error Code 13

  1. Restart Steam as Administrator

    Always close Steam fully before restarting — simply closing the window does not stop background Steam processes.

  2. Clear the Steam Download Cache

  3. Check and Repair the Steam Library Folder

  4. Manually Fix Folder Permissions

    Be careful when editing folder permissions. Only modify the steamapps folder and do not change permissions on system-level Windows directories.

  5. Add a Steam Exception to Your Antivirus Software

    Only add exclusions for trusted applications like Steam. Do not disable your antivirus entirely.

  6. Verify the Target Drive for Disk Errors

    Running chkdsk with the /r flag on a drive that contains your operating system may require a system restart to complete. Save all work before proceeding.

  7. Move the Steam Library to a Different Drive or Folder

  8. Delete and Reinstall the Affected Game Files

    Uninstalling the game will delete local save files for games that store saves locally. Check if the game supports Steam Cloud saves before uninstalling, or back up your save files manually.

  9. Reinstall Steam

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

If the chkdsk tool reports a large number of bad sectors on your drive, your hard drive or SSD may be failing physically. In that case, stop using the drive for new data immediately, back up all important files, and consult a data recovery specialist or replace the drive. A computer repair technician can also help if you are uncomfortable modifying folder permissions or reinstalling Steam.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Steam keep giving me Error Code 13 even after I restart?
Error Code 13 often persists because the root cause — such as incorrect folder permissions, a corrupted download cache, or antivirus interference — has not been addressed. A simple restart does not fix these issues. Follow the steps in this guide, starting with running Steam as administrator and clearing the download cache, to fully resolve the error.
Can Steam Error Code 13 damage my hard drive?
Steam Error Code 13 itself does not damage your hard drive. However, if the error is caused by bad sectors on the drive, that indicates your drive may already be developing hardware problems. Use the chkdsk tool to scan and assess your drive's health. If bad sectors are found, consider replacing the drive proactively to avoid data loss.
Does Steam Error Code 13 happen on SSDs too?
Yes, Steam Error Code 13 can occur on both traditional hard drives (HDDs) and solid-state drives (SSDs). On SSDs, the error is less likely to be caused by bad sectors and more commonly related to permission issues, a full drive, or antivirus software blocking write access.
Will fixing Steam Error Code 13 delete my saved game data?
Most of the fixes in this guide — such as clearing the download cache, repairing the library folder, and adjusting permissions — will not delete your saved game data. However, uninstalling a game (Step 8) may delete local saves if the game does not use Steam Cloud. Always verify whether your game syncs saves to Steam Cloud, or back up your save files manually before uninstalling.
Why does Steam Error Code 13 only affect certain games and not others?
This is typically because different games are installed in different folders or on different drives, and only one location has a permission problem or disk issue. It can also happen if a specific game's install folder became corrupted or if your drive is nearly full only in the partition where that game resides. Check the install location for the affected game specifically, and apply the permission or disk repair steps to that exact drive or folder.

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