Steam Error Code 105: How to Fix It

Easy 15-30 minutes Medium Severity Verified June 2026
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Error Code
105
Brand
Steam
Product Type
game_launcher
Severity
Medium
DIY Difficulty
Easy
Estimated Fix Time
15-30 minutes
Steam Error Code 105 means the Steam client is unable to connect to Valve's update servers. This typically happens due to a network connectivity issue, firewall blocking Steam's traffic, corrupted DNS settings, or a temporary server outage on Valve's end. The good news is that in most cases this is entirely fixable on your own without any technical expertise.
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Tools You'll Need

How to Fix Error Code 105

  1. Check Steam's Server Status

  2. Restart Steam Completely

  3. Restart Your Router and Modem

    Do not hold the reset button on your router — that will erase your Wi-Fi settings. Simply unplug the power cable.

  4. Flush Your DNS Cache

  5. Change Your DNS Server to Google or Cloudflare

  6. Check Your Firewall and Antivirus Settings

    Only disable your firewall or antivirus temporarily for testing. Re-enable it immediately after your test, and always add exceptions rather than leaving protection off permanently.

  7. Run Steam as Administrator

  8. Disable Your VPN or Proxy

  9. Clear Steam's Download Cache

  10. Reinstall Steam

    Back up your steamapps folder before uninstalling. Without it, you will have to re-download all your installed games, which can take many hours depending on your library size and internet speed.
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When to Call a Professional

If you have tried every step in this guide and Steam still shows Error Code 105, the issue may be deeper in your network infrastructure. Contact your Internet Service Provider (ISP) if you suspect a routing problem between your connection and Valve's servers — some ISPs block or throttle gaming traffic. If your entire network is malfunctioning, a professional network technician can diagnose hardware-level issues with your router, modem, or home cabling. For enterprise or school networks, contact your network administrator, as institutional firewalls often block Steam by policy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Steam Error Code 105 mean?
Steam Error Code 105 means the Steam client was unable to connect to Valve's update servers. It is typically caused by a network connectivity problem, DNS issues, firewall blocking Steam's traffic, or a temporary outage on Steam's servers.
Is Steam Error 105 caused by my internet or by Steam's servers?
It can be either. Start by checking Steam's official status page or a site like downdetector.com to see if there is a known outage. If Steam's servers are fine, the issue is almost certainly on your end — usually a DNS, firewall, or network configuration problem.
Why does Steam Error 105 keep coming back even after I fix it?
If Error 105 returns repeatedly, your DNS settings may keep reverting, your antivirus may be resetting its rules, or your ISP may be intermittently throttling Steam traffic. Setting a permanent public DNS like Google (8.8.8.8) or Cloudflare (1.1.1.1) and creating a permanent Steam firewall exception usually prevents it from recurring.
Can a VPN cause Steam Error Code 105?
Yes. VPNs route your traffic through different servers, and some of those servers may be blocked by Steam or have poor routing to Valve's infrastructure. Try disabling your VPN completely and launching Steam without it. If Steam connects, your VPN server was the problem — try switching to a different VPN server location or contact your VPN provider.
Will fixing Steam Error 105 delete my games?
No. All the fixes in this guide — flushing DNS, changing DNS servers, adjusting firewall settings, clearing Steam's download cache, or even reinstalling Steam — will not delete your installed games as long as you preserve the steamapps folder in your Steam directory. Your games, saves, and library remain intact.

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