Steam is a popular digital distribution platform for PC gamers, offering thousands of titles and a centralized hub for game management. However, even the most polished platforms can experience bugs. One particularly frustrating issue occurs when Steam says a game is running even though it’s not. This error prevents you from restarting the game or launching others, and in some cases, you may even be unable to close Steam properly.
Steam may say your game is running when it’s not because it didn’t close properly. Sometimes, background processes stay open. Restarting your computer or ending the game in Task Manager can fix it. It can also happen due to bugs or slow system updates in Steam.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down why this happens, how to fix it, and how to prevent it in the future. Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or a newcomer, understanding this issue will help you avoid unnecessary downtime.
Common Reasons Steam Says Your Game Is Running (When It’s Not):
When Steam incorrectly believes a game is running, the root cause often falls into one of several categories:
1. Background Processes Still Running
Sometimes, the game may have closed visually but continues to run in the background. The executable file (.exe) might still be active, causing Steam to think the game hasn’t exited yet.
2. Steam Client Bug or Glitch
Steam isn’t immune to bugs. Occasionally, it may not register that a game has closed, particularly if the client didn’t receive the “exit” signal properly due to a crash or timeout.
3. Game Crashed Without Closing Properly
If a game crashes unexpectedly, it might leave residual files or active memory processes behind. These can trick Steam into believing the game is still open.
4. Corrupted Game or Steam Files
Corrupted files within the game or Steam itself can lead to communication errors between the platform and your system, resulting in false status flags.
5. Third-Party Software Interference
Overlays from Discord, NVIDIA GeForce Experience, or antivirus software can sometimes interfere with Steam’s ability to track whether a game has closed.
How to Fix the “Game Is Running” Error on Steam?
Here are step-by-step solutions to help you resolve the issue:
1. Restart Steam
Start with the simplest fix:
- Exit Steam by right-clicking the Steam icon in the system tray and selecting Exit.
- Reopen Steam and check if the game still appears as running.
If that doesn’t help, try more advanced methods.
2. Use Task Manager to End the Game Process
If the game’s process is stuck in the background:
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
- Go to the Processes tab.
- Look for the game’s name (e.g., eldenring.exe, cyberpunk2077.exe).
- Click it and choose End Task.
After ending the task, reopen Steam. It should now recognize the game as closed.
Also Read: How To Fix Launch Error In Steam?
3. Reboot Your Computer
A full system restart will terminate any lingering processes that Task Manager may not have been able to close. This clears your RAM and resets active processes.
4. Verify Game Files via Steam
If Steam keeps misreporting the status, corrupted files might be to blame:
- Right-click the game in your Steam Library.
- Select Properties > Installed Files.
- Click Verify integrity of game files.
Steam will scan and repair any issues it finds.
5. Clear Steam’s Download Cache
Sometimes, Steam gets stuck trying to resume or recognize a previous game session:
- Open Steam.
- Click Steam (top-left) > Settings > Downloads.
- Click Clear Download Cache.
This will log you out, so make sure you know your credentials before continuing.
6. Update Steam and the Game
Check for any available updates:
- Restart Steam to prompt automatic updates.
- Ensure your game is fully updated via the game’s properties or update settings.
7. Disable Conflicting Third-Party Software
Temporarily disable software that may interfere with Steam, including:
- Antivirus programs
- Game overlay tools (like Discord or NVIDIA GeForce Experience)
- Performance boosters or PC optimizers
If the issue disappears, one of these programs may be the culprit.
Long-Term Prevention Tips:
To avoid encountering this problem frequently, follow these best practices:
✅ Always Exit Games Properly
Avoid using Alt+F4 or shutting down your PC while a game is still running. Use the in-game menu to exit whenever possible.
✅ Keep Steam and Drivers Updated
Regular updates reduce bugs and improve compatibility with the latest games and hardware.
✅ Avoid Force Quitting Steam Too Often
Frequent force-quits (e.g., via Task Manager or shutdowns) can lead to file corruption or background processes not ending cleanly.
✅ Monitor for Background Processes
Periodically check Task Manager for leftover game processes, especially after crashes.
When All Else Fails: Reinstall Steam or the Game?
If the problem persists even after trying all the above fixes, consider the following:
🔄 Reinstall the Game
This can fix corrupted files and clean up residual data:
- Backup your game saves (especially for non-cloud-supported games).
- Uninstall and reinstall the game through Steam.
🔄 Reinstall Steam
If multiple games are affected:
- Back up your Steamapps folder (C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps) to avoid redownloading your entire library.
- Uninstall Steam via Control Panel.
- Reinstall Steam and restore your backed-up games.
Why does my Steam game say it’s already running?
This usually happens when the game didn’t close properly, or a background process is still active. Restarting Steam or ending the game’s task via Task Manager typically resolves the issue. A system reboot can also help if it persists.
Why does it say my Steam game is running?
Steam may detect the game as running if it’s stuck in the background or didn’t shut down correctly. Check Task Manager for lingering processes and end them. Corrupted files or faulty mods can also cause this misleading status.
Why is the game not launching on Steam?
Your Steam game might not launch due to missing files, outdated drivers, background apps, or software conflicts. Try verifying game files, updating GPU drivers, and disabling overlays. Antivirus software may also interfere, so ensure it’s not blocking the game.
FAQs:
Q: Can this issue damage my PC or game files?
Not usually, but forcing processes to end repeatedly can increase the risk of file corruption.
Q: Does this happen more often with certain games?
Yes. Heavily modded games or poorly optimized titles may crash more frequently and cause this issue.
Q: What if Steam says the game is running on another computer?
This usually indicates a login issue. Use Steam’s Remote Logout feature to disconnect all other devices:
- Go to Steam > Settings > Account > Manage Steam Guard Account Security.
Conclusion:
If Steam says your game is running when it’s not, it’s typically due to background processes, bugs, or a crash. By following the troubleshooting steps outlined above, like ending processes through Task Manager, verifying game files, and updating your software, you can quickly resolve the issue and get back to gaming.
Stay proactive with updates, exit games properly, and keep your system clean to prevent this issue in the future. And remember: you’re not alone—this is a common problem that’s usually easy to fix once you know what to look for.