Resolving SteamDLL Absence on PC

Many Steam users are having an issue with their game. What happens is an error message pops up when they open their game on Steam that says:

• The problem can’t start because steam_api64.dll is missing from your computer.
• The code execution cannot proceed because steam_api64.dll was not found.
• …

This is a very annoying issue. You can‘t play your game because of this error. You may not know how to fix it, and probably you don’t even know what the missing file is!

But don’t worry! The following are an explanation of the missing file and a few solutions that have helped many other Steam users restore the missing file.

Disclaimer: This post includes affiliate links

If you click on a link and make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

What is steam_api64.dll?

Steam_api64.dll is a component of the Steam program. It is required by some Steam games to access Steam features and functionalities (such as anti-cheat and digital rights protection) so that they can run properly.

Fixes to try

These are the fixes you can try. You don’t have to try them all; just work your way down the list until you find the one that works for you.

1. Verify your game files
2. Reinstall your game
3. Restore the steam_api64.dll file
4. Copy the same file from another computer
5. BONUS TIP: Update your device drivers

Fix 1: Verify your game files

You can verify your game files on your Steam program to restore the missing steam_api64.dll file. To do so

1. On your Steam, clickLIBRARY .
   
2. Right click your game, then clickProperties .

3. Click theLOCAL FILES tab, then clickVERIFY INTEGRITY OF GAME FILES . After that, clickCLOSE .

Now launch your game and see if this restores your missing game file and fix your error.

Fix 2: Reinstall your game

You may also need to reinstall your game to repair the missing steam_api64.dll file. To reinstall your game on Steam:

1. On your Steam, clickLIBRARY .
   
2. Right click your game, then clickUninstall .

3. ClickDelete .

4. ClickSTORE , then_search the game you’ve deleted_ .

5. ClickPlay Now .

6. Follow the on-screen instructions to download and install the game.

Now check to see if this fixed your error.

Fix 3: Restore the steam_api64.dll file

You can also fix yoursteam_api64.dll missing issue by restoring the file from a reliable source. To do so, you can follow these steps:

1. Go toDLL-Files . Use the search box to look for the DLL file that is missing from your computer.
   
2. Once it got a hit in the database, you will see the available dll files. You can then click the file and follow the instruction on the page to download the file to the designated location.
3. Note that sometimes you may find that there are multiple files available. Mostly you can simple pick the highest version. But when the versions are the same, it could mean that the files work for different architecture. To find out the architechure of your system (whether it’s 64-bit or 32-bit), you can openWindows Settings and check theSystem type .
   

Missing DLL files could imply a bigger issue, and sometimes on the system level. If the problem persists, you can use a system repair tool likeFortect to scan for system issues.

Now check to see if this fixed your dll file missing issue.

Fix 4: Copy the same file from another computer

You can also try copying the missing file from another computer. To fix your issue, you should make sure the computer:

• Runs the same operating system as your computer does;
• Has the same game installed.

To check if the other computer has the same operating system:

1. On your own computer, click theStart menu in the lower left corner of your screen. Then type “cmd “, right clickCommand Prompt in the result, and clickRun as administrator .
   
2. Type “control /name microsoft.system ” and pressEnter on your keyboard.

3. Do thestep 1 to 2 for the other computer.
4. Make sure theWindows editions andsystem types of both computers are the same. (If not, it’s recommended that you find another computer.)

To copy steam_api64.dll:

1. On the other computer, openFile Explorer (by pressing theWindows logo key andE on your keyboard), then go to the folder where Steam is installed. (By default, it is_C:Program FilesSteam_ .)
2. Type “steam_api64.dll ” in the search box.
   
3. Copy thesteam_api64.dll file and paste it to a flash drive or an external hard drive.
   You should check the location of the file you choose and make sure it is in the directory of the game. And you should also remember the location, as you’ll need to paste the file to the exact same location on your computer.
   
4. On your computer, go to where your Steam is installed, then paste the file to the same location as where you copied the file on the other computer.

Now launch your game. If this method helps you, you won’t see the steam_api64.dll missing error again.

BONUS TIP: Update your device drivers

If you got this error when playing a game, you should also check that all your device drivers are up to date. This won’t fix the error, but it will help stabilize your system, generally. If you don’t have the time, patience or skills to update your drivers manually, you can do it automatically with Driver Easy .

Driver Easy will automatically recognize your system and find the correct drivers for it. You don’t need to know exactly what system your computer is running, you don’t need to risk downloading and installing the wrong driver, and you don’t need to worry about making a mistake when installing.

You can download and install your drivers by using either Free or Pro version of Driver Easy. But with the Pro version it takes only 2 clicks (and you get full support and a 30-day money back guarantee ):

1. Download and install Driver Easy .
2. Run Driver Easy and click the Scan Now button. Driver Easy will then scan your computer and detect any problem drivers.
   
3. Click the Update button next to_each device_ to download the latest and correct driver for it. You can also click the Update All button at the bottom right to automatically update all outdated or missing drivers on your computer (this requires the Pro version — you will be prompted to upgrade when you click Update All).

4. Restart your computer.

If you have any issue with Driver Easy, please contact Driver Easy’s support team at[email protected] for advice. You should attach the URL of this article so they can help you better.

• Windows

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