Have you been facing error code: 118 “Unable to connect to the server” when you try to open the Seam store or the library in Steam? And want to know how to fix it, then you have come to the right place. The features that Steam provides include server hosting, video streaming, social networking, digital rights management(DRM), etc. It is available in 28 different languages and is compatible with Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, etc. operating systems. It was first launched as software to provide automatic updates to its games but later it started to include games from third-party publishers. Guide for How to fix Steam error code 118 with Fix How to fix the Runtime Error 118

What causes the Steam Error Code 118

• Your firewall might be blocking steam, and you are getting the 118 error code.
• Any third-party app might be interfering with steam, thus causing the 188 error.
• Your Internet connection might be slow or unstable, or your router might have an intent issue, or you have reached your data limit.
• Your Computer might be infected with Viruses or malware; due to Steam security measures it launches the 118 error to prevent you from accessing Steam any further.

How to Fix Steam Error Code 118

• Check Internet Connection.

• Check if the Steam server is down.

• Scan for bugs in your PC and Fix them.

• Enable steam from firewall settings.

• Close all third-party background programs.

Allow Steam through the firewall

It is possible that your PC Windows firewall is blocking Steam. Therefore, to allow Steam through the firewall:

• First, go to the Control Panel and open the Windows Defender Firewall under the System and Security option
• Go to the Windows Firewall option and then click on Allow a program or feature
• Next, click on Change Settings and then locate the Steam application
• Tick the private and public checkboxes for the Steam client and click OK to apply the new changes
• Launch Steam on your PC and verify if this method fixes the error

Check if Windows Firewall is Blocking Steam

The first possible reason for Steam error code is that Steam is backed by firewall. If this is in the case, you need to allow Steam to through your Windows firewall.

• The Windows Defender Firewall might be blocking Steam.
• To check, press the Windows key + S hotkey to open the search utility.
• Type firewall in the search box that opens.
• Click Windows Defender Firewall to open the Control Panel applet for it.
• Click Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall on the left of the firewall’s applet.
• Click the OK button to exit the window.

Let Steam Pass Through The Firewall:

• Press the Keys “Windows + S” simultaneously or simply go to the search bar on your computer taskbar and click to get the cursor.

• Type in “Firewall” in the search bar.

• From the pop-up menu, click on “Open” The Firewall page opens here.

• Go to the “Allow an app through Firewall” link and click on it.
• • Scroll down the app list and locate “Steam Client”.
  • Check both “Private” and “Public” against Steam Client and press “Apply”.

Run an antivirus scan

1. A virus might also be responsible for Steam Error Code 118.
2. To scan with Windows 10’s default antivirus utility, press the Windows key + S hotkey.
3. Input the keyword Windows Security, and then click that app to open it.
4. Click Scan options on the Virus & threat protection tab shown directly below.
5. Select the Full scan option.
6. Press the Scan now button.

Disable Third-party Applications

• Go to the search box and type “System Configuration”
• Open the setup for the device and turn to the service tab.
• Now, uncheck the Hide All Microsoft Services option and press the bottom-right corner of the Disable All button.
• Switch to the Task Manager and open the Start-up tab.
• Disable all apps by opening one app after choosing a single app by clicking Disable.
• Restart your system and continue to run Steam Client.
• Now, trigger the apps one by one until the Steam error code 118 is not seen.

Close any applications running in the background

It may happen that too many applications are causing an overload which is why this Steam Error Code 118 is cropping up. Once you have closed all the applications and restarted your PC, start Steam again. If things worked out, the issue shouldn’t come this time.

Hopefully, any of these steps properly assist Steam users in preventing this code from popping on their application or their browser. When contacting Steam’s support, make sure to detail all attempted steps and any updates you may have. They’re likely going to need all the information they can use to assist you.