Steam Error Code e20 is a common login issue faced by many Steam users worldwide. The e20 error prevents users from accessing their Steam account and game library, displaying a message like “Error Code e20: Login Failed”.
This frustrating error is caused by issues like slow internet connectivity, conflicts with antivirus or firewall software, Steam server outages, and a variety of other technical problems. Thankfully, there are many troubleshooting techniques you can use to diagnose what’s causing Steam Error Code e20 on your end and resolve the issue to get back to gaming.
- What causes the e20 error
- Fixing internet connection problems
- Adjusting firewall and antivirus settings
- Clearing Steam browser cache
- Reinstalling or repairing Steam
- Advanced troubleshooting steps
- Preventing future e20 errors
- Contacting Steam Support for assistance
- And much more!
Follow the troubleshooting steps outlined here to get Error Code e20 fixed and seamlessly log back into your Steam account.
What Exactly is Steam Error Code e20?
Before diving into fixing Error Code e20, let’s briefly cover what this error means and why it happens in the first place.
The e20 error is quite simply a Steam login failure – it means your Steam client is unable to connect to Steam servers to authenticate your account credentials and complete the login process.
This connectivity issue prevents you from accessing your Steam library and any games, DLC, or other content associated with your account. The e20 error typically appears right when you launch Steam, forcing you to stare at an error box instead of your game library.
Some common error messages you may see include:
- “Error Code e20: Login Failed”
- “Unable to connect to Steam servers”
- “Could not connect to the Steam network”
The e20 error indicates some form of interrupted connection between your Steam client and Steam’s servers. There are a few core reasons why you might encounter this problem:
- Internet connectivity issues – Problems like slow, unstable, or cutting out internet can prevent Steam from maintaining a consistent connection to Steam servers. This is one of the most common triggers for e20 errors.
- Software conflicts – Overzealous antivirus, Windows Firewall settings, VPN connections and more can sometimes interfere with or block access between the Steam client and servers.
- Steam server outages – Downtime, maintenance or other issues on Steam’s end can also cause e20 errors by preventing user logins.
- Corrupted Steam files – In rare cases, corrupted Steam browser cache or other files can create conflicts resulting in e20 at login.
- Incompatible software – Running outdated graphics drivers, unsupported OS versions and other software can also potentially contribute to e20 errors in some situations.
Understanding what causes Error Code e20 gives you an idea of what needs to be fixed – whether it’s connectivity, software conflicts, Steam server issues or something else entirely.
Now let’s explore the various methods you can use to troubleshoot and resolve this error on your end to restore access to your Steam account.
Fixing Internet Connectivity Issues
One of the most common triggers for Steam Error Code e20 is problems with your local internet connection.
Issues like using a weak WiFi signal, modem/router malfunctions, ISP problems, or using a VPN/proxy can all interrupt the consistent internet connection Steam requires.
Here are some steps to troubleshoot internet connectivity issues that could be causing e20 errors:
Check Your Overall Internet Connection
First, check whether you have a working internet connection in the first place – otherwise Steam won’t be able to connect regardless.
Try loading some non-Steam websites like Google, YouTube, Reddit, etc. If they fail to load, you likely have a broader internet connectivity problem.
Run an internet speed test to check for issues – extremely slow speeds, high latency and frequent disconnections can cause e20 errors. Contact your ISP if you consistently get poor results.
Restart Network Devices
If other sites are loading fine, try restarting your modem, router and other network devices.
Restarting can refresh internet connectivity and potentially resolve temporary network issues blocking Steam.
Update Network Adapter Drivers
Make sure the network adapter drivers on your PC are up-to-date. Outdated drivers can cause stability and connectivity issues.
You can manually download updated drivers from your hardware vendor or use a driver update utility to check for driver updates.
Switch Between Ethernet and WiFi
Test both wired Ethernet and WiFi connections if possible to see if one works better than the other for connecting to Steam.
WiFi issues are common, so switching to a direct Ethernet connection can resolve e20 errors.
Flush DNS
Flushing your DNS cache can reset internet settings that may be interrupting access to Steam servers:
Windows: Type ipconfig /flushdns in Command Prompt
MacOS: Type sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder in Terminal
This can resolve any DNS-related connectivity issues.
Disable VPNs and Proxies
VPNs and proxies often cause connectivity issues that prevent Steam from logging in properly.
Try disabling any active VPN connections and proxy settings to see if this stabilizes your default internet connection.
Check if Steam Servers Are Down
It’s possible the e20 error is arising not from your end – but because the Steam servers themselves are down or undergoing maintenance.
You can check third-party sites like Downdetector and Steam Statatus to see if Steam servers are experiencing confirmed downtime and outages.
If there are no server issues, the problem likely lies on your end. But confirmed downtime would explain the e20 errors.
By methodically troubleshooting your internet connection using these steps, you can isolate whether e20 is arising from internet issues – and resolve them accordingly.
Adjusting Firewall and Antivirus Software
Besides internet connectivity, the next most common source of Steam Error Code e20 is conflicts with security software like antivirus tools and firewalls.
Here are some tips for adjusting these settings to allow Steam access:
Whitelist Steam Files and Connections
Add exceptions to your antivirus and firewall to allow and “whitelist” Steam’s executables, folder locations, and connections:
Windows Defender Firewall:
- Allow app through firewall:
C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\bin\SteamService.exe - Allow connections: Ports 27000 to 27200 TCP/UDP
Popular Antiviruses:
- Whitelist folder:
C:\Program Files\Steam\ - Whitelist executables:
Steam.exeandSteamService.exe
Temporarily Disable Antivirus
Try completely disabling your antivirus for a short test to see if that resolves e20 errors. This verifies if the antivirus is causing conflicts.
Remember to re-enable it after testing!
Uninstall VPN and Proxy Tools
Some VPN services and proxy tools install virtual network adapters that can cause Steam connectivity issues. Uninstalling them may fix e20 errors.
Reinstall Steam
If whitelisting doesn’t work, fully uninstalling and reinstalling Steam can reset any blocked connections.
Save your game files and SteamApps folder, then uninstall Steam. Reinstall a fresh copy and try again.
Adjusting firewalls and antivirus allows Steam the necessary access. If e20 continues, the culprit likely lies elsewhere.
Clearing Cache and Reinstalling Steam
Corrupted Steam browser cache or program files can also sometimes cause Steam Error Code e20 and login failures.
Clearing this cache and reinstalling Steam resets the client and fixes broken files.
Clearing the Steam Browser Cache
Steam uses a built-in browser component for login, downloads and more. Corrupted cache here can cause problems.
To clear the Steam browser cache:
- Exit the Steam client completely.
- Press Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
- Type
C:\Program Files\Steam\bin\SteamService.exe /repairand hit Enter. - Let Steam repair and re-update itself.
This wipes the cache clean, solving many e20 issues and other Steam errors.
Verify Integrity of Game Files
Steam lets you verify installation files for games to check for corruption. Doing this for the Steam client itself can fix broken files causing e20.
Go to your Steam Library > Right click Steam > Properties > Local Files tab > “Verify Integrity of Game Files”.
Let the scan run – this will re-download any missing or corrupted Steam files needed for proper functionality.
Reinstall or Repair Steam
If no fixes work so far, completely reinstalling Steam often resolves stubborn e20 errors by resetting all files and registry entries.
Uninstall Steam first, making sure to backup your SteamApps folder with all game files. Then grab the Steam installer and conduct a fresh install. Run it as Administrator if possible.
Alternatively, run the Steam installer again and choose the “Repair” option when prompted. This achieves similar results by replacing troubled files while preserving your library.
Reinstalling Steam replaces any corrupted files that could be contributing to e20 errors upon login.
Advanced Troubleshooting Steps
If you still face e20 errors after trying the above solutions, a few more advanced troubleshooting steps may fix the problem:
Update Graphics Drivers
Outdated, broken or incompatible graphics drivers can sometimes interfere with Steam operations. Update to the latest graphics drivers from NVIDIA, AMD or Intel.
Use the Device Manager or your hardware vendor’s tool to update drivers. Remember to restart after installing updates.
Change Download Region
Steam lets you download content from data servers in different regions. If one region has connectivity issues, switching can resolve e20.
Head to Steam > Settings > Downloads > Download Region – try changing to a different nearby region and testing.
Launch Steam as Administrator
Try running the Steam client as Administrator by right-clicking the shortcut and selecting “Run as Administrator”. This resolves some file permission issues.
Check System Hosts File
Windows hosts file errors can block Steam – open %systemroot%\System32\Drivers\etc\hosts in Notepad and check for any suspicious entries.
Rebuild Steam Service Registry Entries
You can rebuild Steam registry entries to fix corruption that may be impacting connectivity and causing e20 errors.
Run SteamService.exe /repair again, except this time with the /flushconfig option added:
C:\Program Files\Steam\bin\SteamService.exe /repair /flushconfig
This will fully flush and rebuild critical registry entries related to Steam login and connectivity.
Contact Steam Support
If all else fails, contacting Steam Support directly is the best option. The Steam help team can troubleshoot further and provide specialized support to resolve stubborn e20 errors not fixed by standard methods.
Provide all details to Steam Support agents so they can pinpoint the cause – your system specs, description of the problem, troubleshooting attempts, and any error logs. Dedicated Steam troubleshooters have the best chance of solving Error Code e20 issues.
Preventing Future e20 Errors
Once you finally get e20 resolved and access your Steam account again, it’s important to take preventive measures so the issue doesn’t reoccur frequently:
Keep Software Updated
Make sure your Steam client, games, drivers, Windows, and other system software stay updated. Updates often include bug fixes that patch issues causing e20.
Verify Cache Before Playing
Periodically verify your game cache before launching titles to fix potential file corruption proactively.
Go to Steam > Library > Right Click Game > Properties > Local Files tab > Verify.
Maintain Stable Internet Connection
Use wired Ethernet instead of WiFi when possible for stable connectivity. Contact your ISP if issues persist.
Check System Requirements
Make sure your PC’s hardware meets the minimum system requirements for games you play. Upgrading to the recommended requirements is even better.
Add Exceptions to Security Software
Pre-emptively adding Steam to firewall and antivirus whitelists prevents future conflicts, as covered earlier.
Use Steam File Checker
Use Steam’s file checker regularly to scan for and replace corrupted files before they can interfere with connectivity. Here’s how:
- Close Steam fully and navigate to your Steam install folder, usually
C:\Program Files\Steam\ - Delete the
appcache,config,logs,drivers, andshadercachefolders - Restart Steam – this triggers Steam’s internal file checker to automatically re-download stable versions of those deleted folders.
This proactively fixes broken files and prevents future e20 occurrences.
When to Contact Steam Support
Contacting Steam Support is always an option if you continue struggling with persistent e20 errors that prevent you from accessing your Steam account.
Some good times to reach out to their help include:
- You have tried all standard troubleshooting steps with no resolution.
- Advanced troubleshooting has not fixed the issue.
- Error Code e20 continues to appear randomly and frequently.
- You get additional error messages beyond just e20.
- You notice other unusual Steam client behavior alongside e20.
Steam Support has extra tools and resources beyond what typical users can access. This includes checking server logs, extensive diagnostics, file repairs, account tweaks and rollbacks, and other means of troubleshooting e20 problems.
They may be able to resolve stubborn or complex versions of Error Code e20 that standard fixes cannot. So use Steam Support as a backup option if you continue facing problems.
Conclusion
Error Code e20 can certainly be annoying by locking you out of Steam and your games library unexpectedly.
But as you’ve seen, there are many different troubleshooting steps you can take to diagnose and resolve this Steam login failure on your end:
- Check your internet connectivity and Steam server status
- Adjust firewalls and antivirus settings
- Clear Steam browser cache and reinstall
- Update graphics drivers
- Launch Steam as Admin
- Contact Steam Support if issues continue
Methodically trying each solution should pinpoint what is causing your e20 issues and get it resolved so you can access Steam again.
Implement preventive measures like updating software, verifying files, and maintaining internet stability to avoid future e20 occurrences going forward.
With the comprehensive troubleshooting guide above, you should now have all the tools needed to swiftly fix Steam Error Code e20 when it pops up and have your library accessible again. So you can get back to enjoying your favorite games on Steam!