Steam: An error occurred while updating (disk write error)
Most likely cause: not enough free space on the drive where Steam games are stored
Try first: Check free space
Likely causes
- not enough free space on the drive where Steam games are storedmost likely
- Steam does not have permission to write to the game folderpossible
- temporary file lock by antivirus or another programpossible
- problems with the drive itself such as bad sectorsless likely
How to fix it
Check free spaceSafe
Open Steam > Settings > Storage and check that the drive holding the game has more free space than the update needs (Steam shows the size in the Downloads page). Free up space or move the game if needed.
Verify game filesSafe
In Steam, right-click the game > Properties > Installed Files > Verify integrity of game files. This lets Steam check and repair files without deleting your saves.
Restart Steam and PCSafe
Fully close Steam from the system tray, restart your computer, then try the update again. This clears temporary locks on files.
Clear the Steam download cacheSafe
Go to Steam > Settings > Downloads and click Clear Download Cache, then log back in and retry the update.
Repair the Steam library folderChanges settings
In Steam > Settings > Storage, select the drive, open the ... menu and choose Repair Folder.
Run Steam as administratorChanges settings
Right-click the Steam shortcut and choose Run as administrator, then attempt the update. This gives Steam extra permission to write files.
If that didn't fix it
Open File Explorer, right-click the Steam library drive, choose Properties > Tools > Check for errors and let Windows scan the drive.
When to see a technician
If the drive check reports errors or the problem continues on multiple games, have a technician test your storage drive for hardware failure.
Quick answers
- What does Steam: An error occurred while updating (disk write error) mean?
- Steam cannot finish downloading or installing a game update because it hit a problem writing files to your hard drive or SSD. This is a common issue when updating games and usually does not mean your PC is broken.
- What causes Steam: An error occurred while updating (disk write error)?
- not enough free space on the drive where Steam games are stored. (most likely) Steam does not have permission to write to the game folder. (possible) temporary file lock by antivirus or another program. (possible) problems with the drive itself such as bad sectors. (less likely)
- How do I fix Steam: An error occurred while updating (disk write error)?
- Try these in order, safest first: 1. Check free space. 2. Verify game files. 3. Restart Steam and PC. 4. Clear the Steam download cache. 5. Repair the Steam library folder. 6. Run Steam as administrator.
- What if that didn't fix it?
- Open File Explorer, right-click the Steam library drive, choose Properties > Tools > Check for errors and let Windows scan the drive.
- When should I see a technician?
- If the drive check reports errors or the problem continues on multiple games, have a technician test your storage drive for hardware failure.