While Steam is without any issues for many, some users face the “Steam library folder not writable” error when they try to install a game using the Steam client. The error also appears while installing an update for the app.
If you face the same predicament, don’t fret. Let’s explore multiple methods to resolve this annoying error code and help you successfully install your games on Steam again.
1. Change the Steam Folder Attributes
Steam needs to have both read and write permissions to make changes to any sub-folder inside the Steam folder. If the steamapps folder is set to “read-only,” the error can pop up and prevent you from installing the game. Repeat the following steps to change the Steam folder attributes:
2. Run the Steam App With Administrator Privileges
Missing privileges can cause issues with some features in Steam. So, you must close and restart the Steam app with admin rights. Here’s how:
3. Grant Full Ownership of the Steam Folder
If you don’t have complete ownership of the Steam folder, you can face problems while installing a game or making changes to any file or folder. Repeat the following steps to gain complete ownership of the Steam folder:
4. Repair the Steam Library Folder
Steam offers the option to repair the Steam library folders to fix issues with it. Here’s how to repair the folder using the Steam app:
5. Re-Add the Steam Library Folder
If you still face the “Steam library folder not writable” error, you must remove and re-add the Steam library folder using the Storage settings. Repeat the following steps:
An outdated or corrupt download cache can cause interference while installing games or updating the Steam client. So, you must empty the Steam download cache using the settings. Repeat the following steps to do so:
7. Run a Check Disk Scan
Hard Disk errors can be a reason due to which Steam is unable to add or modify files. You canuse the Check Disk utility in Windowsto check your hard disk for errors and fix them. The Check Disk utility will scan the hard disk for errors and repair them, if possible.
8. Reinstall the Game on Another Drive
If you are unable to install the game on the C drive, you must add another drive in the Steam Storage settings. Then, attempt the game installation in the newly added drive. Here’s how to do it:
9. Format the Disk and Try Again
Many users want to install games on a newly added disk drive but face the “Steam library folder not writable” error in the process. It is mainly because the newly added disk drive bears the same letter as the old drive with a Steam Library folder.
As such, you must assign a new driver letter and reformat the disk. Here’s how to do it:
Make Your Steam Library Folder Writable Again on Windows
These were the methods to fix the “Steam library folder not writable” error. Start by changing the file attributes and relaunching the Steam app with administrator rights. After that, repair the Steam library folder, flush the download cache, and run a check disk scan to fix disk errors.
