Fix: Steam cannot sync your files error [Resolved]

Steam is a game distribution platform popular with gamers around the world. It contains a large collection of games that Steam players can purchase from the Steam store and play online through the Steam client.

However, like any other application, Steam itself faces some network connectivity issues, making it impossible to sync files through the Steam Cloud. Here, the error being faced by many users while trying to open games via Steam Cloud is being discussed. Users face an error message that reads Steam cannot sync your files for a specific game and the game fails to launch on its own.

Possible causes of this error are as follows.

• The Steam server is down and inaccessible.
• Corrupted game files
• Misconfiguration or corrupted user data files in Steam
• 3rd party applications or firewalls interfering with the connection

Are you a Steam client user who encounters this error when trying to launch the game? Then, continue reading the article below. In this tutorial, we have discussed some troubleshooting methods that can help you resolve this error in Steam.

Before attempting the fixes below, please check Steam Server Status to see if the server is down or under maintenance. If there is a problem with the server, then you need to wait until the problem is resolved from the server side. Otherwise, proceed with the following fixes to resolve the error.

Fix 1 - Remove userdata folder

The Steam installation directory contains a userdata folder that contains an account's unique ID number. All of your account information, including cloud configuration and user sync data, lives in this folder. This folder is most likely corrupted and the Steam client is refusing to sync the files. Many users have successfully cleared this error by deleting or replacing this folder on their PC.

1. Press Ctrl Shift Esc to open the Task Manager.

Make sure to end all Steam-related processes here.

To do this, select the Steam process in the Processes tab and click the End Mission button.

2. Press Windows R to open the Run box.

Here, enter C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam and press Enter. This is the default location of the Steam installation directory.

This will open File Explorer in your Steam directory.

3. In the Steam directory, find a folder named userdata.

Select this folder and click the delete (bin) icon to delete this folder.

Alternatively, you can cut and paste this folder to any other location on your PC (such as desktop, documents, etc.).

4.RestartSteam and check if the game's sync error has been resolved.

Fix 2 – Repair Steam Library Folder

1. Launch your Steam application.

Click the Steam menu and select the Settings option in the submenu that opens.

2. In the Settings window, select the Download tab.

Now, on the right side, click on the Steam Library Folder under Content Library.

#This will open SteamStorage Manager for you.

3. In Storage Manager, click the three-dot menu on the right end, and then select the Repair Folder option.

When UAC prompts for access permissions, click Yes.

#Wait for some time until Steam repairs the library folder.

4.RestartSteam and check if the error is resolved when trying to launch the game that caused this error.

Fix 3 – Verify integrity of game files

Game files in Steam may become corrupted during the download or update process. You can use the Verify Game File Integrity option in Steam to replace any bad game files with new ones and resolve errors.

1. Open Steam on your PC.

Click the Librarytab to go to the Steam Library.

2. In the "Games" tab on the left, right-click the game that caused you the error and select the "Properties" option .

You will see the "Properties" window for that specific game.

3. Select the "Local File" tab in the "Properties" window.

On the right, click the "Verify integrity of game files..." button.

Wait for the verification and verification process to complete.

4.RestartSteam and check if the error has been fixed.

Fix 4 – Delete ClientRegistry.blob

1. Make sure all Steam processes running on your system are closed.

Open Task Manager (Ctrl Shift Esc).

Find the Steam process in the list of running processes. Select the process and click the End Task button.

2. Use the Windows E key combination to open File Explorer.

In the navigation bar, enter the location of the Steam installation directory. By default, the location is C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam.

#3. Now, look for the file named ClientRegistry.blob in the Steam folder.

Select this file and press the Delete key on your keyboard to delete this file.

Alternatively, you can cut and paste this file into another folder on your computer.

4.RestartSteam and check if the error has been resolved.

Note: After deleting this specific file, you will need to log back into your Steam account.

Fix 5 – Disable Firewall and Antivirus

The operation of the Steam process is most likely hindered by the firewall and antivirus software installed on your computer. They may interfere with Steam processes and prevent them from performing sync operations.

1. Use the Windows and R key combination to open the Run box.

Type firewall.cpl and press Enter to open Windows Defender Firewall.

#2. On this page, click the link Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off.

Now, select the Turn off Windows Defender Firewall option for Private and Public network settings .

After closing, click the OK button at the bottom.

# Check if this helps resolve the error for you.

If the issue is resolved, then the firewall may be the reason why Steam is unable to sync files. In this case, permanently disabling the firewall is not an option as this puts your computer at risk. However, you can allow Steam through the firewall by following the steps mentioned below.

1. Press the Windows key and type Windows Firewall in the Windows search box.

In the search results, click Allow application through Windows Defender Firewall.

2. In the Allowed Applications window, click the Change Settings... button to perform all required changes.

3. Scroll through the list of allowed apps and features and find the Steam app.

Once you have found the Steam app, check the boxes in the "Private" and "Public" columns to enable it on public and private networks it.

Then, click OK to save these changes.

#4. If the Steam app is not in the list, then you need to click the Allow other apps... button.

In the Add Application window, click Browse.

Then, find the steam.exe file in the default installation folder (C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam). Click "Open" to add it here.

Finally, click the Add button.

After adding Steam to the list, perform Step 4 to allow it through the firewall.

Relaunch the Steam application on your PC and check if it is able to sync the files without throwing an error.

Similar to a firewall, antivirus software on your system can interfere with some Steam tasks. You can try disabling your antivirus software and see if it helps solve the problem. If you don't want to disable it, try adding Steam to your antivirus software's exceptions list. To add as an exception, you need to find the exception settings specific to the antivirus software installed on your PC.

Fix 6 – Refresh Steam Files

Refreshing Steam Files helps remove all profiles in the Steam client and then force a reinstall of them. Replace any damaged/damaged files during this particular process. This process protects all your downloaded games and user data. But you will need to use your credentials to log into your Steam account after the Steam files are refreshed.

1. Press Windows X and click Task Manager in the pop-up menu.

Right-click the Steam process in the process list and select End mission.

#Make sure there are no Steam processes running on your system.

2. Press Windows E to open File Explorer.

Navigate to the Steam installation directory. This location defaults to C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam.

3. After entering the Steam directory, select all files and folders here, except steam.exe executable file and steamapps folder.

Now, press the Delete key on your keyboard to delete all the selected files and folders (except the above mentioned files and folders).

4.Restart your computer.

Restart the Steam client with administrator rights and it will start refreshing/updating on its own.

After the update is complete, you will not see sync errors.

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