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Steam error on Windows 10/11: Preparing to launch [Fix]
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Updated onOctober 4, 2023
updated onOctober 4, 2023
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Steam is arguably the best gaming client for Windows PC, but it occasionally throws errors that prevent you from playing your favorite games. For instance, when you’re trying to open a game, Steam might display thePreparing to launchmessage.
Normally, it doesn’t take long before it disappears and your game is fired up (unless you’re waiting for an update).
However, some users report that the issue sequence takes forever, even after running all the required game updates, so it basically turns into an error message.
You’ve probably already tried all sorts of hacks to fix this problem, without any luck, but don’t worry! We’re here to help you with some of the most efficient options you can find.
How do I launch a Steam game without launching it?
Many users are wondering how they can launch a Steam game without launching it. Well, if you’re in the same boat, keep in mind that you can’t launch a Steam game without Steam running.
However, you don’t need Steam to be open in the foreground, if you simply launch the .exe (or use a shortcut on your desktop) Steam will not launch its window, but will instead run in the background.
What can I do if I get the Steam error: Preparing to launch?
1. Update graphics card, DirectX, and audio drivers
Get started by updating your graphics card drivers, audio drivers, and DirectX to the latest version.
Your Steam games might not work if those drivers are outdated, missing, or corrupted in some way, resulting in thePreparing to launchloop.
As you can see, you can manually update drivers in just a few simple steps.
A quicker way is to use a reliable driver updating tool such asOutbyte Driver Updater. It’s lightweight and has an intuitive interface. Outbyte Driver Updater performs a full system scan automatically on startup, finding any outdated, damaged, or missing drivers.
All you have to do is select the drivers you’re interested in updating and let Outbyte Driver Updater take care of the rest.
Reboot your PC afterward to finalize driver modifications. Then, try to launch your Steam games again.
⇒Get Outbyte Driver Updater
2. Verify the integrity of game files
If thePreparing to launcherror is caused by a corrupt game cache, follow the steps above to fix this in just a few clicks.
3. Update Steam and your OS
Make sure you’re running the latest updates for Steam and Windows 10, in order to take advantage of the newest features, improvements, and bug fixes.
If your Steam games depend on .NET Framework, we suggest downloading Microsoft.NET Framework Repair Tooland using it to fix it.
4. Reinstall Steam
This should solve any problems with the Steam package if it’s at fault. You can quicklydownload Steamfrom our website.
5. Change your DNS servers
Certain ISPs block Steam traffic and even poison your DNS servers to prevent you from playing on Steam.
Some popular examples include Dutch Telecom, Bluewin, and Micronet Broadband.
But you can modify your DNS servers as a workaround. You will be able to play Steam games even if you get thePreparing to launcherror but nothing happens.
In the instructions above, we used the free, public, and secure DNS servers provided by Google Public DNS. You can also try Cloudflare or OpenDNS.
6. Disable your free VPN service
Steam has trouble working properly with some VPN tools. It usually happens with free VPNs, because they use public IP addresses.
So, if you are currently connected to a secure tunnel created by a VPN, make sure to turn it off.
It could be the reason why Steam prepares to launch your game but never does.
7. Use a premium VPN service
Using a VPN has tons of benefits, as long as the service is of exceptional quality. We previously established that a free VPN can hamper your Steam gaming experience, but a premium VPN is different.
In this matter, we can’t think of a more trustworthy VPN solution thanPrivate Internet Access.
You can use it to secure your network connection while playing on Steam and bypass throttling if your ISP blocks Steam traffic.
Moreover, this VPN supportssplit tunneling. If you’re having any sort of network issues on Steam due to VPN, you can set up split tunneling mode to reroute all network traffic through VPN, except for Steam.
As a result, you will be able to navigate the web and download torrents securely, access more content, and unblock Netflix US anywhere else in the world, while playing games on Steam outside of the VPN tunnel.
What other Steam launch errors can I encounter?
Of course, the Steam error: Preparing to launch is not the only one you can face on your Windows OS. Because it is always important to be aware of potential troubles, we’ve prepared a list of the most common Steam launch errors:
To summarize, you can fix the SteamPreparing to launchloop on Windows 10 by updating your graphics card, audio drivers, DirectX, Steam, and operating system.
If that doesn’t work, make sure to verify the integrity of the game files, reinstall Steam, change your DNS servers, disable your free VPN, and use a premium VPN solution that won’t sabotage you.
Elena Constantinescu
Windows Software Expert
Elena started writing professionally in 2010 and hasn’t stopped exploring the tech world since. With a firm grasp of software reviewing and content editing, she is always trying new things to improve her skill set.
Once in a blue moon, she steps aside from the desk to play with her bunny and to water her probably dead plants.
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Elena Constantinescu
Windows Software Expert
Elena started writing professionally in 2010 and hasn’t stopped exploring the tech world since. She’s a software reviewer and content editor.
