6 Effective Ways to Fix Steam Error Code 53

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What is the Steam Error Code 53?

Steam error code 53 occurs when launching games. It can be caused by misconfigured network settings, server outages, server overload, and third-party firewall and virus protection apps.

These are the main causes for other errors like Steam error E87, error 102 or even frozen Steam client.

But don’t worry! We have got you covered. Our easy troubleshooting steps will help you resolve Steam error code 53.

How to Fix Steam Error Code 53? [4 Beginner-Friendly Ways]

Sometimes, the firewall and virus protection programs on your PC can prevent Steam games from launching properly. This can trigger error code 53. Annoying, I know. 

Try applying the following fixes to resolve it.

Method 1: Disable Windows Firewall for the Games

Steam error code 53 can occur due to Windows Firewall preventing Steam games from launching. You can fix that by disabling Windows Firewall to allow the executable files to run:

• Launch “Start” and type “Control Panel”. Press ‘Enter’ to open the “Control Panel”.

• Click on the “View by” dropdown menu and select “Category”.

• Now click on “System and Security” > “Windows Defender Firewall”.

• Next, click on the “Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall” option.
• Now hit the Change settings button and scroll down in the list to find the game EXE file. 

• If you can’t find the EXE file, hit the “Allow another app” button.
• Now go to the location of its installation folder, select the EXE file, and click on “Add”.
• Finally, check all the boxes under “Private” and “Public” options and click on “OK”. 

• If you have any other firewall software installed, go to its settings and include the game’s EXE file as an exception.

Method 2: Temporarily Disable Real-Time Protection

When launching Steam games, Windows Defender may often block game executable files after mistaking them to be malicious. You can check if this is the issue by temporarily disabling Real-Time Protection settings.

Here’s how:

• On your keyboard, press ‘Win + I’ to open “Settings”.
• Now go to “Privacy & Security” settings from the left pane and click on “Windows Security”.

• Next, click on “Virus and Threat Protection”.
• Now click on “Manage settings” from under “Virus and Threat Protection”.
• Disable the “Real-Time Protection” option.

• If you have any other antivirus software installed, disable it while you have any game open to see if it’s triggering error 53.

Method 3: Check Steam Status

Sometimes, Steam’s server can cause problems like error 53 due to server overload. This happens when the platform gets too much traffic. If this is the case, you won’t be able to connect to the server.

• Check if “Steam” is working fine by checking its status here.

Method 4: Check Your Network Status

Steam error code 53 can also occur due to poor internet connection. Make sure your internet is working fine by connecting your device to an Ethernet cable for improved connection.

How Do I Fix Steam Error Code 53? [2 Advanced Ways]

If you are unable to fix Steam error 53 even after disabling Firewall and Real-Time Protection, you can try these advanced methods:

Method 5: Switch the Download Region

If you are still running into Steam Error 53, you can try switching the download region. Sometimes, the issue can be due to server issues in your Steam region. Switching to a different region can get rid of latency and improve download speed.

• Launch “Steam” on your PC and click on the “Steam” option from the top menu bar.
• Now click on “Settings”.

• Click on the “Download” option from the left pane.
• Now expand the “Download Region” option and select any other region.

• Save the changes and then restart “Steam”.

Method 6: Reset Network Settings

Sometimes, error 53 can be triggered due to misconfigured networking settings interfering with the games. By resetting your network settings, you can prevent Steam error 53.

Here’s how:

• On your keyboard, press ‘Win + I‘ to open “Settings”.
• Now select the “Network & Internet” option from the left pane and click on “Advanced Network Settings”.
• Scroll down to “More Settings” and select the “Network Reset” option.
• Now hit “Reset Now”.

So that’s all, folks! We hope this guide helps you regain access to your favorite Steam games. Good luck!

Sidenote: learn how to reduce your Steam RAM usage in order to boost your PC performance.