How to Fix “Steam Client Bootstrapper has stopped working”

If you're encountering the frustrating issue of the Steam client bootstrapper not working, don't worry! This guide will walk you through several steps to help resolve this problem. By following these instructions, you'll be back to gaming in no time.

Restart your computer and run the Steam app.

Sometimes, a simple restart can fix software glitches. Begin by closing the Steam application and any other related processes. Then, restart your computer and open Steam again. This can often resolve minor issues that may be causing the bootstrapper problem.

Disconnect from the internet temporarily.

Sometimes, network interference can disrupt the launch of the Steam client. To eliminate this possibility, temporarily disconnect from the internet by disabling Wi-Fi or unplugging the Ethernet cable. Once disconnected, try launching Steam again. If the client starts properly, then the issue may be related to your network connection.

Disable antivirus programs temporarily.

While antivirus software is meant to protect your computer, it can sometimes interfere with the operations of certain applications, including Steam. Disable your antivirus program temporarily and try launching the Steam client again. If it works, you may need to add an exception for Steam in your antivirus settings or consider using a different antivirus program.

Update device graphics drivers in Device Manager and restart your computer.

Outdated graphics drivers can cause compatibility issues with Steam. To update your graphics drivers, open the Device Manager by right-clicking on the Start button and selecting Device Manager. Expand the Display adapters section, right-click on your graphics card, and select Update driver. Follow the prompts to update the driver, and then restart your computer. Launch Steam again to see if the bootstrapper issue is resolved.

Clear download cache to remove update files and download data.

Over time, the download cache in Steam can become cluttered with corrupted or conflicting files, causing the bootstrapper issue. To clear the download cache, open Steam and go to Settings. In the Downloads tab, click on the Clear Download Cache button. This will remove all downloaded update files and download data. Restart Steam and check if the bootstrapper problem persists.

Change compatibility mode for Steam.

If the above steps didn't solve the issue, you can try changing the compatibility mode for Steam. Right-click on the Steam shortcut or steam.exe file and select Properties. In the Compatibility tab, uncheck the box that says "Run this program in compatibility mode." Click Apply and then OK to save the changes. Launch Steam again to see if the bootstrapper problem is resolved.

Run Steam as administrator to ensure all required permissions are granted.

Running Steam as administrator can help ensure that it has all the necessary permissions to function properly. Right-click on the Steam shortcut or steam.exe file and select Run as administrator. If prompted, click Yes to allow the program to make changes to your computer. Launch Steam and see if the bootstrapper issue is resolved.

Disable VPN programs using CMD (Command Prompt).

If you have VPN (Virtual Private Network) software installed on your computer, it can sometimes interfere with Steam's operations. To disable VPN programs using CMD, press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box. Type "cmd" and press Enter to open the Command Prompt. In the Command Prompt window, type "netsh interface show interface" and press Enter. Look for any VPN interface names and note them down. Then, type "netsh interface set interface [VPN interface name] admin=disable" and press Enter, replacing [VPN interface name] with the name of the VPN interface you want to disable. Restart your computer for the changes to take effect and try launching Steam again.

Launch Steam by choosing to run as administrator and right-clicking on the search result.

If none of the previous solutions work, try launching Steam as administrator once again. Search for Steam in the Start menu, right-click on the search result, and select Run as administrator. This ensures that all necessary permissions are granted to Steam. Check if the bootstrapper problem is resolved.

By following these friendly step-by-step guidelines, you should be able to fix the "Steam Client Bootstrapper has stopped working" issue effectively. Remember, if one solution doesn't work, try proceeding to the next until you find the one that resolves the problem. Happy gaming!