Sometimes gamers using Steam encounter an unexpected problem. When opening the store application, they see the message “Steam_api.dll is missing from your computer, try reinstalling the program to solve this problem” (The procedure entry point could not be located in the dynamic link library steam_api.dll).
This problem can also occur outside of Steam – when installing games, both licensed and pirated versions. What is the reason and how to solve the problem? Find out from our material.
Steam_api.dll is one of the most important files in the Steam client. This file is also found in many modern games that are added to the Steam library.
How to fix steam_api.dll problem
Most often, problems with Steam_api.dll arise due to attempts to hack and download free versions of games. Sometimes the antivirus is to blame, and sometimes the viruses themselves. Let’s consider all possible causes and ways to solve them.
Often, problems with Steam are related to the fact that the antivirus installed on the PC has recognized the Steam_api.dll file as malicious and sent it to “quarantine”.
How to solve the problem?
- Add the file to the exceptions in your antivirus;
- After this, there will be no problems with the appearance of Steam_api.dll.
The steam_api.dll file is simply missing
Sometimes the Steam_api.dll error occurs because the user is using a hacked (and poorly hacked) version of the Steam client or has downloaded a non-working version of the game (non-working repack). In it, the Steam_api.dll file is simply missing.
What to do? The options are:
- Install the official Steam/buy a licensed version of the game;
- Download a higher quality hacked version of the game or a stable version of the Steam client;
- Find the file in a third-party source (choose the source carefully, there is a risk of running into a virus);
- Download steam_api.dll for 32-bit or 64-bit OS;
- Then place the file in the game folder.
Problem with Steam client
Sometimes even licensed Steam has problems. In this case, to solve the problem of missing steam_api.dll, you should reinstall the application. But first, delete the old one.
To do this:
- Click “Start”;
- Then “Options”;
- After “Appendix”;
- Next, “Installed applications”;
- In the search bar, type Steam;
- Right-click on the three dots next to the application icon;
- Next, “Delete”.
Now let’s proceed to installing the new version:
- Go to the official Steam page ;
- At the top, click on “Install Steam”.
Wait for the installation, follow the instructions on the screen. The broken file will be automatically replaced with a working one.
If everything works, then the problem is solved. And if not? There is a high probability that the problem is with Windows or a virus. Try scanning your PC completely with an antivirus. If it does not help, reinstall Windows.
Manual replacement of Steam_api.dll
If for some reason you can’t reinstall Steam or download a new version of the game, you can try to transfer and register the file manually.
- To do this in Windows 7, 8, 10 or 11, do the following:
- Move the downloaded steam_api.dll for 32-bit Windows to the folder C:\Windows\system32;
- Move the downloaded steam_api.dll for 64-bit Windows to the C:\Windows\SysWOW64 folder;
- Register the file in the Windows registry by pressing Win+R and then enter the command regsvr steam_api.dll;
- Click OK.