How to Fix Steams Preparing to Start Error in Windows 10

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The Steam game client provides the best gaming platform for Windows 10. However, Steam doesn’t always release games when players expect it. The Preparing to Launch error is one of the most frequent occurrences when games are not running. Steam gets stuck in a Preparing to launch window instead of running the game.

There can be several potential factors behind the Steam Preparing for Launch error . Therefore, there are a variety of possible solutions to the problem. Those Steam users who need to fix a Preparing to Launch bug to play some games can check out these potential resolutions below.

Contents index

  •  What can I do if launch prep is kept open on Steam?
  • Check the game cache
  • Clean Windows 10 boot
  • Update graphics card drivers, DirectX and audio
  • Keep Windows 10 Update
  • Reinstall the Steam client software

What can I do if launch prep is kept open on Steam?

  1. Check the game cache

The Prepare to launch error can be caused by corrupted game caches. Therefore, players should verify the integrity of all caches for games that Steam does not release. Follow the instructions below to check the cache for a Steam game.

  1. Open the Steam window.
  2. Click Library to open the game collection.
  3. Then right-click on a game that is not running and select Properties .
  1. Next, click on the Local Files tab, which includes the Verify integrity of game files option .
  2. Press the Verify integrity of game files button .
  1. Clean Windows 10 boot

Conflicting software can also have an impact on the release of Steam games. Third-party antivirus, VPN, FTP, P2P, and firewall software is the software most likely to conflict with Steam. Therefore, removing conflicting software is another possible solution for the Getting Ready to Launch error .

The best way to do this, without uninstalling the software, is to clean the Windows boot. This will also free up RAM and other system resources for games. Users can clean Windows 10 boot as follows.

  1. Users must first open the System Configuration window by pressing Windows key + R , entering msconfig in Run and clicking the OK button

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  1. Then select the Selective startup option on the General tab.
  2. Clear the Load startup items check box , which removes third-party software from system startup.
  3. Select the Use original boot configuration option .
  4. Also, select the Load system services check box .
  5. Then select the Services tab
  6. Select the Hide all Microsoft services option on the Services tab.
  7. Press the Disable all button to deselect the remaining third-party services.
  8. Select the Apply option .
  9. Then click OK to exit the System Configuration window.
  10. Then select Restart in the dialog window that opens

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  1. Update graphics card drivers, DirectX and audio

Players should ensure that they have the most up-to-date DirectX, audio, and graphics card drivers. Games may not launch if those drivers are out of date, missing, or corrupted in some way.

The fastest way to update system drivers is to add Driver Booster 6 to Windows 10. Click Free Download on DB 6 page to download and install the software. The Driver Booster 6 will then automatically search and list the devices for which a driver update is required when it starts up. Click the Update All button to update the drivers for the listed devices.

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  1. Keep Windows 10 Update

Players should ensure that they are using the latest version of Windows 10 and that it is fully up to date. This will ensure that the platform has the latest Microsoft.NET frameworks that some games need.

The Windows Update Service automatically updates the platform, so players don’t need to do as much unless they have turned off automatic updates. Some players may have also opted to roll back Windows 10 to an earlier version after a build update.

Players can manually check for missing updates by entering updates in Cortana’s search box and clicking Check for updates. Then press the Check for updates button in the window that opens.

Users can also manually install the latest version of Windows 10 with the Media Creation Tool .

 

  1. Reinstall the Steam client software

As a last resort, try reinstalling the Steam client software. Players can then install an updated Steam client. Please note, however, that players will lose game data upon uninstalling Steam unless they move the Steamapps subfolder out of the Steam folder.

Players can move the preserved Steamapps folder to the new Steam directory after reinstalling the software. This is how players can reinstall Steam on Windows 10.

  1. Open the Steam folder in File Explorer.
  2. Select Steamapps and press the Copy To button . Choose a folder to copy Steamapps to
  3. Close the File Explorer window.
  4. Enter appwiz in Run and click the OK button
  5. Select Steam and click Uninstall .
  6. Restart Windows before reinstalling Steam.
  7. Next, click Install Steam on the Steam download page on the Steam download page to reinstall the software.

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by Abdullah Sam
I’m a teacher, researcher and writer. I write about study subjects to improve the learning of college and university students. I write top Quality study notes Mostly, Tech, Games, Education, And Solutions/Tips and Tricks. I am a person who helps students to acquire knowledge, competence or virtue.

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