Steam Content Still Encrypted [FIXED]

Steam is one of the most popular game launchers among gamers, and it’s quite common for massive companies like it to run into issues sometime. So, it’s no surprise that you, like other Steam users, ran into Steam’s content still encrypted error. But do not worry, as we will guide you through the steps to troubleshoot this issue so you can get back to playing your favorite games.

Steam Content Still Encrypted error states that “An error occurred while updating GAME NAME (content still encrypted).”

What Is The Steam Content Still Encrypted Error

Steam content still encrypted is a sort of error many Steam users have reported. This error creeps up when users try to launch any game, preventing them from playing it. Multiple reasons, including corrupted game files and problems with the Appmanifest folder, among others, can cause it.

How To Fix Steam Content Still Encrypted

There are multiple effective solutions to the Steam content still encrypted error, and we have compiled all of these in our guide. So make sure to follow each and every one of them until you solve your problem.

Delete The Appmanifest Files

This is one of the most effective methods to solve your problems and has been proven to work by multiple users who ran into the Steam content still encrypted error. It is advised to be careful when handling the Appmanifest files as they hold crucial information about your games.

1. Navigate to your Steam folder. In most cases, it is usually located in the Program Files of the C drive. Then go to Steam Library>Steam Apps.
2. In the Steam Apps folder, select and right-click on all the Appmanifest files to cut them.

   

3. Then, paste these files into some other folder or onto your Desktop to keep them safe. Do not delete these files. 
4. Next, run Steam as administrator. To do this, right-click on the steam icon and select the Properties option.
5. Then go to the Compatibility tab on the top left of the Steam Properties window.

   

6. Then, in the Compatibility tab, check the Run as administrator option and click Apply to save these changes.

   

7. Finally, launch Steam. It will recognize the Appmanifest files as missing and create new ones. After it’s completed creating new files try and play your game to see if the issue has been resolved.

Verify Game Files

Verifying your game files can be extremely helpful because bugs or missing or corrupted data can sometimes cause errors. So, it is advised that you validate your game files. Doing this will recover and refresh your files and hopefully solve your problem as well. 

Opt-Out Of All Beta Programs

Gamers can download beta versions of games to experience new updates before they are out officially. The only problem with this is that beta programs can come with many bugs and glitches, which may lead to the Steam content still encrypted error. So, it is wise to opt out of all beta programs.

1. Launch your Steam client, and from the top-left select Steam and then go to Settings. 
2. In this window, you will be shown the Account settings. Find the Change button and click it.

   

3. Then, under Beta Participation, select the drop-down menu. Next, click on the “NONE – Opt out of beta programs” option and then press OK.

   

Change Your PC’s Date And Time

Sometimes, your game’s release counter isn’t configured properly, which can cause the Steam content still encrypted error. You can easily solve this by changing your PC’s date and time. Follow the steps below to change your date and time.

1. Press the Windows+I keys to open your Settings.
2. Then click on the Time & Language option.
3. Next, turn off the automatic time and time zone options.

   

4. Then select the Change option to set the time and date manually. Set your time and date to a year or two before the game was launched so the game can configure its release counter.

Clear Steam’s Download Cache

Clearing the Steam download cache has worked for some users when dealing with the content still encrypted error. It is also beneficial to do this in general as it can refresh and update old or corrupted files and resolve download and update issues which can lead to Steam’s content still encrypted error. Follow these steps to clear your download cache:

1. Launch the Steam client on your PC.
2. Then click on the Steam option in the top-left corner of your window. After that, select Settings from the drop-down menu.
3. Then from the left side of your window, select Download settings.

   

4. Finally, click the “CLEAR DOWNLOAD CACHE” button and press OK to confirm.

Disable Windows Defender Firewall

In many cases, Windows Defender can interfere with the Steam client. This may result in Steam content still encrypted error as firewalls have the ability to block Steam from making updates in the background. To resolve this issue we will simply disable the firewalls. Follow the steps below for this solution.

1. Press the Windows key and search for Control Panel.
2. Then, go to Systems and Security and click the Windows Defender Firewall option.
3. After that, from the left side of your screen, select the Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off option.
4. Finally, press the Turn off Windows Defender Firewall option for Public and Private networks. Then, click OK to save these changes.

   

Scan Hard Drive Errors

Errors in your hard drive can also cause this annoying problem. So, we shall simply scan and troubleshoot your hard drives for errors and resolve them. There are three main ways you can do this: through third-party software, through Windows CMD, or file explorer. We will go over the last two in this guide. 

CMD Method

1. Press the Windows+R keys to open the run box and type CMD in the text box. Then hit enter.
2. In the CMD window, type the command “CHKDSK C: /f” or replace C with D if you want to scan the D drive. 
3. After this, simply wait for CMD to provide its results and then you can identify and repair your drive.

File Explorer Method

1. Open your file explorer and navigate to This PC option on the left side of your screen.
2. Then, right-click on the drive you want to scan and select Properties.

   

3. Then, navigate to the Tools tab from the top of your window.
4. Finally, press Scan Drive under Error checking. This will scan your drive for errors and then identify and troubleshoot them as well.

Reinstall Steam

If none of these solutions seem to work for you then you must reinstall your Steam client. This is to be used as a last option, and if even this does not work for you, then contact Steam support and report your issue to them. Hopefully, they will resolve your problem and guide you. 

Did We Help You Solve Steam Content Still Encrypted?

And that’s all, folks. We have compiled all the solutions to fix the Steam content still encrypted error in our detailed guide. Being such a massive gaming client comes with many issues, so please be patient and troubleshoot away. We hope our fixes helped you resolve this issue with ease so you can get back to gaming.

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