5 Ways to Fix the “Steam Needs to be Online to Update” Error on Windows PCs

Many players have encountered the frustrating “Steam needs to be online to update” error when attempting to update or install games, or even when launching Valve’s gaming client. One user expressed their dismay, stating, “So every time I try to open Steam, it gives me the updating screen, then shortly after, I get an error, ‘Steam – Fatal Error Steam needs to be online to update.‘” Fortunately, there are several methods to resolve this issue on a Windows PC.

<span id="SettheGoogleDNSServer”>Set the Google DNS Server

For some users, switching to a Google DNS server has proven effective in resolving the “Steam needs to be online to update” error. Google’s DNS is often considered a more reliable alternative to the default DNS servers. Here’s how to set it up:

1. Open Run by pressing the Windows logo key + R, type ncpa.cpl, and select OK.
2. Right-click on your PC’s network adapter and choose Properties from the context menu.
3. Double-click on Internet Protocol Version 4 within the Networking tab.
4. Select Use the following DNS server addresses by clicking the corresponding radio button.
5. In the Preferred DNS box, enter 8.8.8.8.
6. In the Alternative DNS box, type 8.8.4.4.
7. Click OK to exit the properties window.

<span id="ResettheWinsock_Catalog”>Reset the Winsock Catalog

Another effective method involves resetting the Winsock catalog, which can help resolve network configuration issues that lead to the “Steam needs to be online to update” error. To reset the Winsock catalog, follow these steps:

1. Open the search bar on your Windows taskbar and type cmd to find Command Prompt.
2. Right-click on it and select Run this program as an administrator to launch it with elevated privileges.
3. Type netsh winsock reset and press Enter.

<span id="SyncWindowsTime”>Sync Windows Time

An incorrectly configured system time can also trigger the “Steam needs to be online to update” error. Users have found that syncing the Windows time can resolve this issue. Here’s how to do it:

1. Open the Windows search tool and enter date & time.
2. Toggle the Set time zone automatically option to on.
3. Click the Sync now button.

Disable Proxy

If a proxy is enabled on your PC, disabling it may help fix the “Steam needs to be online to update” error. Users have reported success by selecting an automatic configuration setting. Here’s how to disable the proxy:

1. Open the Run dialog, type inetcpl.cpl, and click OK.
2. On the Connections tab, click LAN settings.
3. Uncheck the Use a proxy server checkbox if it is selected.
4. Select the Use automatic configuration script option.
5. Click OK to exit the Local Area Network (LAN) Settings window.

<span id="SetSteamtoRunWithAdminRights”>Set Steam to Run With Admin Rights

Another potential solution is to configure Steam to run with elevated privileges. This may grant Steam the necessary permissions to perform updates. To set Steam to run with administrator rights, follow these steps:

1. Right-click the Steam shortcut on your desktop and select Properties, then go to the Compatibility tab.
2. Check the box for Run this program as an administrator.
3. Click Apply to save the settings and OK to exit.

<span id="OtherPossibleWaystoFixtheSteamNeedstobeOnlinetoUpdate_Error”>Other Possible Ways to Fix the “Steam Needs to be Online to Update” Error

Beyond the methods outlined above, there are additional strategies that may help resolve the “Steam needs to be online to update” error:

• Consider setting up and using a VPN on your PC before launching Steam.
• Temporarily disable firewalls to see if that resolves the issue; if it does, add Steam to your firewall’s allowed list.
• Reinstall the Steam software, following the guidelines provided on Valve’s help page.

While these remedies may not guarantee a solution for every user, many players have successfully resolved the error by employing these troubleshooting techniques. For further assistance, users may consider submitting a support ticket to Steam’s help service.