7 Ways to Resolve the “Missing File Privileges” Error on Steam

A quick and easy guide to fix the Steam missing file privileges error

Co-authored by Darlene Antonelli, MA Reviewed by Stan Kats

Last Updated: August 21, 2024 Fact Checked

Are you getting a "Missing File Privileges" error on Steam? This error appears to be Windows-specific, so follow this list of troubleshooting steps to fix the "Missing File Privileges" error on your PC.

Easy Ways to Fix "Missing File Privileges" Error on Steam

Reopen Steam as an administrator so it can access the Steamapps folder.
If your PC has an Intel-based graphics card, stop the igfxEM Module in Task Manager.
Clear Steam's download cache, check the integrity of your Steam files, repair the library folder, or uninstall and reinstall the game.

1

Restart your computer.

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Go to the Start menu, select the Power icon, and click Restart. Once your PC boots up again, open Steam to see if the issue is resolved.

2

Run Steam as an administrator.

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Running Steam as an administrator restores missing file privileges. If the account your using doesn't have permission to write to certain folders, you'll see a "Missing File Privileges" error. To do this, close Steam completely, then right-click the Steam icon and select Run as administrator.
- If this fixes the error, you can make Steam open as an administrator every time by right-clicking the Steam icon, selecting Properties, and clicking Run this program as an administrator in the Compatibility tab.
- You also should ensure administrators have permissions for the Steamapps folder. Right-click the Steamapps folder in the Steam directory, go to Properties > Security > Advanced, and ensure administrators have full control.

3

Close the igfxEM Module in Task Manager (Intel Graphics).

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If you have an Intel GPU, restarting this module can resolve errors. You will only see this process in Task Manager if you're using an Intel graphics card.
- First, open Task Manager by pressing Ctrl + Shift Esc on your keyboard.
- Right-click "igfxEM Module" and select End Task.

4

Delete Steam's download cache.

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Once you clear the download cache in Steam, the "Missing File Privileges" error will often go away. In Steam, go to Settings > Downloads > Clear cache.^{[1]
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5

Check the integrity of your Steam files.

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Go to your Steam library, right-click the game you're getting the error in, and select Properties. Go to Installed Files > Verify integrity of game files and allow the file checker to find and repair corrupt or missing files. This process will take a few minutes.^{[2]
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6

Repair the Steam library folder.

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If other solutions haven't fixed the error, this step often will. In Steam, go to Settings > Storage, click the three-dot menu next to your current storage location, and select Repair library.

7

Reinstall the game in Steam.

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A fresh install will make the error go away. In Steam, you can right-click a game to uninstall it, then you can reinstall it from the library.
- If you're using Steam VR, this is the only solution available.

Community Q&A

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Question

What if this happens when you are downloading the game? It popped up when it was almost finished and now won't download even from fresh reinstall, just starts then downloads 2kb and file privileges.

Sakshi Sharma

Community Answer

1) There is something wrong with your local network, and antivirus software is preventing the game from being downloaded to your PC. 2) Your computer doesn't have enough space to download, install, or update the game.

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