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10 Ways to Fix Steam Overlay not Working in Windows 10/11
Start by running the app with admin privileges
10 min. read
Updated onFebruary 28, 2024
updated onFebruary 28, 2024
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Is your Steam Overlay not working on Windows 10? Do not worry! Because it comes with several solutions for this problem, today’s guide is perfect for you.
For many reasons, Steam is the most prominent digital platform and much more than a simple game digital distribution service. It offers a bag of valuable features and makes the gaming experience so much more enjoyable.
One of those features isSteam Overlaywhich works in the background and allows players to communicate with their fellow gamers, coordinate, and share the mutual enjoyment of theplaytime.
However, this feature isn’t as steady as one would assume. Many users reported that Steam Overlay is not working on Windows 10.
For that reason, we enlisted a hefty list of solutions. Remember that some of these apply to other Windows iterations, but our goal was to focus on Windows 10.
So if you’re stuck with Steam Overlay not working, check the solutions and workarounds below.
Why isn’t my Steam Overlay working?
Steam Overlay is a piece of the Steam user interface that can be activated over the top of almost any game launched through Steam. In addition, it lets you access the friend list, web browser, chat, and in-game DLC purchasing.
Because it is essential to be aware of the most important causes that can get your Steam Overlay unable to work, we’ve compiled a list you should verify:
Although there are a few causes you should consider if Steam Overlay is not working, you’ll discover solutions for each of the above issues.
While playing games, players can access various Steam Community features through the community overlay, an in-game interface. Any game that supports and has the overlay enabled will open it whenShift+Tabis used as the default hotkey.
Many games use the overlay in the background to enable in-game elements that need Steam, in addition to granting access to Steam community services. You might not even know that a game utilizes the overlay in certain situations.
Games will utilize the Steam overlay differently depending on whatever features they support and how the developer integrated it because it is a customizable Steamworks feature. In-depth details can be discovered in the Steam community or by getting in touch with particular game developers.
How can I fix Steam Overlay if it’s not working on Windows 10?
1. Run the Steam client as an administrator
This is a frequent suggestion on various forums, and we advise you to follow it through if Steam Overlay is not working on Windows 10.
Even though most users who run the Steam client on Windows 10 do so with an administrative account, it’s still worth a try.
Also, we advise running the game through the Steam client instead of doing it directly from its shortcut.
2. Make sure you’re running the latest version
Issues with Steam Overlay have been present for over a few years, especially on theolder Windows iterations.
Although the client updates on its own once you start it, you can always check for updates manually, just in case something goes wrong with the automatic updates.
3. Update Windows 10
Another reason for Steam Overlay issues might lie in Windows 10, so ensuring you have the latest update is of utmost importance.
And, of course, we suggest avoiding the insider versions of Windows 10 and Steam. Beta programs are not stable and thus might result in stability and performance issues.
In addition, you can even roll back Windows 10 if the problem started after a major Windows Update.
4. Disable and re-enable the Steam Overlay for individual games
4. Kill thegameoverlayui.exe process
5. Add an exception to the antivirus firewall
Once installed, the Steam client should be able to communicate through your antivirus firewall freely. However, that doesn’t need to be the case at all times.
In addition, a third-party firewall might block Steam from network access, which also can be a problem starter. Now, you can either disable all firewalls while playing or create an exception in both the native andthird-partyfirewalls.
However, completely disabling the firewall can expose your system to online threats. Instead, we suggest you use a more robust antivirus solution with a reliable firewall.
To do so, it’s advised to choose anefficient antivirus with robust securityand without blocking Steam services.
6. Disable other third-party applications while gaming
As you can imagine, the Steam app is an exception, as it needs to run in the background for the Overlay to work in the first place.
But many users discovered that specific third-party applications that work in the background could block the Steam Overlay.
Also, some of them might be triggered by theShift+Tabshortcut, which is the default for Steam’s feature.
However, if Steam Overlay is still not working on your Windows 10 PC, make sure you keep on reading.
7. Check the game integrity
This ensures that the game isn’t corrupted or includesincomplete files.However, if Steam Overlay is still not working, we have a couple more options you can try.
9. Reinstall the Steam client
Now that we’ve covered all (or a large majority) of possible issues and the last workaround we might suggest is to try and reinstall the Steam client.
This is a hail-mary attempt, but it just might work. However, don’t forget that the corruption of the installation files is a possibility.
In addition, we suggest removing all configuration files and keeping only the installed games, as re-downloading them can take a lot of time.
Once you’ve done that, give Steam another go. If the problem is persistent, there’s only so much you can do.
10. Try an alternative app
The final option is to move to another third-party application that offers similar features.
For the time being,Discordis holding its ground quite well, and many gamers use it to communicate with fellow gamers.
How can I fix the Steam overlay not working in Windows 11?
Here is the good news – if you have read this guide so far, you can fix the Steam overlay not working in Windows 11. This is because Windows 10 and the latest Microsoft OS share a lot.
Except for very minor and rare UI differences, you will find the identical steps on Windows 11.
So we recommend you pick whatever solution seems right for you and try it on your Windows 10 PC.
Does disabling Steam overlay affect FPS?
You can increase your average FPS by disabling Steam Overlay. Several users have recorded a reasonably consistent 299 fps after recording at 230–260 fps.
Even while it could be a bother, if you’re using a subpar PC, it could mean the difference between 40–50 frames per second and 60–70 frames per second.
There are some other alternatives, but in our opinion, Discord is more than worth a try.
Note that these solutions will be helpful if the Steam overlay is not working on Terraria, r6, Smite, Lost Ark, Rocket League, Rust, Apex Legends, and even non Steam game.
With that said, we can conclude this article. If Steam Overlay is not working in Windows 10, follow the above steps carefully, and you’ll get rid of this error in less than a few minutes.
This feature is closely related to the WebHelper service, and we have a whole guide dedicated toSteam Client WebHelper High CPU usage, so don’t miss it.
If you have any additional questions or suggestions, feel free to tell us in the comments below.
More about the topics:Steam Guides
Aleksandar Ognjanovic
Aleksandar’s main passion is technology. With a solid writing background, he is determined to bring the bleeding edge to the common user. With a keen eye, he always spots the next big thing surrounding Microsoft and the Windows OS.
Focused on Windows errors and how to solve them, he also writes about the OS’s latest features as well as its interface.
In his free time, he likes to read, listen to music, and enjoy the nature. Hiking is one of his newly found passions.
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