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5 Ways to Fix Steam.exe Bad Image Error on Windows 10
Your search is over, as our solutions will correct the bad image error
7 min. read
Updated onMarch 20, 2024
updated onMarch 20, 2024
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Key notes
Bad Imageerror messagescan pop up for Steam and other software. For example, theerror messagemight state something like:
Steam.exe – Bad Image. C:\Windows\App\Patchexample.dll is either not designed to run on Windows or contains an error. Try installing the program again using the original installation media.
As a consequence, userscan’t launch Steam games. Here are some potential resolutions for users who need to fix a Bad Image error forSteam.
What does the Steam.exe bad image error mean?
When you attempt to open an application in Windows, but it does not launch correctly, you will encounter a bad image issue.It is possible that the files or the libraries required to run the application are corrupted, or the process might be halted.
Users reported other similar errors that will be addressed in this article. However, some of the most common errors are the following:
For those who don’t already know, steam.exe is a mandatory program for the most popular games. Keep in mind that games won’t start without.
It is not harmful as long as it’s a legitimate version of Valve. It is what allows the games to update their performance over the internet.
By default, Steam is installed in the folder:C:\Program Files(x86)\Steam
While all the games-related files are stored in the folderC:\Program Files\Steam\steamapps\
Let’s see how you can fix the Steam.exe -Bad Image error without further ado. Follow along!
How can I fix the Steam.exe -Bad Image error?
1. Repair your system with a specialized tool
Most of the time, the Steam.exe Bad Image error can appear due to file corruption. Unfortunately, this is a common issue and you can quickly fix it by performing a scan with aspecialized tool.
2. Roll Windows 10 Back to a Restore Point
Bad Image errors can be due to faultyWindows 10patch updates.
Thus, restoringWindows 10to an earlier date that predates recent patch updates might resolve the Steam.exe – Bad Image error for some users.
Doing so might delete a recent update responsible for the Steam.exe -Bad Image error. Users can restoreWindows 10earlier with the System Restore utility as follows.
3. Run a System File Checker Scan
All Bad Imageerror messagesinclude path references to DLL files. Therefore, Bad Image errors can be due to corrupted DLL system files.
A System File Checker scan can fix corrupted system files to resolve the Bad Image error. So, users should give an SFC scan a shot as follows.
4. Verify Steam Game File Integrity
Some users have said on forums that the Bad Image error arises for specificSteamgames instead of the client software.
Thus, users can launch the client software, but not theSteamgames, for which theerror messagepops up.
Users have confirmed that verifyingSteamgame file integrity can fix today’s issue forSteamgames.
5. Reinstall Steam
Steam Bad Imageerror messagessuggest that users try reinstalling the software. Doing so could replace corruptedSteamfiles.
Thus, that’s another possible resolution for the League of LegendsBad Imageerror in Steam.
Is Bad Image error a virus?
Usually, that’s not the case, and Bad Image errors actually signals a problem with an application’s inability to launch properly.
However, there’s a malware that goes by an identical name, i.e., Bad Image Virus, which keeps throwing the same error message. This is to target the user in purchasing a fake antivirus or stealing their personal information.
A quick fix here would be to run a full malware scan on the PC since that would help identify and eliminate the virus.
How can I fix the Steam.exe bad image on Windows 11?
With Windows Security’s virus and threat protection, you may examine your device for security risks. In addition, it allows you to view the outcomes of past virus and threat scans you’ve conducted and obtain the most recent version of the security that Microsoft Defender Antivirus offers.
Is Steam setup exe safe?
If you’re wondering if the Steam setup executable file is safe, keep in mind that Steam is entirely trustworthy from our perspective.
Steam is safe to download, so long as you download it from the official manufacturers’ page.
A .exe file is an executable program file that most applications you will get on your computer run. If you ever end up installing an unknown .exe file, then that is cause to worry.
Those resolutions will surely fix the Bad Image error for someSteamusers. Note that some of the above steps might solve the same issue for alternative software.Alternatively, take a look at our post on how tofix Bad Image file is not designed to run on Windows errors.
In case of facing any additional questions, do not hesitate to leave a comment in the dedicated section below.
Matthew Adams
Windows Hardware Expert
Matthew is a freelancer who has produced a variety of articles on various topics related to technology. His main focus is the Windows OS and all the things surrounding it.
He is passionate about the tech world, always staying up-to-date with the latest and greatest. With an analytical view, he likes problem-solving, focusing on errors and their causes.
In his free time, he likes to read and write about history and tries to always develop new skills.
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Matthew Adams
Windows Hardware Expert
He is passionate about everything surrounding Microsoft’s OS, focusing on troubleshooting guides & tips for everyday problems.
