{"id":28470,"date":"2023-09-26T19:45:42","date_gmt":"2023-09-26T19:45:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pcbuildcomparison.com\/?p=28470"},"modified":"2023-09-26T19:45:44","modified_gmt":"2023-09-26T19:45:44","slug":"how-to-fix-steam-files-failed-to-validate-and-will-be-reacquired-error","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/pcbuildcomparison.com\/how-to-fix-steam-files-failed-to-validate-and-will-be-reacquired-error\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Fix Steam Files Failed to Validate and Will Be Reacquired Error"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The “Files Failed to Validate and Will Be Reacquired” error is a common issue that many Steam users encounter. This error occurs when certain game files have become corrupted or modified, and Steam is unable to verify the integrity of those files. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When this happens, Steam will automatically re-download the affected files to restore the game to its proper state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While this error is usually easily fixed, it can be frustrating to deal with, especially if you have a slow internet connection. Thankfully, there are a few simple methods you can try to resolve this issue on your own without having to re-download large chunks of game data. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this guide, we will walk through the most common solutions to fix the “Files Failed to Validate and Will Be Reacquired” error in Steam.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to Fix Steam Files Failed to Validate and Will Be Reacquired Error<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Force Verify Integrity of Game Files<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The first thing you should try is forcing Steam<\/a> to verify the integrity of the game files. This makes Steam check all the installed files against the originals to see if anything is corrupted, modified, or missing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To do this:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. Open your Steam client and go to your Library.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Right-click on the affected game and select Properties.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Go to the Local Files tab and click the “Verify Integrity of Game Files” button.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. Steam will now scan the files and download any missing or corrupt data.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    This simple process usually fixes the “Files Failed to Validate” error, as it forces Steam to check and re-download problematic files as needed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Clear Download Cache<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    If verifying the game files does not work, the next step is to clear your Steam download cache. The download cache contains compressed install files that Steam uses to save bandwidth. Sometimes this cache can become damaged or corrupted, leading to errors like “Files Failed to Validate.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    To clear the download cache:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    1. Exit Steam completely by right-clicking on the Steam icon in your system tray and selecting Exit.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    2. Open Windows Explorer and navigate to the \\Steam\\ folder (usually located at C:\\Program Files (x86)\\Steam).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    3. Delete all the files in the \\Steam\\downloadcache\\ folder.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    4. Restart your Steam client.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

      Steam will now re-download any cached install files, replacing any that may be corrupted and triggering a re-validation of your game files.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Run Steam as Administrator<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

      Some users have reported that running the Steam client as an Administrator resolves the “Files Failed to Validate” error for them. This ensures Steam has the highest access privileges to modify files as needed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      To run Steam as an Administrator:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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      1. Close Steam completely if it is open.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      2. Locate the Steam executable file (usually Steam.exe).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      3. Right-click Steam.exe and select Run as Administrator.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      4. When Steam launches, try verifying the game files again.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

        Running Steam with Admin rights allows it to freely correct any file issues without permission errors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Reinstall Affected Games<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

        If all else fails, you may need to reinstall the affected games completely. This will force a fresh install of all the game files, resolving any corrupted or missing data issues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        To reinstall a game:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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        1. Open your Steam Library and right-click the affected game.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        2. Select Uninstall.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        3. Once uninstalled, right-click on the game again and choose Install.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

          Steam will freshly install the entire game, downloading all files again in pristine condition. You may need to reconfigure your game settings afterward, but this should fully fix any “Files Failed to Validate” errors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Games You May Face This Error<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

          The “Files Failed to Validate and Will Be Reacquired” error can potentially occur with any Steam game. However, some common games where users frequently report this issue include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n