Steam Error Code E87: Causes and Easy Fixes Guide

Steam error code E87 is a common login error that prevents users from accessing their Steam accounts. This issue typically arises due to connection issues or verification problems between your device and Steam’s servers. You might encounter this error when trying to sign in or connect to multiplayer game servers.

Common causes of the Steam error code E87 include:

Failed verification of login credentials by Steam servers
Unstable or interrupted internet connections
Firewall settings blocking Steam’s access
Conflicts with other applications such as VPNs or gaming clients

Resolving this error promptly is crucial to maintain a smooth gaming experience. Ignoring it can lead to repeated login failures, interruptions in gameplay, and restricted access to your Steam library. Understanding why this problem occurs and how to fix it will get you back into your games without unnecessary delays.

Table of Contents

Understanding Steam Error Code E87

Steam error code E87 typically appears during login attempts or when connecting to game servers. You might see a message indicating that Steam cannot verify your credentials or establish a stable connection with its servers. This error stems primarily from verification issues and network connectivity problems. When Steam fails to authenticate your login request, it blocks access to the platform until the issue is resolved.

Impact on your experience:

Inability to sign into your Steam account, preventing access to purchased games and community features.
Disruptions in multiplayer sessions or online gameplay due to failed server connections.
Frustration caused by repeated login failures, especially if urgent gaming sessions are planned.

The occurrence of error code E87 is fairly common among Steam users worldwide. Many report encountering it sporadically, especially after changing passwords, switching networks, or during times of heavy server load. Its frequent appearance emphasizes the need for understanding the causes of Steam error code E87 so you can troubleshoot effectively.

Recognizing this error as a login-related problem helps you focus on key areas such as verifying your credentials, checking network stability, and inspecting client settings before moving onto more complex fixes.

Common Reasons for Steam Error Code E87

The factors leading to the E87 error can come from different places, such as temporary server outages or unstable internet connections.

Unstable Internet Connections

Unstable internet connections can disrupt the communication between your device and the Steam servers, resulting in authentication failures.

Firewall Settings

Firewall settings on your system may inadvertently block Steam from establishing a stable connection with its servers, triggering the E87 error.

Conflicting Applications

Conflicting applications running in the background can interfere with Steam’s operations, causing login issues for users.

Network Disruptions

Users often encounter the E87 error when their network experiences intermittent disruptions during the login process.

Examples of Common Scenarios

Here are some common scenarios where users have encountered this error:

Users facing the E87 error after updating their firewall settings without allowing exceptions for Steam.
Gamers experiencing the error during peak hours when internet traffic is high, leading to connectivity issues with Steam servers.
Instances where antivirus software mistakenly flags Steam processes as threats, resulting in blocked connections and login failures.

Troubleshooting Steps for Steam Error Code E87

1. Restarting Router and Steam Client

Restarting both your router and the Steam client is one of the simplest but most effective ways to resolve steam error code e87. These devices handle the connection between your computer and Steam’s servers. Any glitch or temporary network hiccup can cause authentication failures, resulting in this error.

Why restart?

Clears temporary network issues that block communication with Steam servers.
Resets IP addresses assigned by your internet provider, which may help if your current IP is blacklisted or experiencing routing problems.
Refreshes the Steam client’s session and connection status, eliminating cached errors.

Step-by-step guide to restart your router:

Locate the power button on your router or unplug it from the power source.
Wait for about 30 seconds to let all internal components discharge.
Plug the router back in or press the power button to turn it on.
Give it a few minutes to fully reconnect to your internet service provider and reestablish network connectivity.

Step-by-step guide to restart the Steam client:

Exit Steam completely by clicking “Steam” in the top-left corner and selecting “Exit.” Ensure no Steam processes are running in Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc).
Wait 10-15 seconds before reopening the client to clear any lingering cache or temporary files causing connection problems.
Launch Steam again and attempt to log in.

This basic troubleshooting step often resolves many steam error code e87 cases related to intermittent connectivity or server verification issues. If restarting doesn’t fix the problem, further steps focusing on account settings, firewall rules, and system configurations will be necessary to identify more complex causes behind this error code.

2. Resetting Account Password and Logging Out

Sometimes, authentication-related errors like Steam error code E87 can be resolved by simply resetting your account password. This process refreshes your login credentials and may help clear up any issues causing the error.

Why Resetting Your Password Can Help

Authentication errors often occur due to incorrect or outdated login information. By resetting your password, you ensure that you’re using the most current credentials when attempting to access your Steam account. This can be particularly helpful if you’ve recently changed your password or if there are any discrepancies with your existing login information.

Step-by-Step Guide on Troubleshooting Steam Error Code E87

In addition to resetting your password, there are several other troubleshooting steps you can try to resolve this issue:

Restarting devices: Sometimes, simply restarting your computer, router, or modem can help fix connection issues that may be contributing to the error.
Checking network settings: Ensure that your network settings are properly configured and that there are no restrictions preventing Steam from connecting to the internet.
Verifying game files: If the error occurs while launching a specific game, you can try verifying the integrity of the game files through Steam’s built-in feature.
Reinstalling Steam: As a last resort, you may consider uninstalling and reinstalling the Steam client to eliminate any potential software conflicts.

Using Alternative Login Methods

If you’re unable to access your account through traditional means (such as entering your username and password), you can also explore alternative login methods offered by Steam. One such method is using QR codes for authentication.

QR code login allows you to sign in to your Steam account by scanning a unique QR code displayed on the screen using a compatible mobile device. This can be especially useful if you’re having trouble with your primary login credentials or if you want to quickly access your account without typing in sensitive information.

By following these steps and considering alternative solutions, you increase your chances of resolving the Steam error code E87 and getting back to gaming smoothly.

3. Adjusting Firewall Settings

Firewalls are security systems that monitor and control incoming and outgoing network traffic. While they are essential for protecting your computer from unauthorized access, they can sometimes block legitimate applications like Steam from connecting to the internet.

How Firewalls Can Affect Steam

When you encounter Steam error code E87, it could be due to your firewall blocking Steam’s access to its servers. This can prevent the application from functioning correctly and lead to connection issues.

To resolve this, you can adjust your firewall settings to allow Steam through. Here’s how:

Open your firewall settings. This can usually be found in the Control Panel or System Preferences on your computer.
Look for an option that allows you to add exceptions or allow specific applications.
Add Steam as an exception or allowed application.
Save the changes and restart your computer.

Temporarily Disabling VPNs

In addition to adjusting your firewall settings, it’s also worth considering any active VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) on your device. While VPNs are useful for enhancing online privacy, they can sometimes interfere with data transmission and cause connection problems.

During troubleshooting, try temporarily disabling any active VPNs and see if that resolves the issue with Steam error code E87. Here’s how:

Locate the VPN application on your device.
Open the application and look for an option to disconnect or disable the VPN.
Confirm the action and exit the VPN application.
Restart Steam and check if the error persists.

By making these adjustments to your firewall settings and temporarily disabling any active VPNs, you may be able to establish a stable connection with Steam and resolve error code E87.

For more detailed instructions on troubleshooting this issue, refer to our step-by-step guide.

4. Closing Conflicting Programs

When troubleshooting Steam error code E87, one common cause lies in software conflicts. Certain applications or gaming clients running simultaneously with Steam can compete for bandwidth or interfere with its network access. This competition often leads to connection instability or verification failures.

To identify conflicting programs:

Open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc) and review active processes.
Look for other gaming clients like Epic Games Launcher, Origin, or Ubisoft Connect.
Check for bandwidth-heavy applications such as torrent clients, streaming software, or VPNs.
Close these programs completely before launching Steam.

Running Steam with administrative privileges also improves its ability to communicate with system resources and network hardware without restrictions. To run Steam as an administrator:

Right-click the Steam shortcut on your desktop or in the Start menu.
Select Properties > Compatibility tab.
Check the box labeled Run this program as an administrator.
Click Apply, then OK.

This step ensures Steam has the necessary permissions for smooth operation, reducing errors caused by limited access to files or network components.

These methods fit into a step-by-step guide on troubleshooting Steam error code E87 by targeting common sources of interference and optimizing client performance. Restarting devices and fixing connection issues remain critical, but controlling background programs is equally important to maintain a stable gaming experience.

5. Correcting System Date and Time Settings

Incorrect date and time settings on your device can interfere with Steam’s authentication process, causing steam error code e87 to appear during login or when joining multiplayer games. Steam servers rely on accurate system time to verify credentials and secure connections. If your clock is off, even by a few minutes, authentication requests might be rejected, resulting in connection failures.

Follow this step-by-step guide on troubleshooting Steam error code E87 by adjusting your date and time accurately:

Open your operating system’s control panel or settings menu.
Locate the Date & Time section.
Enable automatic date and time setting if available—this syncs your clock with internet time servers.
If automatic syncing isn’t an option, manually set the correct date, time, and time zone.
Restart Steam after making these adjustments to ensure the client registers the updated settings.

Fixing connection issues caused by misconfigured date and time can often resolve login errors without further intervention. This simple check complements other effective troubleshooting steps gathered for handling steam error code e87

6. Clearing Steam’s Download Cache

Over time, the cache files stored by the Steam client can accumulate and sometimes become corrupted. This corruption can lead to various errors, including the dreaded E87 error code. Fortunately, clearing these cache files can often resolve such issues and optimize the performance of your Steam client.

Why Clear Cache Files?

Cache files are temporary data stored by applications to speed up their performance. While this is generally beneficial, there are instances when these files can cause problems:

Corruption: If a cache file becomes corrupted, it can lead to errors in the application.
Accumulation: Over time, cache files can accumulate and take up unnecessary space, potentially affecting performance.

How to Clear Steam’s Download Cache

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to clear Steam’s download cache:

Open the Steam client on your computer.
Click on “Steam” in the top left corner of the window.
Select “Settings” from the dropdown menu.
In the Settings window, click on “Downloads” from the left sidebar.
Click on the “Clear Download Cache” button.
Confirm your action when prompted.

Note: Clearing the download cache will log you out of your Steam account. You will need to log in again after completing this process.

Using Commands to Flush Configuration

In addition to clearing the download cache through the settings menu, you can also use specific commands to flush configuration settings within your library’s properties menu. This can be particularly useful if you’re experiencing persistent issues with certain games or applications.

Here’s how to use these commands:

Open your Steam library.
Right-click on the game or application for which you want to flush configuration settings.
Select “Properties” from the context menu.
In the Properties window, navigate to the “General” tab.
In the Launch Options field, enter steam://flushconfig (without quotes).
Close the Properties window.

The next time you launch the game or application, Steam will flush its configuration settings based on this command.

By following these steps and utilizing specific commands as needed, you can effectively clear cache files and optimize the performance of your Steam client while troubleshooting error code E87 and other related issues.

7. Repairing or Reinstalling Steam Client (if all else fails)

Persistent login problems linked to steam error code e87 may require repairing or reinstalling the Steam client. This step comes after you have tried common fixes like restarting devices and fixing connection issues without success.

Repairing the Steam Client:

Close Steam completely.
Navigate to the Steam installation folder (usually C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam).
Run Steam.exe with the -repair option by creating a shortcut or using Command Prompt:
“C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\Steam.exe” -repair
Wait for the process to complete; it will check and fix corrupted files.

Reinstalling Steam:

Backup your game files if needed.
Uninstall Steam from your system via Control Panel or Settings.
Download the latest Steam installer from the official website.
Run the installer and follow prompts to complete installation.

Using Compatibility Mode:

Older operating systems may cause compatibility issues triggering error E87. To launch Steam in compatibility mode:

Right-click on Steam.exe.
Select Properties > Compatibility tab.
Check Run this program in compatibility mode for: and choose an appropriate previous Windows version.
Apply changes and run Steam as administrator.

This approach can resolve undetected conflicts between your OS and Steam’s client software, improving stability during login attempts. These steps complete a robust list of effective troubleshooting measures to address steam error code e87.

Additional Steps and Recommendations

Checking Official Sources for Server Status Updates

It is crucial to monitor official sources such as Valve’s Twitter account or community forums for real-time updates on Steam server status. These platforms can provide insights into ongoing maintenance or outages that may be causing the recurring E87 error.

Contacting Steam Customer Support

If the troubleshooting steps fail to resolve the E87 error, it is advisable to escalate the issue by contacting Steam customer support. Directly reaching out through the website’s help section can lead to faster issue resolution and potential compensation offers if applicable.

By staying informed about server status changes and seeking assistance from customer support when needed, you can effectively address persistent E87 errors and ensure a seamless gaming experience.

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