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Steam_api64.dll missing: How to Fix It

The steam_api64.dll file is part of the Steam client app

5 min. read

Updated onSeptember 30, 2024

updated onSeptember 30, 2024

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Key notes

Steam_api64.dll, a DLL (Dynamic Link Library) file developed by Valve Corporation, is an essential part of theSteam client app, a digital distribution platform for video games and similar content. Specially developed for the 64-bit operating system, steam_api64.dll manages several Steam API-related services.

Why is the steam_api64.dll file missing?

If the Steam client is unable to find the steam_api64.dll in the installation folder, it could be due to the following reasons:

If you encounter the missing steam_api64.dll in Steam, try the methods provided in this guide to resolve the problem.

How can I fix the missing steam_api64.dll error?

Before you proceed to the complex methods listed below, you should perform the following actions:

If themissing DLLis still not found, try the solutions listed below one at a time.

1. Use a dedicated DLL fixer

Instead of restoring the DLL file to troubleshoot the related errors, you can employ a potentDLL-fixing softwarecapable of resolving the system-related issues effortlessly.

Such tools are effective against several third-party DLL problems as they can handle compatibility issues between the operating system and the Steam client.

They can easily restore the missing Steam_api64.dll at a button click regardless of whether it has been modified, deleted, or damaged because of an underlying cause.

2. Update the graphics driver

In addition to the solution, you can opt for other methods to update GPU drivers on your device if the steps below don’t help.

More exactly, it’s recommended to useeffective driver update softwarethat can certainly manage outdated drivers automatically without causing any errors.

3. Temporarily disable real-time protection

The steam_api64.dll file goes missing as Windows Defender restricts the DLL file from running on your PC, considering it to be a virus or malware. To prevent it from happening, you should disable the real-time protection feature before you launch the Steam client to play games.

In case you rely on a third-party antivirus to stay protected against online threats, you can disable it for the time being.

3. Install DirectX

Reboot your PC to apply the changes and launch the Steam client. Hopefully, you will no longer encounter the missing Steam_api64.dll error when launching games like Dying Light and Fallout 4.

DirectX is a popular API by Microsoft that offers graphical support to numerous games and applications. These games also utilize DirectX packages to operate the in-game backend mechanics. If DirectX is not installed on your computer, DLL-related errors will likely occur.

4. Manually install steam_api64.dll

If the methods discussed above cannot resolve the problem, you can download themissing DLL filesfrom some reliable source since there is no official website available to download them.

To avoid downloading viruses and malware masquerading as original files, you can visitdll_files.comto download the steam_api64.dll compatible with your system architecture. After this, extract the contents and then paste them into the installation directory of the Steam client.

After replacing the DLL, restart your PC and launch the game you intend to play.

So that’s pretty much everything you can do to restore the missing steam_api64.dll file to get rid of the issue.

If the DLL files go missing right after installing the Windows update, the solutions mentioned in this guide will prove effective.

Before you leave, don’t miss our latest guide to learn what to do ifawesomium.dll is missing.

Which of the methods listed above helped fix the missing Steam_api64.dll error? Do let us know in the comments below.

Steam_api64.dll missing: How to Fix It#

Why is the steam_api64.dll file missing?#

How can I fix the missing steam_api64.dll error?#

1. Use a dedicated DLL fixer#

2. Update the graphics driver#

3. Temporarily disable real-time protection#

3. Install DirectX#

4. Manually install steam_api64.dll#