How to Troubleshoot Steam Won’t Launch on Mac?

Share This:

If you’re a Mac user and are experiencing issues with launching Steam, don’t worry, you’re not alone. Many users encounter this problem, but fortunately, there are several troubleshooting steps you can take to resolve the issue.

1. Update macOS:
One of the first things you should do is ensure that your macOS is up to date. Apple frequently releases updates that include bug fixes and improvements, which can help resolve compatibility issues with Steam. To update your macOS, go to the Apple menu, click on “System Preferences,” and then choose “Software Update.”

2. Verify Integrity of Game Files:
If Steam is not launching properly, it’s possible that there may be corrupted game files causing the issue. To check the integrity of your game files, open Steam and go to the “Library” tab. Right-click on the game that won’t launch, select “Properties,” and then choose the “Local Files” tab. Click on “Verify Integrity of Game Files,” and Steam will check for any corrupted files and repair them if necessary.

3. Disable Non-Essential Mac Applications:
Sometimes, certain applications or processes running in the background can interfere with Steam’s functionality. To troubleshoot this, try disabling any non-essential applications that might be running simultaneously with Steam. Close unnecessary applications from the Dock or use the “Force Quit” option by pressing Command + Option + Esc.

4. Check the Game’s System Requirements:
Ensure that your Mac meets the minimum system requirements for the game you’re trying to launch. If your Mac doesn’t meet these requirements, it may cause compatibility issues and prevent Steam from launching. You can find the system requirements on the game’s Steam store page or the developer’s website.

5. Close Steam Properly:
Sometimes, Steam may not close properly, which can prevent it from launching again. To fix this, open your Task Manager by pressing Command + Option + Esc, and look for Steam under the “Processes” tab. If you find it, right-click on it and select “End Task.” Now try opening Steam again, and it should launch without any issues.

How to Troubleshoot Steam Won't Launch on Mac? 1

How to Install Steam on Mac?

If you don’t have Steam installed on your Mac, here’s a quick guide to get you started:

1. Launch a browser on your Mac and navigate to store.steampowered.com.
2. Once on the website, click the blue “Install Steam” button. You should see an Apple logo on this button, indicating that it’s compatible with macOS.
3. Check your downloads folder or click the download icon in your browser (in Safari, it’s located at the top right corner) to locate the Steam installation file.
4. Open the downloaded file and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation process.
5. Once installed, launch Steam and sign in with your Steam account or create a new one if you don’t have one already.
6. You can now browse the Steam store, purchase games, and start enjoying your favorite titles on your Mac.

It’s important to note that starting from September 1, 2023, the Steam Client will no longer run on older versions of macOS. To continue playing games through Steam on your Mac, you’ll need to update to macOS 10.13 High Sierra or a newer version.

If you’re facing issues with Steam not launching on your Mac, try updating macOS, verifying the integrity of game files, disabling non-essential applications, checking system requirements, and ensuring that Steam is closed properly. These troubleshooting steps should help you resolve the issue and get back to enjoying your favorite games on your Mac.

How Do You Fix a Steam Game That Won’t Launch On Mac?

To fix a Steam game that won’t launch on Mac, you can follow these steps:

1. Update macOS: Ensure that your operating system is up to date. Steam games may require specific system updates to run properly. Go to the Apple menu, click on “System Preferences,” and select “Software Update” to check for any available updates.

2. Verify integrity of game files: Sometimes, game files can become corrupted or incomplete, causing the game to fail to launch. Open Steam and go to your game library. Right-click on the game that is not launching, select “Properties,” go to the “Local Files” tab, and click on “Verify Integrity of Game Files.” This will check the game’s files and replace any corrupted or missing files.

3. Disable non-essential Mac applications: Other applications running in the background can sometimes interfere with Steam games. Close any unnecessary applications before launching the game. You can also try restarting your Mac to clear any background processes that might be causing conflicts.

4. Check the game’s system requirements: Ensure that your Mac meets the minimum system requirements for the game. You can usually find the system requirements on the game’s store page on Steam. Pay attention to factors such as the required operating system version, processor speed, RAM, and available disk space. If your Mac does not meet the requirements, the game may not run properly or at all.

5. Update graphics drivers: Outdated or incompatible graphics drivers can cause issues with running Steam games. Check if there are any available updates for your graphics card drivers. Visit the manufacturer’s website or use the Software Update feature on your Mac to install the latest drivers.

6. Reinstall the game: If none of the above steps resolve the issue, you can try uninstalling and reinstalling the problematic game. In Steam, go to your game library, right-click on the game, select “Delete Local Content,” and confirm the uninstallation. Then, download and install the game again from your Steam library.

If the problem persists after trying these steps, you may need to contact Steam support or the game’s developer for further assistance. They can provide more specific troubleshooting steps or investigate any potential issues with the game on Mac.

How Do You Get Steam to Work On Your Mac?

To get Steam up and running on your Mac, follow these step-by-step instructions:

1. Open your preferred web browser on your Mac and go to the website, store.steampowered.com.

2. Once you’re on the Steam website, you’ll see a blue button that says “Install Steam.” Look closely at the button, and you should see the Apple logo on it. Click on this button to start the download process.

3. After clicking the button, your browser will begin downloading the Steam installer file. You can monitor the progress of the download by checking your browser’s download folder or by looking for the download icon in the top-right corner of your browser window. In Safari, for example, the download icon looks like an arrow pointing downwards.

4. Once the download is complete, locate the installer file. It should be in your downloads folder or wherever you usually save downloaded files on your Mac.

5. Double-click on the installer file to begin the installation process. Follow any on-screen instructions that may appear, such as agreeing to the terms and conditions or providing your administrative password.

6. The installation process may take a few minutes, depending on the speed of your Mac and your internet connection. Once the installation is complete, you should see the Steam application icon on your desktop or in your Applications folder.

7. Double-click on the Steam icon to launch the application. This will open the Steam client, where you can sign in or create a new account if you don’t have one already.

8. If you’re signing in to an existing account, enter your login credentials and click the “Sign In” button. If you’re creating a new account, click on the “Create a new account” button and follow the prompts to set up your account.

9. Once you’re signed in, you can start exploring the vast library of games available on Steam. You can browse the store, purchase games, and download them to your Mac.

That’s it! You’ve successfully installed Steam on your Mac and are ready to start gaming. Enjoy your gaming experience on the platform!

Does Steam No Longer Support Mac?

As of September 1, 2023, the Steam Client will no longer be compatible with Mac operating systems prior to macOS 10.13 High Sierra. This means that if you are using an older version of macOS, you will need to update to macOS 10.13 or higher in order to continue playing games through Steam on your Mac.

Here are some key points to note:

1. Compatibility: The decision to discontinue support for older macOS versions is a result of technological advancements and the need to ensure optimal performance and security for Steam users.

2. Update Requirement: To continue enjoying games on Steam, you will need to update your Mac to macOS 10.13 High Sierra or a newer version. This update can be obtained through the Mac App Store or the official Apple website.

3. System Requirements: It is important to check the system requirements for macOS 10.13 or higher before updating your Mac. Ensure that your hardware meets the minimum specifications to avoid any potential compatibility issues.

4. Steam Alternatives: If your Mac cannot be updated to macOS 10.13 or higher, you may need to consider alternative gaming platforms that are compatible with your current operating system. It is recommended to explore other gaming platforms and consult with the respective developers for compatibility details.

5. Benefits of Updating: Updating to the latest macOS version not only allows you to continue using Steam, but it also brings various improvements and features to your Mac, such as enhanced security, bug fixes, and performance optimizations. It is advisable to keep your operating system up to date for overall system stability and compatibility with other applications.

Steam will no longer support Mac operating systems prior to macOS 10.13 High Sierra starting from September 1, 2023. To continue playing games through Steam, you will need to update your Mac to macOS 10.13 or a newer version. Keep in mind the system requirements and consider other gaming platforms if your Mac cannot be updated.

Conclusion

Mac users may encounter various issues when using Steam or other games on their devices. However, there are several steps that can be taken to resolve these issues and ensure a smooth gaming experience.

Firstly, it is important to keep the macOS updated to the latest version. Regular updates often include bug fixes and performance improvements that can enhance the compatibility of games with the system.

Secondly, verifying the integrity of game files is crucial. This can be done through the Steam client by right-clicking on the game, selecting Properties, and navigating to the Local Files tab. From there, clicking on “Verify Integrity of Game Files” will ensure that any corrupted or missing files are repaired or replaced.

Another important step is to disable non-essential Mac applications while running games. These applications can consume system resources and interfere with game performance. Closing unnecessary applications can free up resources and improve the overall gaming experience.

Additionally, checking the game’s system requirements is essential. Mac users should ensure that their device meets the minimum requirements specified by the game developers. Insufficient hardware or outdated software can lead to performance issues or game crashes.

In case Steam doesn’t open due to a previous instance still running, it is recommended to open the Task Manager and manually end the Steam process. This will allow Steam to start fresh and resolve any issues related to it not opening properly.

By following these steps, Mac users can troubleshoot and resolve common issues encountered while gaming on their devices. It is important to stay proactive and keep the system updated to ensure a seamless gaming experience.

Share This:
Photo of author

Sanjeev Singh

Sanjeev is the tech editor at DeviceMAG. He has a keen interest in all things technology, and loves to write about the latest developments in the industry. He has a passion for quality-focused journalism and believes in using technology to make people's lives better. He has worked in the tech industry for over 15 years, and has written for some of the biggest tech blogs in the world. Sanjeev is also an avid photographer and loves spending time with his family.