Steam Error Code 2 / E2 (Servers are too busy) – Causes & Fixes

Steam couldn’t handle your request right now. Most of the time it’s a server-side hiccup or heavy traffic. It can also be triggered by permissions, Family Sharing, download region, network issues, antivirus/firewall blocks, or corrupted files.

Quick things to try first

1. Check Steam’s status. If Steam is having an outage, wait it out.
2. Restart everything. Close Steam completely → reboot your PC → open Steam again.
3. Run Steam as admin. Right-click Steam → Properties → Compatibility → tick Run this program as an administrator → Apply → OK → launch.

Step-by-step fixes

1) Check Steam server status

If servers are down or unstable, you’ll often see Error Code 2/E2. Verify status using any reliable status page or Steam’s official channels. If there’s an outage, nothing on your PC will fix it—just try again later.

2) Disable Steam Family Sharing (if enabled)

Family Sharing can block certain actions like Workshop uploads and trigger this error.

• Steam → Settings → Family
• Untick Authorize Library Sharing on this Computer (or remove the specific user).
• Restart Steam and retry.

3) Verify the game’s files

Corrupted or missing files can break launches and updates.

• Library → right-click the game → Properties → Installed Files
• Click Verify integrity of game files and wait for the scan to finish.
• Launch the game again.

4) Change your download region

Your default region’s servers may be overloaded.

• Steam → Settings → Downloads
• Download Region → pick a nearby alternative
• Restart Steam and test.

5) Fix permissions on the Steam “common” folder

If Windows permissions block Steam, uploads/launches can fail.

• Open File Explorer and go to:
  C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common
• Right-click common → Properties → Security
• In Group or user names, make sure Users exists.
  • If not: Edit → Add → type Users → Check Names → OK
• Apply the changes and reboot the PC.

6) Rule out network issues

• Windows 11: Start → search Troubleshoot → Other troubleshooters → run Network & Internet.
• Windows 10: Settings → Network & Internet → Network troubleshooter.
• If you use a VPN or custom DNS, try turning it off temporarily.
• Test a wired connection or a different network if possible.

7) Check antivirus / firewall interference

Security suites can block Steam’s connections (commonly real-time scanning or firewall rules).

• Temporarily disable real-time protection and test.
• If you use a 3rd-party firewall, create allows/exclusions for steam.exe and your game, or uninstall the suite to test (Windows Defender will auto-enable).
• Re-enable protection afterward.

8) Install pending Windows updates

System components Steam relies on might be outdated.

• Windows Update: Settings → Windows Update → Check for updates
• Install everything (including optional cumulative/security updates), reboot, then test Steam.

9) Reinstall Steam (last resort)

Use this if nothing else works or Steam files look corrupted.

1. Back up your games (optional but recommended):
   • Copy steamapps somewhere safe (especially the common folder).
2. Uninstall Steam: Control Panel → Programs and Features → Steam → Uninstall.
3. Reboot, download the latest Steam installer from the official site, and install.
4. Restore steamapps (if you backed it up) or redownload the games.
5. Launch Steam and test.

Extra notes

• Error Code 2/E2 is often temporary when it’s truly “servers too busy.” If status pages show a spike, wait a bit and try again.
• If the error only appears for one game, focus on Verify files, permissions, and antivirus/firewall for that title.
• If it appears when uploading Workshop items, Family Sharing and permissions are the usual culprits.

Short checklist

• Confirm Steam server status
• Restart PC and run Steam as admin
• Disable Family Sharing
• Verify game files
• Change Download Region
• Run network troubleshooter / test another network
• Temporarily disable AV / adjust firewall rules
• Install Windows updates
• Reinstall Steam (backup steamapps first)

That’s it. Follow the list in order—most people get it fixed by verifying files, changing the download region, or turning off Family Sharing.