Fix Steam Access Denied Error on Windows 11/10 (2023 Updated)

Here's how to Fix Steam Access Denied Error on Windows 11/10.
i. Here are some steps you can take to fix the Steam Access Denied Error on Windows:

1. *Restart Steam.* This may seem like a simple fix, but it can often solve the problem. To restart Steam, close it completely and then reopen it.
2. *Check your internet connection.* Make sure that you are connected to the internet and that your internet connection is working properly. You can check your internet connection by opening a web browser and trying to visit a website.
3. *Restart your computer.* Restarting your computer can sometimes fix problems with Steam. To restart your computer, hold down the `Windows`+`R` keys and then type "shutdown /r" and press Enter.
4. *Verify the integrity of your game files.* To verify the integrity of your game files, open Steam and go to the Library tab. Right-click on the game that you are having problems with and select Properties. In the Properties dialog box, go to the Local Files tab and click on the Verify Integrity of Game Files button.
5. *Check your firewall settings.* Make sure that your firewall is not blocking Steam. To check your firewall settings, open your firewall and add Steam to the list of allowed programs.
6. *Try a different network.* If you are using a public network, try connecting to a different network. For example, if you are using a school or work network, try connecting to your home network.
7. *Contact Steam support.* If you have tried all of the above steps and you are still having problems, you can contact Steam support for assistance.

ii. Here are the required ports to play Steam games on Windows:

*TCP:* 27015-27030
*UDP:* 27015-27030, 3478, 4379-4380

These ports need to be open on your router or firewall in order for you to be able to connect to Steam and play games.

If you are having trouble connecting to Steam, you can try the following:

1. Make sure that you have the latest version of Steam installed.
2. Restart your computer and router.
3. Check your firewall settings to make sure that Steam is not being blocked.
4. Try connecting to a different network.
5. Contact Steam support for assistance.

iii. There are a few things you can do to optimize your internet for Steam gaming.

1. *Use a wired connection.* A wired connection is always going to be more reliable and faster than a wireless connection. If you can, connect your computer directly to your router with an Ethernet cable.
2. *Close other applications.* When you're gaming, close any other applications that you're not using. This will free up bandwidth and resources for Steam.
3. *Change your download region.* Steam allows you to choose your download region. If you're not getting the best speeds, try changing your download region to a server that's closer to you.
4. *Use a VPN.* A VPN can help to improve your internet speed and security. If you're having problems with your internet connection, try using a VPN.
5. *Contact your ISP.* If you've tried all of the above and you're still having problems, contact your ISP. They may be able to help you troubleshoot the issue.

Here are some additional tips that can help you improve your Steam gaming experience:

*Keep your drivers up to date.* Outdated drivers can cause a variety of problems, including performance issues and crashes. Make sure that you have the latest drivers for your graphics card, network adapter, and other hardware.
*Defragment your hard drive.* A fragmented hard drive can slow down your computer and make it take longer to load games. Defragment your hard drive regularly to improve performance.
*Keep your computer clean.* A cluttered computer can slow down your system and make it more susceptible to viruses and malware. Keep your computer clean by regularly deleting unnecessary files and running a virus scan.
*Get a gaming router.* A gaming router is designed to improve the performance of online games. If you're serious about gaming, consider investing in a gaming router.
*Upgrade your hardware.* If you're still having problems with your gaming performance, you may need to upgrade your hardware. A new graphics card, processor, or more RAM can make a big difference in your gaming experience.