Steam Missing File Privileges Windows 10 Error: Learn How to Deal with Game Files on Windows

Steam is a popular gaming application that can produce the issue of missing file privileges from time to time. So, when this error occurs, it can create problems during downloading, installing or updating game apps from the website. For those who have created their Steam accounts on Windows 10, getting this error can be quite annoying. This is because they won’t be able to access the profile on another machine and play the games there. In case, you are also experiencing the Steam missing file privileges Windows 10 problem, then you need to go through this article. Here, you will get to learn the causes of getting this error while accessing your Steam account. Also, if you want a few troubleshooting methods to resolve this error and repair the missing files, check this article.

Why are you Getting Steam Missing File Privileges Windows 10 Problem?

The issue of Steam missing file privileges Windows 10 can be a serious problem for many game lovers. Especially, when there is no specific reason behind getting this error. This problem can occur due to the software configuration and hardware specification for most of the users. Hence, if your device is not having the proper setup to launch the games and apps from Steam, it can cause this issue.

• In case, your system has corrupted files essential for accessing files on Steam, this error can occur. This also includes system files on Windows 10 and components from Steam installation.
• If you are using Windows 10, running the software component igfxEm.exe can trigger missing file privileges Steam problem. This is an executable file of Intel Graphics Executable Main Module, which doesn’t cause any trouble to your PC. But, if this program is not coming from a reliable source, it can be a malware causing missing file privileges error.
• While downloading certain games and apps in Steam from specific regions, it can block the user’s access and give this issue. This error may not show up if they have changed their download regions.
• If you have not granted the administrative privileges to Steam due to some reasons then it can also generate this error.

Take a Look Below to Know the Solutions to Troubleshoot the Issue of Missing File Privileges Steam:

The error of Steam missing file privileges Windows 10 can disrupt your gaming and downloading experience if you don’t fix it. Fortunately, there are a few troubleshooting methods that can resolve this file privilege issue in Steam. So, let’s take a look at some of the technical fixes in the following points.

Method 1- Use Task Manager to End Process for igfxEm

On Microsoft devices, the Intel Common User Interface can end up installing its component igfxEm.exe. This can also happen during loading the graphics card drivers and Windows on some machines. Often, these .exe files can remain hidden in your PC, even if it’s accessible using the path link C:\\Windows\System32\igdxEm.exe. However, many Windows experts have noticed that a few malicious programs can disguise into igfxEm. Hence, if you notice the problem of missing file privileges Steam and igfxEm.exe’s usual location has changed, then it can be a malware. In order to troubleshoot this error, you can stop the igfxEm process in Windows 10. So, let’s check the steps in details.

Steps to End Intel Graphics Executable Main Module Process

To apply this fix, hit the Windows and R buttons simultaneously to open the Run dialog box. Then, enter ‘taskmgr’ in the text field and click on the ‘OK’ button. On Windows 10, you can directly access the feature of ‘Task Manager’ by typing it in the search box.

After opening the Task Manager window, hit the ‘Processes’ tab and go through the list of items. You will have to locate the executable file ‘igdxEm.exe’ and select it.

Then, right-click on it and choose the ‘End Process’ option or simply click on the ‘End Process’ button at the bottom-right corner of the window.

Hopefully, now your system won’t display the error notification on Steam missing file privileges Windows 10.

Method 2- Modify your Download Region on Steam

In case, you find that Steam keeps showing the missing file privileges error, you may have to change your download region. Since, the content management system in Steam comprises of settings for various regions, selecting a different region may resolve this error. Under normal situation, Steam’s server take help from the user’s network settings to identify the correct region. But, there can be exceptions when the server can have some technical issues in specific regions. So, if the client still sets your problematic region as the default download region, it can lead to Steam error.

Now, to troubleshoot this problem, access the Steam client on your computer by visiting its official homepage. Then, hit the ‘Settings’ tab and go to the ‘Downloads’ section. After that, click on the ‘Download Region’ option and choose some other region as your default choice. Finally, relaunch Steam to check whether its generating Steam missing file privileges Windows 10 problem.

Method 3- Repair Files in your Steam Library Folder

This solution is perfect for those users who are getting this error due to misconfigured or corrupted files in their Steam library. So, if you want to fix the issue, reboot your Windows 10 based PC and run the Steam application in it.

Then, open the ‘Settings’ tab on Steam’s user interface and go to the ‘Downloads’ section. Next, select the ‘Steam Library Folders’ button under the heading of ‘Content Libraries’.  

Now, select the folder of Windows Program Files and right-click on it, as it appears on hitting the ‘Steam Library Folders’ tab. Then, choose the ‘Repair Library Folder’ option to allow Windows to fix Steam’s missing file privileges.

Once, you repair the corrupted library files in the Steam directory, update the application by using a reliable internet connection. Finally, launch any apps or games by using the Steam client and see if the file privileges are still missing.

Method 4- Allow Steam to Verify the Integrity of your Game Cache

The steps discussed in this solution is an effective way to validate your game cache’s integrity using Steam. Hence, an issue with the missing file privilege can be resolved by applying this method. So, to verify whether the game files on Steam are corrupted, you can open the ‘LIBRARY’ tab on its official website.

If you are aware of the specific gaming application that is giving this error, right-click on it. Then, select the ‘Properties’ option, click on ‘Local Files’ and hit the tab for ‘Verify Integrity of Game Cache’.

Now, give some considerable amount of time to Steam for verifying the game files. The final result can suggest that one or more gaming files couldn’t be verified by Steam. So, if the list consists of a few game apps, it is safe for you to ignore the notification. However, if Steam is unable to verify a majority of game files in your game cache, it may require solutions from technicians.

Method 5- Make Sure Steam has Administrator Privileges

If full permission is not given to Steam for running the apps, it can produce this error of missing file privileges. Hence, to resolve this problem, you can give admin access to Steam by applying the following steps.

First, hit the Windows logo along with the R key on your keyboard and wait for the Run dialog box to appear on your screen. Then, write ‘%ProgramFiles(x86)%’ in the text field and hit the ‘Enter’ key.

As the Program Files (x86) window appears on your display, navigate to the ‘Steam’ folder. Then, right-click on it and select the option of ‘Properties’.

On the ‘Steam Properties’ window, hit the ‘Security’ tab and click on the ‘Advanced’ button at the bottom-right corner. Here, you can view the list of folders which you can include in the permission list for Stem’s access.

So, after opening the ‘Advanced Security Settings for Steam’ window, click on the ‘Permissions’ tab. Then, you have to ensure that the first two options in the permission entries have been granted full control. This will help the Steam clients to access them as per the requirement to resolve the missing file privilege error.

Method 6- Full Control Access to Steam to Examine Affected Files

If you try to download, install or run any game app when there are corrupted files in Stem directory, it can cause this error. Hence, to fix this issue, you have to locate these specific files and grant Steam full access. However, you have to be sure about the affected files in order to apply this solution. Otherwise, you can consult a Steam technician to know the list of corrupted files due to which missing file privilege is occurring.

To try this method, open the Run dialog box and browse to the specific location that contains the problematic files. There is another way by opening the Steam client directory and find the defective gaming files from the library.

As you select the files and click on its properties, you will be able to view its path. Now, you can apply the steps discussed in the above method to grant full admin rights to Steam to access and fix these affected files.

Method 7- Remove Gaming Files During Safe Mode Operation

Somehow, if none of the above fixes work and still you are experiencing Steam missing file privileges Windows 10 error, you can try this solution. Here, you will have to first switch to Safe Mode and then, disable or remove programs and processes that can interrupt with Steam applications. But, before applying this method, you need to apply the method 6 to detect the affected files in order to delete them.

Hence, first, boot your Windows 10 in Safe Mode by selecting the ‘Enable Safe Mode with Networking’ option. Then, browse to the file location that has the corrupted game files.

Make sure to select all the defective contents and delete them altogether or one-by-one. After this, restart your computer and launch Steam using administrative privileges. Hopefully, now it won’t display the missing file privilege error.

In case, you are still unable to troubleshoot Steam missing file privileges Windows 10 problem, you can contact the professionals. The experts can offer you step-wise solutions to fix missing file privilege error.